The most dangerous type of keratoma is seborrheic keratoma (another name is often found - senile keratoma). Seborrheic keratosis: types, symptoms, treatment methods Is seborrheic keratosis mild?

Sakania Luiza Ruslanovna

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Seborrheic keratosis

Keratoses are non-inflammatory dermatological pathologies in which the stratum corneum of the skin thickens. The causes of the development of these diseases are different, and depending on them, several types of disease are distinguished. The most common are actinic, follicular, and seborrheic keratoses.

Seborrheic keratosis is a disease that causes the appearance of special neoplasms on the skin. Considering that the disease most often develops in people much older than 40 years of age, these formations are called senile warts (another term is seborrheic keratomas). Their character is almost always benign, they do not pose a strong danger, and no degeneration into cancer has been recorded. However, caution should be exercised - there are malignant skin pathologies that can be confused in appearance with seborrheic keratosis. In this case, the nature of the formation can be accurately determined only after a histological analysis.

In addition, small malignant neoplasms can “hide” in benign senile warts. If it is noticeable that the seborrheic keratoma increases in size, begins to bleed, hurt, or itch, immediately contact a dermatologist.

What do senile keratomas look like and where do they occur?

seborrheic keratomas - skin formations (single or multiple), different in color, size, configuration. Their color is yellow, dark cherry, brown-black, pink. The tumor is either flat or protrudes above the skin. It can be round, oval, in diameter from 2 mm to 6 cm, and is characterized by clear boundaries.

The main places of localization of seborrheic ketaromas:

neck and face areas;
on the head in the hair;
on the hand (back surface);
on the back of the forearm;
on the external genitalia.

On the soles and palms, senile warts develop extremely rarely.

The structure of the formation is as follows - a keratoma looks like flaky tiny warts fused together, on top of which an easily removable thin crust is noticeable, bleeding even with the most minor damage. Over time, black dotted inclusions become noticeable on this crust, its thickness can increase to 1–2 cm, and a network of cracks appears. Keratomas can sometimes be pointed, sometimes they take on a convex, dome-like shape (the surface is smooth, whitish or black inclusions are noticeable).

seborrheic keratosis - forms

Seborrheic keratosis, to facilitate diagnosis, is divided by dermatologists into the following forms:

Reasons for the development of pathology

Seborrheic keratosis is a pathology that has not been sufficiently studied. The exact reasons for its development have not yet been identified.

Previously, it was believed that keratoma develops if a person is infected with HPV. There were also other versions - excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation, lack of vitamins, excess fat in the body. The research carried out did not confirm these versions.

Research has established one more or less reliable reason for the occurrence of senile warts - genetic predisposition. If this disease has been observed in the family, then seborrheic ketaromas are likely to develop in all close relatives.

Doctors have identified several factors that provoke the onset of the disease:

strong exposure to ultraviolet radiation;
permanent skin injuries;
harmful chemical influences;
immune disorders;
use of hormonal medications (this most often applies to estrogens);
endocrine diseases of chronic form.

Seborrheic keratosis - treatment

In themselves, senile ketaromas are not dangerous. If there is no psychological or aesthetic discomfort from a seborrheic wart, it does not increase in size, its shape and color do not change - there is no need to remove the tumor.

If there are existing risks of complications, or if a person believes that ketaroma spoils his appearance, a dermatologist may prescribe removal of the formation in one of the following ways:

Laser treatment of tumors. Laser removal is a highly effective, painless, and relatively affordable method. The laser acts exclusively directionally, destroying only the pathological formation. Healthy tissue surrounding seborrheic ketaroma is not affected. After the laser, the wounds heal quickly, leaving no scars or other visible damage to the skin.
The method of exposure to radio waves is similar in principle to the laser procedure. Seborrheic ketaroma is exposed to high frequency radio waves. They act on water molecules located in the tissues of warts. Excess energy from high-frequency radio waves causes it to “boil.” As a result, the cells and fibers at the site of exposure are torn, the formation evaporates, and a small crust remains in its place, which easily disappears by itself after a while.
Cryotherapy – warts are frozen with liquid nitrogen. The method is used for extensive accumulation of tumors in one area. It is practically not used for removing keratomas on the face and neck area.
Electrocoagulation – an electric scalpel is used. They excise the wart, then apply a suture to the wound site. Of all four listed methods, this is the most traumatic; it requires a certain period of rehabilitation. Naturally, it is not used for excision of keratomas on the face, neck and other open areas of the body.

