Keratosis is a frequent skin problem that develops when the body creates too much keratin, a protein that is necessary for nails, hair, and skin. This buildup can make some parts of the skin rough, scaly, or thicker. Most types of keratosis are not dangerous, but others can be a sign of changes that could lead to cancer and should not be ignored.
There are several different types of keratosis.
There are many different types of keratosis, and each one has its unique symptoms and effects:
Seborrheic Keratosis
This is a skin growth that looks like a dark, black, or tan patch of skin. It won’t hurt you. It can happen anywhere on the body and usually looks like warts or wax. Seborrheic keratoses are frequent in older persons, and they normally get worse as they get older. Most of the time, they don’t hurt and don’t need to be treated unless they become ugly or annoying.
Actinic Keratosis, which is also known as Solar Keratosis,
Many individuals think this type is precancerous. It usually looks like rough, dry, or scaly patches on skin that gets a lot of sun, like the face, ears, scalp, hands, and forearms. Actinic keratoses can turn into squamous cell carcinoma if you don’t cure them and stay in the sun for a long period.
Keratosis Pilaris
This harmless condition, sometimes known as “chicken skin,” causes tiny, itchy pimples to form on the arms, thighs, cheeks, or buttocks. Keratin gets in the path of hair follicles, which is what causes it. It won’t affect your health, but it could be bothersome for cosmetic reasons. Keratosis pilaris is more common in youngsters and teens, but it normally gets better as they become older.
Things that make it more likely and what causes it
Depending on the type, there are several reasons that could cause keratosis.
The main thing that causes actinic keratosis is being in the sun a lot.
Seborrheic keratosis and keratosis pilaris may run in families.
You can get keratosis pilaris if your skin is dry, your hormones alter, or you have other skin disorders like eczema.
People with fair skin, people who spend a lot of time outside, or people whose family have a history of skin problems are more prone to get some kinds of keratosis.
Diagnosis
Most of the time, a dermatologist can detect if someone has keratosis merely by looking at them. A skin biopsy may be done to check sure the lesion isn’t skin cancer if it is changing shape, size, or color.
Treatment Choices
The kind of keratosis you have will determine how it is treated.
You can freeze, scrape, laser, or electrosurge seborrheic keratosis, but you don’t have to.
If you have actinic keratosis, you should get it treated to minimize your risk of getting skin cancer. You could try photodynamic treatment, cryotherapy, topical drugs like 5-fluorouracil or imiquimod, or chemical peels.
People typically treat keratosis pilaris using lotions, moisturizers, and gentle scrubs that have urea, lactic acid, or salicylic acid in them.
Stopping and Taking Care of
To lower your chances of having keratosis, especially actinic keratosis, you might want to think about the following:
Put on sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day.
Don’t use tanning beds, and don’t stay in the sun for too long when it’s hottest.
Use moisturizing treatments every day to keep keratosis pilaris under control.
Check your skin often for new or changing spots. If you see any, make an appointment with a dermatologist.
When to Go to the Doctor
Most kinds of keratosis aren’t harmful, but you should see a doctor if
A lesion hurts, bleeds, or changes quickly.
You can’t tell if a spot is cancerous or not.
You want to get rid of lesions because they look bad.
In short, keratosis is a general term that covers a number of skin issues. Some kinds of keratosis are bad for your health, but others aren’t. Finding out what kind you have is the first step to getting healthier and feeling great.
