Keratosis is a pathological change in the stratum corneum of the skin, in which its regeneration is disturbed. It becomes thicker as the exfoliation of dead cells worsens. Seborrheic keratosis is the most common form of pathology.
General description of the disease
Seborrheic keratosis is accompanied by the appearance on the surface of the skin of multi-colored spots that rise above it or remain flat. Over time, the shade and shape of the neoplasms change, but they do not disappear on their own. Pathology affects older people more often, as they slow down the regeneration of the stratum corneum of the skin.
Keratomas are localized on various parts of the body: head, back, limbs. The growth may be single, but there are cases when the patient has an accumulation of formations. Seborrheic keratosis according to ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases of the 10th revision) has the code L82. Pathology develops over the years, but under adverse conditions, growths can degenerate into malignant formations. Often in older patientsseborrheic keratosis of the head is detected.
Reasons for appearance
The exact causes of seborrheic keratosis are still unknown. However, experts have identified negative factors that trigger the pathological mechanism:
- Heredity. Most often, the pathology is transmitted through the female line.
- Predisposition to develop oily seborrhea (on the scalp).
- Excessive exposure to the skin of direct sunlight, chemicals. The epidermis becomes thinner, cells begin to form incorrectly, and it becomes vulnerable to negative external factors.
- Lack of vitamins and minerals in the body, as well as the use of large amounts of animal fats.
- Frequent mechanical damage to the skin.
- Chronic pathologies, problems with the functionality of the endocrine system, immune disorders.
- Frequent use of hormonal medications.
- Unidentified pathological changes in skin tissues.
Sometimes seborrheic keratosis is difficult to distinguish from other pathologies, so the diagnosis must be differential so as not to miss the development of a malignant process.
Keratosis symptoms
Keratosis is characterized by certain symptoms that cause physiological and psychological discomfort. The presented pathology has the following features:
- The presence of small spots that do not rise above the skin in the first stages.
- Gradualchange in the shade of the neoplasm.
- Loose structure of the keratoma, while its upper part exfoliates.
- Pain syndrome when the formation is injured by a piece of clothing.
Dangerous if the keratoma rises strongly above the skin. If it is injured, then this neoplasm can develop into a malignant tumor.
Disease classification
Seborrheic keratosis is not a life-threatening disease, but it needs to be treated correctly and on time. But before that, it is important to find out what form the neoplasm belongs to:
- Flat. Its peculiarity is that it consists of unchanged pathological cells.
- Reticular. The formation is based on the connection of epithelial cells.
- Actinic. It develops after 45 years. The epidermis in this case has a light shade. Such formations are located on uncovered areas of the skin. This type of pathology is characterized by extensive rashes.
- Clonial. The presence of this type of neoplasm is typical for elderly patients.
- Irritated. A large number of leukocytes are present in the inner and outer parts of the keratoma. This type of neoplasm can be determined using histological analysis.
- Follicular (inverted). It is characterized by a small amount of pigment.
- Warty. It has a rounded shape. Occurs on the lower extremities, and is rare.
- Lichenoid. Neoplasm is accompanied by an inflammatory process. In appearance, it resembles lupus erythematosus, flatlichen.
- Horny. It occurs very rarely, but it is dangerous because it can degenerate into a malignant tumor. Such a keratoma occurs in people over 60 years old.
Depending on the type of disease, treatment of seborrheic keratosis of the skin is prescribed. You won't be able to deal with it on your own.
Diagnostic features
Before starting treatment for seborrheic keratosis, you should consult a dermatologist. He can determine the disease by external manifestations, as well as the clinical picture. It is very difficult to determine the disease in the early stages. If the neoplasm grows too fast, the specialist will prescribe a histological examination of its tissues, as well as a biopsy. Such a diagnosis will help distinguish a keratoma from a malignant tumor or other skin pathologies.
What is the danger of the disease
Seborrheic keratosis of the skin is dangerous because neoplasms can quickly develop into a malignant tumor. At the same time, their appearance practically does not change, so the time favorable for treatment can be missed. The most dangerous is the development of malignant cells under the keratoma. In this case, cancer is detected in the later stages, when metastases are already present in the body. A large number of keratomas may also indicate the presence of an oncological process. Moreover, any internal organ can be affected.
Development stages
Seborrheic keratosis of the skin develops in several stages:
- First. Dark spots appear on the surface of the skin. At this stagethey are located without rising. Over time, the spots merge. More often they are localized on closed parts of the body.
- Second. Small nodular papules form here. They have clear boundaries. The spots protrude slightly above the skin. There are no signs of keratinization of the neoplasm or peeling.
- Third. At this stage, a keratoma is directly formed, which looks like a bean. The color of the neoplasm changes - it becomes darker. When you try to scrape off the scales on the skin, bleeding wounds appear.
Seborrheic keratosis in children is extremely rare. The neoplasm grows slowly.
Features of therapy
Drug treatment of seborrheic keratosis of the skin is not effective. In most cases, patients do not seek help from specialists, since the pathology does not interfere with them. However, you should go to the doctor if:
- Sores, suppurations, wounds appeared on the damaged skin.