Conservative methods of therapy have also been developed:

If a senile wart is diagnosed at the spot stage, special types of peeling and grinding are used to remove it.
The administration of ascorbic acid in large doses helps to slow down the development of existing keratomas and prevents the development of new formations. It should be taken only as prescribed by a doctor. The dosage is selected individually and can range from 0.5 to 1.5 grams 3 times a day. Take the drug after meals for 1–2 months. 2-3 courses are required, with a break between them of at least 30 days.
Seborrheic keratomas are sometimes treated with ointments containing 5% fluorouracil, solcoderm, 10% lactic-salicylic collodion. 30% prospidin ointment is often used.

If you suspect the development of seborrheic keratosis, you should seek qualified dermatological help. Self-medication is strictly not recommended - senile warts are sometimes similar to other dangerous types of neoplasms, and sometimes (albeit very rarely) can degenerate into skin cancer. Therefore, it is not worth taking risks - timely differential diagnosis will save your nerves and health.

If the diagnosis is accurately established, after consultation with a specialist, effective traditional methods can be used as additional therapy.

Treating keratosis with alternative medicine at home

The arsenal of healers is very rich. Healers know many effective recipes for treating skin diseases, including senile warts.

To get rid of keratosis at home, recipes based on propolis, aloe, raw potatoes, and onion peels are most often used:

Aloe – leaves of plants older than 5 years are used. They are washed well and kept in the refrigerator for several days. Then, taking out one at a time, they cut into thin slices. They are applied to the tumors, secured with a bandage, cling film, and left overnight. The skin is wiped with weak salicylic alcohol in the morning.
At home, keratosis can be successfully treated with raw potatoes. It is grated until it becomes mushy and spread on gauze folded in two or three layers. This compress is bandaged to the senile wart for 60 minutes, then the potato pulp is replaced with fresh one - repeated three times.
Treatment of keratosis at home is carried out using propolis. It is rolled into a thin sheet and applied to senile warts. Secure with a bandage, leave for 2-3 days, then replace the bandage with a new one. Repeat the procedure at least three times.

As a person ages, the condition of the skin noticeably deteriorates. It becomes dry, elasticity is lost, and wrinkles form. However, this is not the only problem. Often, single or merging growths and pigment spots appear on the skin of older people, which are foci of seborrheic keratosis. Such neoplasms are not always dangerous. It is important to know in which cases the help of a doctor may be required, for which symptoms you need to contact a cosmetologist or dermatologist, and what treatment is possible.

Unlike other types of similar diseases, seborrheic keratosis is a manifestation of age-related changes in the epidermis. Signs of such skin damage usually occur in people over 40 years of age, most often in the elderly.

How does the disease manifest itself?

With this type of keratosis, flat or protruding spots form on the skin, the color of which can be yellow, brown, or black. They are usually round or oval in shape and have clear boundaries. Their minimum size is 2 mm. Foci with a diameter of up to 5 cm may occur. Their surface is covered with tiny scales that form a crust. The growths are easily injured, causing cracks to appear and itching. Seborrheic keratosis lesions usually appear on the scalp, face, neck, arms, back, chest, but are absent on the palms and soles.

Sometimes such neoplasms exist unchanged for many years, without causing discomfort, but their pathological gradual development is possible. In this case, the following processes are observed:

The appearance of flat pigment spots of various colors and sizes. Their number may gradually increase.
Thickening of the stratum corneum, the appearance of formations protruding above the surface of the skin.
The appearance of “senile warts”, which are brown or black in color. With mechanical impact, their surface can easily be damaged and bleed.

