Keratosis in children and adults: symptoms, treatment
Keratosis is an excessive thickening of the horny layer of the skin. In this case, the general well-being is not disturbed, but the skin acquires an unkempt, rough appearance, which confuses the patient and causes self-doubt, worsening his socialization.
Classification, reasons
There are different types of keratosis. The most common:
- follicular;
- actinic;
- seborrheic.
The causes of some keratoses are not always clear and have not been fully studied, but factors contributing to the development of the pathology have been identified.
The impetus for the formation of follicular keratosis in a child and an adult can be:
- effect of cold on the skin;
- lack of vitamins A, C and D;
- long-term use of hormonal drugs;
- incorrect mode of work, rest, sleep, nutrition;
- regular stress and nervous exhaustion.
There are theories that the following factors are the impetus for the development of seborrheic keratosis:
- human papilloma virus;
- effect of ultraviolet rays;
- burdened heredity - the disease occurs more often in a family where one of the family members has already had this disease.
Seborrheic keratosis is usually noted in old age.
Symptoms
A sign of follicular keratosis is a skin condition that can be described as "chicken skin". Small hard irregularities of a light shade are formed. They can appear on the upper part of the hands, thighs, less often - on the face.
Actinic keratosis appears as spots on the head, neck, or hands. Their characteristics:- by color – red, brown, flesh-colored;
- by size - 1-3 mm in diameter;
- texture - rough;
- surrounded by red skin.
Seborrheic keratosis (especially facial keratosis) appears as growths on the skin:
- round or oval;
- flat or those that slightly protrude above the surface of the skin;
- by size - from 0.2 to 2.5 cm in diameter;
- by color - from light brown to black.
Keratosis: diagnosis
Keratosis is detected based on a skin examination, for which a magnifying glass and a light source are used. The anamnesis (history of the disease) is important - the doctor clarifies the following nuances of the pathology:
- presence in the family of patients with keratosis;
- connection with solar radiation;
- mode of work and rest.
The age of the patient is also taken into account - this mainly applies to the diagnosis of seborrheic (senile) keratosis.
Additional research methods (instrumental or laboratory) are needed if it is necessary to carry out a differential diagnosis of keratosis from other diseases - for example, from skin cancer, when a biopsy must be used (removal of fragments of skin followed by examination under a microscope).
Complications
Keratosis in children and adults is accompanied by aesthetic problems and can lead to more complex diseases.
The most dangerous is actinic keratosis - it can develop into one of the types of skin cancer. Most often, it is basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Keratosis: treatment
Symptoms of follicular keratosis often disappear on their own. If this does not happen, the doctor prescribes means that contribute to the removal of dead skin cells. They contain:
- alpha-hydroxy acids;
- lactic acid;
- retinoids.
Does follicular keratosis leave a mark on the skin? Treatment includes the use of moisturizing creams to improve the appearance of the affected areas.
During the development of actinic keratosis, the doctor recommends avoiding exposure to sunlight.
Of all types, actinic keratosis is the most dangerous: treatment may require surgical removal of the affected areas of the skin, because such a pathology is prone to turning into cancer. Such areas are eliminated by various methods - it can be:
- cryotherapy - action with liquid nitrogen;
- curettage – cleaning of the skin by scraping with a curette (spoon with sharp edges);
- laser grinding.
Less dangerous is seborrheic keratosis - treatment includes treatment with the following substances:
- ammonium lactate;
- trichloroacetic acid;
- some creams with an abrasive (scraping) effect.
Prevention
There are no special methods of prevention of follicular keratosis. To reduce the risk of its occurrence, it is important to:
- avoid skin irritations;
- increase the body's immune forces.
If precautions are taken, keratosis treatment will be more successful if it occurs.
The method of preventing actinic keratosis is to avoid exposure to direct sunlight.
The risk of developing seborrheic keratosis can be reduced if you take proper care of your skin - thanks to this, skin aging processes will occur later.
Common recommendations for any type of keratosis - maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding prolonged exposure to UV rays on the skin.
On our website Dobrobut.com, you can get more detailed information about how keratosis occurs, what it is, how to treat it.
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