Although on face value keratosis may seem harmless and nothing more than irritated skin, the reality is there could be far reaching consequences if left undiagnosed and treated. Skin specialists across the globe are trying to educate the public with regards to this skin condition as in some cases keratosis has the potential to turn cancerous. Early identification, diagnosis, and treatment are the key. For this reason we hope to share this collation of expert perspectives as it could potentially prevent a life threatening disease.

DISTINGUISHING THE VARIATIONS OF KERATOSIS

Keratosis Pilaris

The most common of all forms of keratosis, this hereditary condition affects roughly 50 percent of the globe at some point in their lives. Keratosis pilaris is commonly found as rough, spiky, gooseflesh-type skin, usually found upon the upper arms, cheeks or thighs, and occasionally on the back or buttocks. Treatment can involve topical solutions or microdermabrasion; however the simple application of a natural skin rejuvenation program is usually the most effective and non-intrusive solution.

Seborrheic Keratosis

Seborrheic keratoses are benign lumps of the skin, they do not represent cancer. They typically appear as light brown areas on the skin that appear to be 'stuck on'. Developments can spawn anywhere on the skin, but they most often occur on the face, chest, and back; and tend to grow slowly over time. Due to the fact that seborrheic keratoses can become very large, unsightly, and itchy doctors can remove them on request. However, the inflammation or itchiness can be easily treated with the use of a deep moisturizing skin care cream.

Acrinic Keratosis

Actinic keratosis, also commonly called solar keratosis, is intensely hazardous due to its pre-cancer properties. However, almost all acrinic keratosis can be taken out without developing into skin cancers which makes early detection and prevention paramount.

This skin trauma is evidenced by a scaly, crusty, horny, dry bump on the skin surface. The base may be light or dark, tan, pink, red, a combination of these, or the same color as your skin. It is most commonly found on the parts of the body most frequently exposed to sunshine.

Treatment is predominantly based on the removal of the effected areas. This is usually achieved through Cryosurgery, where the lesions are frozen off with liquid nitrogen. Chemical peels can also be used, whereby acid renders away the top layers of skin, which is later replaced by the growth of new skin.

TREATMENT FOR KERATOSIS

As soon as the specific type of infection is determined the treatment for keratosis can begin. For this reason, commanding an expert level of understanding of your particular skin problem is the key. The treatment itself is, in most situations, is relatively harmless and simple to administer. The most frequently recommended plan of action is centered on the daily application of a deep penetrating non-toxic moisturizer along with an effective natural exfoliate. Only then can the skin replenish itself by exuviating the dry, dead, potentially cancerous cells, replacing them with healthy smooth skin.