The surface of the warts often becomes keratinized and a dense crust forms.

Causes of keratoma formation

The main causes are considered to be age-related disorders of the development and renewal of skin cells (gerontological factor), as well as a genetic predisposition to a similar disease (especially multiple neoplasms). Prolonged exposure to sunlight, contact with chemicals on the skin, immune disorders in the body, chronic diseases of the liver and endocrine glands can contribute to the appearance.

Sometimes seborrheic keratosis occurs against the background of the formation of malignant tumors of the skin or internal organs.

Video: Causes and manifestations of seborrheic keratosis

Forms of the disease

There are several types of keratoses of this type.

Flat. It is characterized by the formation of colored spots on the skin that do not protrude above the surface.

Irritated keratoses(occurs against the background of mechanical irritation of the pigmented area of the skin, infection in microcracks). In this case, a histological examination of a tissue sample shows the presence of a large number of leukocytes in it.

Reticular (adenoid) keratosis. Skin cells form thin strands intertwined with each other. Small cysts form in the stratum corneum.

Melanoacanthoma (clear cell melanoma). With this form of seborrheic keratosis, round warts are formed, riddled with cysts and containing pigmented cells of the keratinized epidermis (melanocytes). Keratomas of this type most often occur on the legs.

Lichenoid keratosis. It is a mushroom-shaped tumor-like neoplasm.

Clonal. The neoplasms have the appearance of warty plaques, consisting of keratinized epidermal cells, heterogeneous in size.

Keratotic papilloma. It forms on the scalp and face in older people, more often in men. The growth looks like a gray column of dense consistency. Particles of keratinized skin are riddled with single cysts. The neoplasm is painless.

Follicular inverted keratosis. Numerous weakly colored foci of keratinization are formed, which are a layering of several layers of epithelium. The growth has a flattened surface. As a rule, such neoplasms are located in the area of the hair follicles.

Cutaneous horn. Dense keratinized growths in the shape of a cone protrude above the skin. One of the reasons for the development of the pathological process is inflammation of a previously appeared keratotic node of a simpler form. Seborrheic keratosis of this type can degenerate into skin cancer if the affected area is exposed to ultraviolet irradiation, injured, or infected with viruses.

Video: Causes of senile skin pigmentation, methods of removing spots

What is the danger of seborrheic keratomas?

Seborrheic keratomas are benign neoplasms that rarely become malignant. However, they cannot be considered completely safe. The following factors need to be considered:

Keratosis is quite compatible with independently developing skin cancer. Neoplasms of both types can form together, so malignant tumors are often not noticed immediately, especially since they most often resemble keratotic nodes in appearance.
It is possible to distinguish cancerous lesions from areas affected by seborrheic keratosis only through histological analysis of samples of the affected tissue.
If there are many keratinized lesions appearing on the skin and rapid growth of tumors, this may be one of the signs of the occurrence of malignant tumors of internal organs.

Warning: Even if the keratotic spots are small and few in number, do not cause concern in their appearance and do not cause discomfort, self-medication is unacceptable. Only a specialist can determine what type of seborrheic keratosis a patient has and to what extent it is dangerous to his health. The use of traditional methods for removing stains and warts, as well as the use of ointments and other means not prescribed by a specialist, leads to aggravation of the situation.

The reason for an urgent visit to the doctor is a noticeable increase in the size and number of tumors over a short period of time.

If the focus of seborrheic keratosis is located in an “inconvenient place” (for example, rubbed by clothing), the keratoma can be damaged mechanically, after which it becomes inflamed, begins to bleed, and itch. In this case, it is necessary to visit a doctor to determine whether its removal is required.

The appearance of non-healing ulcers on the area affected by keratosis, a sharp change in the color and appearance of keratinized nodules or spots, may mean that there is a malignant skin lesion that requires an immediate visit to an oncologist.

Diagnosis of keratosis

When carrying out diagnostics, the features of the location of neoplasms, their shape, the nature of the surface, the period of occurrence, and the duration of existence are taken into account. For example, ordinary warts do not have scales; they are covered with tiny papillae. In appearance, seborrheic keratomas also differ from basal cell carcinoma (a dense, smooth elastic formation).

