Keratosis are diseases that affect that skin. It is a growth of keratin on the skin of the person who is suffering from the condition. Keratosis is further sub divided into four categories which include actinic keratosis which is also referred to as solar keratosis, hydrocarbon keratosis, keratosis pilaris also known as follicular keratosis and seborrheic keratosis. All these conditions are classified differently because they affect the skin in different ways. We will be looking at each condition briefly and how it affects the skin so that you can understand each condition and how it occurs.

Actinic keratosis: This type of keratosis is also known as solar keratosis and is characterized by crusty patches which are thick and scaly on the skin. People with fair skin are more prone to this type of keratosis and most cases reported are those of people who have very soft and fair skin. The condition is known as solar keratosis because it affects people who normally expose themselves to sunlight. It is a type of cancer and is represented by lesions on the skin. These lesions progress to cancerous cells if not treated immediately. If the lesions are left untreated, the chances of them becoming cancerous are very high.

Hydrocarbon keratosis: This type is also known as pitch keratosis and is characterized by skin lesions which are also precancerous. If left untreated, the lesions have the potential of turning cancerous. The people most prone to this type of keratosis are those whose occupation involves exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. This form of keratosis is not very common although there have been reported cases of people who have the condition.

Seborrheic keratosis: This type is commonly referred to as senile wart. It is characterized by benign noncancerous growths on the skin. This type of keratosis is seen on people as they become older and is rarely found on young guys. The growth cells appear in different colors ranging from a blackish color to a light tan. They are mostly round or oval in shape and can grow to 2.5 cm in size.

Keratosis pilaris: This type is generally manifested by rough bumps appearing on the skin. The bumps normally appear on the back or the side of the arms. The chest and thighs have also been known for harboring these bumps. Understanding this condition will help you to control it and seek the relevant information required.

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