- The person experiences severe itching or pain.
- The neoplasm began to increase in size.
- Keratoma appeared on an open area of the body and is a cosmetic defect.
- Keratoma is constantly susceptible to injury from clothing.
The most effective method of therapy is the removal of neoplasms. The following methods are used for this:
- Laser burning. This method is affordable, safe and effective. The procedure requires a special device, with whichdamaged tissues simply evaporate. The advantage of the procedure is that after it there are practically no scars.
- Removal by radio waves. The presented operation has a considerable cost. To remove seborrheic keratosis, a directed beam of radio waves is used. Anesthesia is required for the procedure.
- Cryodestruction. In this case, liquid nitrogen is used to eliminate neoplasms. After treatment, the keratoma dies and falls off. After the operation, a large bubble appears on the damaged area, which cannot be eliminated on its own. During the recovery period, it opens itself, and he althy skin is visible under it.
- Cauterization of education by electric current. The intervention is performed using a special electric scalpel. To carry out such a procedure, you need to choose a clinic with a good reputation and an experienced surgeon. After removal of the keratoma, sutures are applied to the wound. The disadvantage of the procedure is its high degree of trauma and an increase in the recovery period.
- Chemical removal. It is produced with the help of caustic substances that are applied to the keratoma. This procedure is used extremely rarely, as it can give complications, leave deep scars.
- Mechanical removal with curettage. This grinding process is only suitable for flat growths that do not rise above the surface of the skin.
With seborrheic keratosis, ointments are used only during the recovery period. Tissues after surgeryregenerate quickly enough, but during this period you need to follow special rules of hygiene and use medicines that prevent infection of the wound.
After removing the keratoma, it is necessary to wash the wound with special medicinal solutions that have an antiseptic effect: Chlorhexine, Belasept. After that, seborrheic keratosis is treated with ointments with antimicrobial action. Immediately after the procedure, a bandage is applied to the wound. It is necessary to ensure that dirt does not get into the operated area.
In order for the wound to heal faster, the menu should include vegetables, fruits, and other foods that contain a lot of vitamin C.
Folk treatment of pathology
National treatment of seborrheic keratosis can also be effective, but it must be long and permanent. Recipes of funds must be agreed with a dermatologist.
The following recipes will be useful:
- Vegetable oil. The product is boiled before use. Cooled oil is applied to the affected areas of the skin with rubbing movements. The procedure is repeated up to 5 times a day. The duration of the course is one month. Along with sunflower oil, it is allowed to use sea buckthorn or castor oil.
- Garlic. To prepare the product, you will need a head of garlic, which must be chopped and mixed with 3 tsp. honey. The mixture should be warm when used. Neoplasms are treated three times a day.
- Raw potatoes. The vegetable is ground on a grater, after which a compress is made on the affected skin. Keep it for at least an hour.
- Pure propolis. It is applied in a thin layer on spots and neoplasms. From above, the treated skin is covered with gauze. The compress lasts 5 days.
- Aloe leaves. In the morning, it is necessary to cut off the largest sheets and scald with boiling water. Next, the plant is wrapped in a dense cloth and placed in the freezer. After 3 days, the sheets are cut into plates of small thickness. The plant should be used for compresses. They should be applied at night. After the leaf is removed, wipe the skin with an alcohol solution.
- Onion peel. Raw materials are poured with a glass of vinegar and infused for 2 weeks in a dark place. After that, the mixture is filtered and applied to the keratomas for half an hour.
- Apple cider vinegar. Based on it, medicinal lotions are made. It is necessary to apply gauze with liquid to the affected areas up to 6 times a day. Therapy is carried out until a complete cure.
- Burdock. Requires 20 g of raw materials and 200 ml of boiling water. Burdock is filled with liquid and infused for 2-3 hours. A compress solution is applied.
- Yeast. On their basis, dough is prepared. After it ascends, it is necessary to make a cake and fix it on the neoplasm. The compress is removed after 1.5-2 hours, after which the skin should be washed with warm water. The procedure should be repeated daily until the keratoma is gone.
- Celandine and pork fat. Both components are mixed and applied to the skin up to 4 times a day. Keep this ointment in the refrigerator.
- Red beet gruel. It should be fixed onkeratome for 4 hours. The procedure is repeated every day.
Folk remedies are an effective method of dealing with pathology, but they should not be used on their own. First you need to make sure that there is no malignant process. Self-medication can only aggravate the skin condition.
Preventive measures
Because seborrheic keratosis is difficult to treat, it's best to avoid it altogether. To do this, it is worth observing the following preventive measures:
- Eat right, including in the diet those foods that contain a large amount of vitamins and minerals. Fatty foods are best avoided or limited.
- Use moisturizing body lotions or creams, especially after 30 years.
- If you have to work with chemicals, then you need to do it carefully and use protective equipment.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, use sunscreen.
- Quit smoking and alcohol abuse.
- Stabilize emotional state.
Seborrheic keratosis is a rather dangerous pathology that can transform into a malignant skin lesion. To prevent this, it is better to warn her. If she appeared, then you should not hesitate to visit the doctor.