Histological analysis of cells taken from the surface by scraping makes it possible to determine the form of seborrheic keratosis and distinguish it from other skin diseases. In particular, such a study makes it possible to recognize malignant tumors, which are often similar to keratomas.

Treatment options

The main method of eliminating foci of keratosis that cause physical or psychological discomfort to patients and tend to grow and develop pathologically is surgical removal. Several methods are used for this.

Laser removal. The keratome is burned out using a laser beam. In its place there remains a thin crust, after which falls off there is no scar on the skin. This method has become most widespread due to the simplicity of the technique and the low cost of the procedure.

Cryodestruction. This method produces freezing of keratomas located on large superficial areas of the skin. The operation is performed using liquid nitrogen.

Radio wave removal. To burn out and evaporate the keratoma, the Surgitron device is used, emitting radio waves. After the procedure, a crust also appears on the skin. Rapid healing occurs with the complete absence of any traces of surgical intervention.

Chemical peeling. Seborrheic keratosis is eliminated by cauterizing the growths with trichloroacetic acid. In this case, solutions of various concentrations are used, which allows for both superficial and deep treatment of the epidermis. In order for healing to occur quickly and successfully, after the procedure, careful skin care is required using special cosmetics.

Applications using various ointments (fluorouracil, prospidin) and cauterizing drugs (solcoderm, lactic-salicylic collodion).

Electrocoagulation– cauterization of keratomas is carried out using a special electrode. The method is used to remove small single benign tumors.

Curettage. The keratoma is scraped out using a metal instrument (curette). This method is sometimes used in combination with cryodestruction or electrocoagulation.

Drug therapy It only allows you to stop the growth of foci of seborrheic keratosis and prevent the formation of new spots. For this purpose, ascorbic acid is prescribed in large doses. Between several courses of treatment there is a break of 1 month.

One of the latest developments in the treatment of keratosis is the so-called “pulse therapy”. The growth of tumors on the skin is limited by restoring the functions of internal organs. Using the Vizulon device, an impulse effect is produced on the brain centers that regulate the functioning of various body systems. Improving the functioning of the liver and kidneys, accelerating metabolism and blood flow, strengthening the immune system lead to positive changes in the condition of the skin, preventing the development of keratomas. The method is used in combination with drug treatment.

The most common benign tumor in older people; frequency increases with age.
IN research In a study of people over 64 years of age in North Carolina, 88% of those examined had at least one lesion of seborrheic keratosis. Ten or more lesions were found in 61% of black men and women, 38% of white women, and 54% of white men.
International Studies show that 8-25% of people under 40 years of age have at least one lesion of seborrheic keratosis.
Family cases multiple seborrheic keratosis(KS) are observed in approximately half of patients with this disease, the type of inheritance is autosomal dominant.

This form of focal hyperpigmentation is caused by changes in the epidermis as a result of proliferation of epidermal cells.
In pigmented lesions seborrheic keratosis(CK) proliferating keratinocytes release cytokines that activate nearby melanocytes and stimulate their division.
Reticular lesions seborrheic keratosis(LS) are sometimes found on sun-exposed areas of the skin and can develop from actinic lentigines.

In rare cases, in outbreaks seborrheic keratosis(BS) may develop Bowen's disease (squamous cell carcinoma in situ) or melanoma.
Multiple eruptive lesions of seborrheic keratosis (SK) are associated with malignant tumors of internal organs (Leser-Trel sign), especially adenocarcinoma of the gastrointestinal tract.
Lesions of lesions seborrheic keratosis(KS) may occur after inflammatory dermatosis, such as severe sunburn or eczema.

Diagnosis of seborrheic keratosis

Outbreaks may have a variety of appearances.
In typical cases, oval or round brown plaques with tightly adjacent sticky scales.
The color of the lesions varies from black to light brown.
The surface of the lesions is usually velvety or finely warty, while the lesions themselves seem to be “pasted on.”
Some lesions have a pronounced verrucous surface and look like warts.

