All About Keratosis and How to Treat It

Being fond of the sunshine and staying outdoors a lot may lead to a condition called keratosis. Actinic keratoses refer to small patches which show up on one’s skin characterized by being rough or uneven and are caused by over-exposure to the sun. Also known as solar keratosis, this skin condition mostly affects individuals with fair skin who have let themselves be under the sun frequently throughout the years. In diameter, the patches can measure between two to 6 millimeters. Often colored red, the spots are coarse when you touch them. Scales that are yellow or white may frequently surface on the surface of the spots. The problem with keratoses is that they can cause pain when clothing rubs on them or if you touch them with your hand.

People who are afflicted with actinic keratoses may have them on their face, scalp, and nape. There is also the possibility that the spots can develop on the top part of the hands and on your forearms. These are all the places which are the most exposed when one ventures outside under the strong sunshine. The thing that makes keratosis feared is that it can be potentially precancerous. By saying that it can turn out to be precancerous, we mean that any actinic keratosis can develop into skin cancer. An actinic keratosis is given diagnosis once doctors take a close look at the patches. This is the reason why it is advised that when one notices an unusual, uncomfortable growth on one’s skin, he or she must directly go to a good physician to have it checked for anything precancerous.

Constantly better than the cure, prevention must always be given importance when it comes to skin problems. Keratosis can be prevented and treated by keeping away from the sun. For those that have the misfortune to already have the condition, keratosis removal is a likely solution to the problem.   Keratosis treatment can come in the form of photodynamic therapy, imiquimod therapy, diclofenac therapy, 5-fluorouracil therapy, cryosurgery as well as cutting or burning of the keratoses.  

Yearly visits to the doctor are recommended after having keratosis treatment. If your old keratoses somehow look suspicious, it may mean that they can be cancerous, which should be diagnosed ASAP. Finally, my last word of advice to you is that after having keratosis, avoid being overly exposed to the sunshine so that you will prevent the spots from developing more.