Keratosis
The skin, like any other organ, is subject to a mass of various diseases that can be caused by a variety of factors. One of these diseases is keratosis. This pathology is expressed in the appearance of areas of compacted skin. As the area of these areas increases, keratosis begins to bring discomfort and painful sensations to the patient. The skin on the affected areas cracks, begins to bleed, micro-sutures appear on it.
CAUSES OF THE DISEASE
Keratosis implies two processes – excessive keratinization of the skin and at the same time a delay in exfoliation of dead cells. The causes of keratosis can be both hereditary factors and external influences (chemicals, radiation, mechanical damage to the skin). Infections and malfunctions of the endocrine system of the body can also provoke keratosis.
kinds
There are two large groups of keratoses – acquired and congenital. In the second case, the symptoms of the disease begin to manifest in the first days of the child’s life.
Acquired keratoses can also be divided into several categories:
Symptomatic – keratosis manifests itself as a symptom of some other disease,
Professional – the cause of diseases are chemical, physical or mechanical factors,
Paraoncological – keratosis manifests itself on the palms and feet and testifies in favor of the presence of oncology,
Senile – keratosis in this case is a consequence of age-related changes in the epidermis.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
The main symptoms of keratosis are peeling of the skin, the appearance of bumps and thickenings on it, pain, bleeding, erosion and ulcers. The scales on the skin have a gray or brown color, deep cracks appear on the keratinized areas. Growths and nodules can also form on the skin.
diagnostics
A dermatologist diagnoses keratosis. For diagnosis, methods such as external examination, skin biopsy (usually performed when a malignant process in the body is suspected), histological analysis of a tissue sample that is taken from a keratosis-affected area are used.
PRINCIPLES OF TREATMENT
When the first signs of keratosis appear, you should immediately contact an experienced specialist. This will prevent the risk of developing malignant tumors. In addition, it is always easier to cure keratosis at the first stage, otherwise treatment can be lengthy and difficult.
With keratosis, the doctor prescribes a special diet in which fats and vitamins predominate. An additional intake of vitamins in tablets may also be prescribed. The affected areas are lubricated with therapeutic ointments.
With advanced keratosis, treatment may be required, somewhat resembling the treatment of skin cancer: cryotherapy, radiation, laser techniques and even surgery.
If there is no suspicion of a tumor process, then keratosis is treated based on cosmetic considerations.
PREVENTION
Prevention of keratosis is simple – it is necessary to observe a number of the following simple measures:
Do not stay too long under the hot direct rays of the sun, use special protective creams when tanning,
Protect exposed skin areas from excessive UV exposure,
Use moisturizers on skin that is prone to over-drying and peeling,
Protect the skin from exposure to toxic substances, chemicals and mechanical damage,
Observe safety precautions when working with chemicals,
Contact specialists in a timely manner if any persistent changes in the skin are detected.