Sometimes the lesions are large (up to 35x15 cm), pigmented with uneven edges.
Seborrheic keratosis lesions may be flat.
Keratotic plugs are often observed on the surface of lesions.

Cracks and horny cysts are observed on the surface of some lesions.
In some cases of irritation, itching, growth and bleeding of the lesions are noted, and a secondary infection is also possible.

Variants of seborrheic keratosis:
- Black papular dermatosis - multiple black-brown smooth dome-shaped papules on the face in young and middle-aged patients, usually with dark skin.

Stucco keratosis or “plaster” keratosis (stucco - decorative plaster) - many flat lesions of gray or light brown color on the outer surface of the feet and ankles, as well as the back surface of the hands and forearms, reminiscent of splashes of decorative plaster.

Typical location of seborrheic keratosis:
Torso, face, back, stomach, limbs; not found on the palms and soles, as well as on the mucous membranes. Can be observed on the areola and mammary glands.
Black papular dermatosis occurs on the face, especially the upper cheeks and lateral periorbital areas.

Imaging studies are usually not required unless the sudden appearance of multiple seborrheic keratosis (SK) lesions indicates Leser-Trel's sign. Such lesions are combined with adenocarcinoma of the gastrointestinal tract, lymphoma, Sezary syndrome and acute leukemia.

Seborrheic keratosis biopsy carried out in cases suspected of melanoma. Some melanomas resemble seborrheic keratosis, and a biopsy is necessary to rule out malignancy. Do not use freezing or curettage for suspicious lesions of seborrheic keratosis (SK) - this requires surgical intervention and pathological examination.

Differential diagnosis of seborrheic keratosis

Melanoma: Visible keratotic plugs on the surface of the lesion help differentiate seborrheic keratosis (SK) from melanoma.
Actinic lentigo is a flat, uniformly brown or dark brown lesion with clear contours. Flat lesions of actinic lentigo are located in sun-exposed areas, usually on the face or dorsum of the hands. Such hyperpigmented areas are usually not palpable, while a seborrheic keratosis (SK) lesion is always palpable, even if it is quite thin.
A wart is a neoplastic skin formation caused by the papilloma virus. The dome-shaped lesions, approximately 1 cm in diameter, are located on a broad base and have a hyperkeratotic surface. When the top layer is separated, a central core of keratinized cell masses and areas of pinpoint bleeding are observed.

Pigmented actinic keratosis: Although most actinic keratosis lesions are unpigmented and do not resemble seborrheic keratosis (SK), biopsy results of an unidentified pigmented plaque in some cases indicate pigmented actinic keratosis developing after sun exposure.
An inflamed seborrheic keratosis (SK) lesion can be mistaken for malignant melanoma or squamous cell carcinoma, and a biopsy is necessary.
Basal cell carcinoma can sometimes resemble seborrheic keratosis.

Treatment of seborrheic keratosis

A quick and easy treatment method is cryotherapy with a 1 mm wide rim of skin outside the lesion. Risk factors include changes in pigmentation, incomplete resolution of the lesion, and scarring. The most common complication is hypopigmentation, especially in dark-skinned patients.
Treatment of benign lesions with a curette ensures complete removal without trapping the underlying normal tissue.
Light electrofulguration can make curettage so easy that it can be done with a damp gauze pad.
If the diagnosis has not been established, but there are no signs indicating melanoma, a suspicious lesion of seborrheic keratosis (SK) is removed using a deep tangential biopsy, and the material is sent for histological examination.
If melanoma is suspected, but seborrheic keratosis (SK) remains in the differential diagnostic range, a full-thickness biopsy of the lesion is performed using incisional or ellipsoidal excision, and the material is sent for histological examination.

Recommendations for patients with seborrheic keratosis:
The patient must be informed of the benign nature of the lesions, which do not develop into cancer, except in very rare cases.
Although benign KS lesions may enlarge and thicken over time, they remain primarily a cosmetic problem.
Spontaneous resolution is quite unusual, although some lesions of KS may occasionally resolve.

