Keratosis is a skin condition caused by excessive keratin on skin. Keratin composes the hair and nails of humans. When it is produced out of proportion, some skin problems like keratosis could occur. There are many types of keratoses, each varying in nature and causes.
Actinic Keratosis
Solar keratosis or senile keratosis is actinic keratosis scientifically. This skin condition often occurs to elder people, and to people who get too much sun exposure, thus the names senile or solar keratosis. Squamous cell carcinoma can be developed from lesions brought about by actinic keratosis. Actinic keratosis are wart like bumps which is rough, scaly but non viral. One must be concerned if he or she has this, for it can progress into a skin cancer later.
Actinic Keratosis Treatments
There are many treatments for skin that have actinic keratosis. Non surgical or surgical procedures can be chosen. Surgical treatments include cryotherapy (use of liquid nitrogen in freezing off), electrocautery (uses electricity in burning off) and laser (Er-YAG lasers). It depends on your case if these treatments suit you. If you fear surgeries, there are creams which can aid remove actinic keratosis.
Aldara and Beselna are known imiquimod creams. It alters the immune response of a person. You need a doctor’s prescription to obtain this. The skin could look unsightly during treatments and major discomforts could be experienced. But the result after the treatment is satisfying.
5-flourouracil is an anti cancer drug, and Efudex is a trade name for it. It is usually an agent for chemotherapy. All the patient has to do is put on the cream with his or her fingers. Side effects include inflammation, itchiness, and pain on the area where the cream is applied. In odd chances, discoloration of the skin and scars can occur. The good thing is that it only occurs on the track of the treatment. Before using Efudex, one must disclose to his or her doctor the drugs you are taking. Pregnant and lactating women are not advised to take Efudex. While using Efudex, you must evade sun exposure or use sunscreens.
Ask your doctor first before getting a treatment to be safe.
Seborrheic Keratosis
Seborrheic keratosis resembles actinic keratosis, but in this case, it could be waxy or greasy. It is a noncancerous benign skin growth, so it poses no other potential dangers. Keratinocytes on the upper layer of the epidermis are accountable for this. The appearance of seborrheic keratosis donates to its name “barnacles of old age. The true origin of this is still a mystery.
Seborrheic Keratosis Treatments
Treatments for seborrheic keratosis consist of cryosurgery and electrocautery. Electodessication and curettage is used for cases that are big enough.. A scalpel is used in place of a curette in a process called surgical excision.
Once you have solved these skin problems, you have to take very good care of it to avoid further sun damage. You won’t want them to come back, do you?
Keratosis Further Reading:
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