All About Keratosis and How to Treat It

If you are fond of being outdoors all the time and staying under the sun’s bright rays, you may be at risk for what is known as keratosis. Actinic keratoses refer to small patches which surface on one’s epidermis 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. Every spot has a measurement from 2-6 mm in diameter. In color, the spots are typically red in color and have a rough feel when touched. Often, the spots have yellowish or white scales on top. The problem with these patches is that they can be painful when they are rubbed with clothing or touched by hands.

The affected areas on the epidermis are usually the face, scalp, and nape. There is also the possibility that the patches can develop on the top part of the hands and on your forearms. These areas are the ones that are the most exposed to the sun when going outside. The thing that makes keratosis alarming 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 diagnosed by physicians by a close examination of the patches. Because of this, people who notice some sort of unusual growth on their epidermis must visit a doctor to have it checked if it is precancerous.

No matter how you look at it, prevention will constantly be better than the cure. Keratosis can be prevented and treated by keeping away from the sunshine. If you already have these spots, keratosis removal can solve your problem.   Photodynamic therapy, cryosurgery, diclofenac therapy, 5-fluorouracil therapy, imiquimod therapy, and the cutting or burning of the keratoses are several of the kinds of keratosis treatment. 

You must visit your physician annually to check your skin once you have been given keratosis treatment. If your previous keratoses somehow look suspicious, it may mean that they can be cancerous, which should be diagnosed ASAP. Last but not the least, here is some sound advice: if you already have keratosis, stay out of the sun.