Some experts suggest monitoring patients with multiple lesions of seborrheic keratoses (SK), since such patients may develop malignant tumors in other areas of the body, but malignancy of the lesion of seborrheic keratoses (SK) itself is extremely rare.

Seborrheic keratosis is part of a group of benign neoplasms characterized by thickening of the stratum corneum of the skin. The disease occurs among people over 40 years of age and progresses throughout life. The cause of its occurrence is still unknown, but it has been established that the disease is hereditary in nature, and both mechanical damage and exposure to ultraviolet rays can be provoking factors. Seborrheic keratosis of the skin, the treatment of which is aimed at excision of the affected tissue, requires qualified assistance, since in approximately 10% of cases, cancer cells are found in the keratomas during histological analysis of tissues. MedicForum found out what to do with the skin to get rid of this problem. Advice: in order to avoid undesirable consequences, before removing tumors, it is advisable to consult with a dermatologist, who will determine whether consultation with an oncologist is necessary, or whether the growths can be removed without risk to health.

Symptoms of the disease

In the first degree, barely noticeable spots, roughness or irregularities appear on the skin. It is for this reason that treatment of keratosis most often begins when the disease takes on a more advanced form. The main places where growths are localized are the skin of the chest, neck, face, ears and forearms.

Keratomas initially measure from 1 mm to 2 cm, but over time they increase in size and darken. Their structure is similar to warts, which can begin to bleed even with minor damage. In some cases, the disease is accompanied by discomfort and itching.

Medical treatment

Most often, seborrheic keratosis of the skin requires treatment only if the growths interfere from an aesthetic point of view or are systematically exposed to trauma, as this can lead to infection. Keratoma treatment is carried out in almost all cosmetology clinics. There are several methods that help get rid of unwanted formations:

Electrocoagulation. Cauterization of the affected areas with current is performed using an electric scalpel. After the procedure, small scars may remain, especially if the tumor was large. But a significant advantage of electrocoagulation is that the removed tissue, if necessary, can be sent for additional analysis. Removal with liquid nitrogen. Cryotherapy allows you to painlessly get rid of small growths. Laser therapy. This is an affordable way to combat various skin defects. During laser treatment, healthy tissue is not affected, and the wound heals quickly. This procedure is absolutely painless and the risk of scarring is minimal. Advice: do not mask keratomas with a thick layer of powder or foundation. Decorative cosmetics can have a negative impact on the condition of neoplasms. There are several more radical methods for removing seborrheic warts, for example, surgical excision with a scalpel, chemical and radio wave methods. However, today they are used much less frequently for a number of reasons: high cost, duration of the procedure and scar formation. As for conservative methods, for seborrheic keratosis, treatment with medications usually does not bring the desired result. Although it is still possible to slow down or stop the growth of tumors. To prevent the disease, long-term intake of vitamin C in large doses is prescribed. In addition, since, according to some data, exposure to solar radiation plays a certain role in the development of the disease, it is recommended to limit the time spent in the sun to prevent the spread of growths.

Folk remedies for treating seborrheic keratosis

If the disease does not cause discomfort and the tumors do not bother you, then you can try treatment at home. There are many simple and accessible recipes in the arsenal of traditional medicine, but you need to remember that the result depends on the degree of neglect of the disease, the individual characteristics of the body and compliance with a number of rules, including systematic treatment of the affected areas of the skin and following recommendations regarding the duration of treatment.

