Seborrheic Keratosis is a condition which causes skin growth on the top layer of the skin. This growth is not cancerous and not contagious, despite how it looks. Many forms of Keratosis exist and they all affect different parts of the body, including that of the scalp.
A major cause of this condition is over exposure to the sun but many people believe otherwise. When the scalp is exposed to the sun for a long time, UV rays will break down the collagen and the elastin in the cells causing the skin to be rougher. Some believe that even miniscule exposure to sunlight can cause may cause this skin keratosis to appear. This theory has not been proven, for in order for growths of various shapes to occur the head must be exposed to ultraviolent rays for a prolonged period of time.
Seborrheic Keratosis has a major symptom, skin growth. Keratosis first appears as a single growth but multiplies into clusters overtime .The texture of the infected area has been compared to that of sandpaper. It may appear in three colors, white, brown and black. Overtime the growths turn into crusts which may cause an itching sensation. Irritation may occur by even the slightest contact with the infected area and may even draw blood. It is recommended by health care professionals that Keratosis be treated in its early stage, since the number of lesions is proportional to time. The lesions usually appear at an age in the early thirties and when your skin starts to show it age the lesions (tumors) appear in a pattern.
There are many treatments for Seborrheic Keratosis of the scalp. The most prominent treatment is applying a cold temperature to the lesion (this process may be done by freezing or cryotherapy).The treatment includes the spraying of nitrogen in liquid form on the affected area. Within a couple hours an elevation of skin in a round shape (blister) is formed with a scab bearing crust-like appearance which will late expose the Seborrheic Keratosis. In a period of two days or more the skin growth simply falls off, only leaving behind a small or light scar which fades over time. If however, your lesions suddenly turn black, you should consult your dermatologist who, will advice you. The change in color usually indicates that it could be malignant.
Overall, avoiding tanning booths and wearing sunscreen outdoors will no doubt improve your chances of preventing this condition.
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