KERATOSIS

KERATOSIS is a skin condition marked by an excessive over-growth of the horny layers of the skin.

PILAR KERATOSIS (also known as keratosis pilaris) is a very common finding on the outer aspect of the upper arms. It is most prevalent among teenagers. Sometimes Pilar Keratosis occurs on the thighs also. There are numerous tiny rough spots in the affected area. Each one is a horny plug, sometimes rather red but only rarely itchy.

Pilar Keratosis is completely harmless but sometimes unsightly. It occurs because as the skin renews itself, old skin cells in the hair follicles get stuck, forming a scaly plug. Pilar Keratosis tends to be more severe during the winter months or other times of low humidity when skin dries out.

TREATMENT
Wash with an aloe based cleanser that leaves no pore clogging residue (do not use soap).
Use a nylon puff with the gel cleanser.
Lightly scrub the area with a loofah.
Twice daily, apply moisturizing cream containing Alpha Hydroxy Acid.

SOLAR KERATOSIS (also known as senile keratosis)

An actinic keratosis, it is a scaly or crusty bump that forms on the skin surface. They range in size form as small as a pinhead to an inch across. They may be light or dark, tan, pink, red, a combination of these, or the same color as your skin. The scale or crust is horn-like, dry, and rough, and is often recognized easier by touch rather than sight.

Why is it dangerous? Actinic keratosis can be the first step in the development of skin cancer, and therefore, is a precursor to cancer or a Precancer. It is estimated that up to 10% of active lesions will take the next step and progress to squamous cell carcinomas. They are usually not life threatening, provided they are detected and treated in the early stages. However, if this is not done, they can bleed, ulcerate, become infected, or grow large and invade the surrounding tissues and, 3% of the time, will metastasize or spread to the internal organs.

The presence of actinic keratosis indicates that sun damage has occurred and that any kind of skin cancer—not just squamous cell carcinoma can develop. People with actinic keratosis are more likely to develop melanoma also. Sun exposure it the cause of almost all actinic keratosis.

TREATMENT
The simplest and first approach is proper At Home Care:
Wash with an aloe based cleanser that leaves no residue to clog the pores. (Do not use soap.)
Use a nylon puff with the gel cleanser.
Lightly scrub the area with a loofah.
Twice daily, apply moisturizing cream containing Alpha Hydroxy Acid.

For more aggressive treatments, see your doctor for Curettage, Cryosurgery, Dermabrasion, Chemical Peels, Laser Surgery, or Topical Medication (5-FU)