Advice: Since seborrheic keratosis of the skin is associated with the aging process, it is advisable to provide a comprehensive effect on the body. For example, your diet should contain a lot of yellow vegetables and fruits: potatoes, lemons, bananas, yellow apples, tomatoes and peppers. It is worth eating more buckwheat, as well as legumes. Vitamin P also saves from premature aging. 1. Aloe. It is necessary to cut off the lower, thickest leaves of the plant, remove the thorns and treat with boiling water. Wrap the scalded sheets in gauze and place in the freezer for 3 days. Then defrost and cut into thin slices that can be applied to the affected areas. In this case, it is advisable to cover them with cling film and wrap a bandage on top. For convenience, it is recommended to apply the compress at night and treat the skin with salicylic alcohol in the morning. 2. Propolis. Roll out the leaf very thinly and apply to the keratomas. Secure with a bandage and leave for 4-5 days. Repeat the procedure 3 more times, changing the bandage. 3. Onion peel. Wash, scald and dry the dry onion skins. After that, pour it with 6% table vinegar (spoons of husk per glass of vinegar). Leave in a dark, warm place for 2 weeks. Then strain the tincture and use for compresses. First, compresses are made for 20-30 minutes, then the duration of the procedure is increased to 2-3 hours. 4. Yeast. After the yeast dough rises, you need to make a small cake and apply it to the affected area. After a few hours, remove the compress and rinse the skin with warm water. Symptoms of the disease will begin to disappear after 5-7 days. 5. Buckwheat. You can treat keratomas with buckwheat decoction: a tablespoon of cereal per 200 ml of water. The prognosis for seborrheic keratosis is favorable. But when self-medicating, it is worth remembering possible complications, and abuse of folk remedies and vitamins can aggravate the situation, so before treatment it is strongly recommended to visit a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. Previously, experts told how to stop skin cancer at the initial stage.

Thickening of the stratum corneum of the epidermis is the first factor in seborrheic keratosis. It refers to a dermatological disease that occurs in people after 50 years of age. The most common type of keratosis is seborrheic keratosis. It develops in people who have crossed the 40-year age threshold.

Seborrheic keratosis usually develops after age 40

Senile keratosis, senile warts and actinic keratosis are common names for seborrheic keratosis. Over time, the tumor changes and takes on different shapes and colors. But it doesn’t go away on its own. This type of skin disease progresses for decades.

Causes of the disease

Keratomas are benign neoplasms. Manifest as single or multiple lesions. Doctors say that age-related keratomas rarely degenerate into malignant neoplasms. The basic prerequisites for the occurrence of keratomas have not been thoroughly established.

Viral etiology and ultraviolet radiation are factors that have not been confirmed. The idea that people whose diet contains insufficient vitamins, vegetable oils or excess animal fats are more likely to develop the disease has also not been confirmed.

Seborrheic keratosis occurs in people whose relatives have suffered from the disease. Based on this, there is an assumption of heredity. The disease develops due to age-related aging of the skin and is provoked by various factors:

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays.
Permanent skin damage.
Exposure to chemical aerosols.
Chronic diseases associated with the endocrine system.
Pregnancy.
Hormone intake and immune disorders.
Heredity.

Chemical aerosols increase the risk of developing keratoses

Why is keratosis dangerous?

Seborrheic keratosis or senile warts are a benign neoplasm. But there is a connection with skin cancers:

A large amount of seborrheic keratosis may indicate the presence of oncology of internal organs.
A malignant tumor is very similar in appearance to a keratosis lesion. Without histology analysis it is quite difficult to recognize it.
Cancer cells are able to develop between the cells of the keratoma.

Studies have shown that 10% of 100% of patients with keratoma have skin cancer of various forms.

Symptoms

Seborrheic keratosis or senile warts are localized on:

back and back along the entire surface of the forearm;
anterior surface of the chest;
on the head mainly in the hair part;
on the neck and face;
on the genitals.

Seborrheic warts (senile warts) reach sizes of 1 mm - 6 cm and have an oval or round shape. The appearance of senile warts is accompanied by itching. Their color changes and can be yellow, black, pink, brown.

The surface part resembles a flaky wart, which is covered with a thin layer of film. With minor mechanical damage it begins to bleed.

After some time, black dots and warts are observed and thicken. The size of a senile wart reaches 2 cm. The edges of the keratoma may have a jagged, pointed or convex appearance.

Keratosis is often located on the scalp

Existing forms of seborrheic keratosis

Keratosis is divided into forms:

Flat – slightly elevated above the surface of the skin.
Irritated - the upper layer of the dermis and the inner part of the tumor contains an accumulation of lymphocytes. This species is determined under a microscope during histological analysis.
Reticular form - thin compounds of epithelial pigment cells.
The wart-like form of seborrheic keratosis or clear cell melanoacanthoma is a fairly rare form that is characterized by a warty, round surface. This form affects the lower extremities.
Lichenoid keratosis is characterized as a tumor with an inflammatory process. Such modifications resemble lichen planus, mycosis fungoides, and lupus erythematosus.
Clonal keratosis. Occurs mainly in old age.
Keratotic papilloma. It is small in size, consists of part of the epidermis and cystic formations of horn cells.
Cutaneous horn is a very rare form that can develop into a cancerous tumor. Occurs in people over 60 years of age. It has a cylindrical shape that protrudes above the surface of the skin.

This type of keratosis occurs in 2 forms - primary and secondary. The nature of the emergence of the primary form is not known in detail; it arises without cause. Secondary form – dangerous degeneration into skin cancer. This can happen due to minor mechanical damage to the skin or a viral infection.

The cutaneous horn is one of the most dangerous formations

Treatment

Patients with seborrheic keratosis rarely seek help from doctors, taking advantage of the fact that the manifestations of the disease can be hidden under clothing. But some formations can itch, bleed and grow rapidly. In such a situation, the help of a doctor is simply necessary.

The course of the disease can be complicated by the inflammatory process and other unpleasant sensations that cause discomfort to the person. Also, medical care is necessary for people whose senile warts are in a visible place or receive mechanical damage from clothing or jewelry.

To radically eliminate the problem - seborrheic keratosis, you can perform cryodestruction. This therapy is carried out quickly and is accessible to almost all segments of the population.

The essence of therapy is to freeze formations, but no more than 1 mm. This therapy is suitable for the treatment of multiple keratomas. After cryodestruction of the keratoma, incomplete scarring of the skin occurs.

Seborrhea can also be treated with laser. The procedure is carried out without bruising or pain. It is used to remove warts on the neck and face. Sometimes a chemical removal method is used. But it is rarely used, since it is the one that can lead to scarring. To prevent the appearance of such formations and slow down the growth of existing ones, the doctor prescribes a complex of vitamins.

When you consume vitamin C up to 4 grams per day, the positive effect will not take long to appear. Therapy lasts up to 3 months, after a break. Vitamin C should be taken only in dosages prescribed by your doctor.

Cryodestruction of keratosis eliminates the problem, but leaves scars

Traditional methods

Treatment can be carried out using folk and well-known remedies. They are used not only locally, but also for a general strengthening effect. Treatment with folk remedies is one of the best ways. Let's highlight the most effective of them.

One of these remedies for getting rid of keratomas is aloe. It is used as a home method. The aloe leaf is cut lengthwise and the pulp is applied to the affected areas. The surface is fixed with a bandage, polyethylene on top and left overnight. In the morning, you need to remove the compress and lubricate the wounds with salicylic alcohol.
Propolis is a remedy that is used at home. Thin sheets of propolis are placed on the affected areas and secured with bandages. This compress is worn for 5 days. All folk methods give a positive effect. But it is worth remembering that keratosis cannot be completely cured.
Birch buds can be used in treatment. They are filled with medical alcohol in the proportion: 100 grams of buds per 100 grams of 70% alcohol. I lubricate the affected area with the resulting tincture 3 times a day. Course duration is 30 days. The main condition when using this method is complete protection of the skin from the sun's rays.
Bay leaf is used only for keratomas that cause pain. It is crushed and combined with homemade butter. The butter should not be salted. The course lasts 21 days, the keratoma is lubricated with the mixture 3 times a day.

It should be remembered that self-treatment does not always produce positive results. Only a doctor will help diagnose the disease and prescribe therapy. The duration of treatment and the result will depend on the prescribed therapy, but treatment of keratosis may not always be required. If it does not cause discomfort and there are no inflammatory processes.