Seborrheic keratosis of the skin: treatment, prognosis, symptoms and possible causes

Keratosis is a pathological change in the stratum corneum of the skin, in which its regeneration is impaired. It becomes thicker, since 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 of multi-colored spots on the skin surface that rise above it or remain flat. Over time, the shade and shape of the neoplasms changes, but they do not disappear on their own. Pathology affects more often elderly people, since their regeneration of the stratum corneum of the skin slows down.

Keratomas are localized on various parts of the body: head, back, limbs. The growth can be single, but there are cases when the patient has an accumulation of formations. ICD-10 seborrheic keratosis (International Classification of Diseases of the 10th Revision) has the code L82. Pathology develops over the years, but under adverse conditions, growths are able to degenerate into malignant formations. Often in elderly patients, seborrheic keratosis of the head is detected.

Reasons for the appearance

The exact causes of seborrheic keratosis are not known until now. However, experts identified negative factors that trigger the pathological mechanism:

• Heredity. Most often, the pathology is transmitted along the female line.
• Predisposition to the development of oily seborrhea (on the scalp).
• Excessive exposure to the skin in direct sunlight, chemicals. The epidermis becomes thinner, cells begin to form incorrectly, and it becomes vulnerable to the effects of negative external factors.
• The lack of vitamins and minerals in the body, as well as the consumption of a large amount 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 drugs.
• Pathological changes in skin tissues of an unknown nature.

Sometimes seborrheic keratosis is difficult to distinguish from other pathologies, so the diagnosis should be differential so as not to miss the development of the malignant process.

Symptoms of keratosis

Keratosis is characterized by certain symptoms that cause physiological and psychological discomfort. The presented pathology has such signs:

• The presence of small spots, which in the first stages do not rise above the skin.
• A gradual change in the shade of the neoplasm.
• The loose structure of keratoma, while its upper part exfoliates.
• Pain syndrome with trauma to the formation of a piece of clothing.

It is dangerous if keratoma rises significantly 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 must be treated correctly and on time. But before that, it is important to find out what form the neoplasm belongs to:

1. Flat. Its feature is that it consists of unchanged pathological cells.
2. Reticular The basis of education is the connection of epithelial cells.
3. 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. For this type of pathology, extensive rashes are characteristic.
4. Clonial. The presence of this type of neoplasm is characteristic of elderly patients.
5. Annoyed. In the internal and external parts of keratoma, a large number of leukocytes is present. This type of neoplasm can be determined using histological analysis.
6. Follicular (inverted). It is characterized by a small amount of pigment.
7. Warty. It has a rounded shape. It is found on the lower extremities, and is rare.
8. Lichenoid. Neoplasm is accompanied by an inflammatory process. In appearance, it resembles lupus erythematosus, lichen planus.
9. Horny. It occurs very rarely, but it is dangerous in that it can degenerate into a malignant tumor. There is such a keratoma in people over 60 years old.

Depending on the type of disease, treatment for seborrheic keratosis of the skin is prescribed. It will not work out on his own.

Diagnostic Features

Before starting treatment for seborrheic keratosis, you need to 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 quickly, then the specialist will prescribe a histological examination of his tissues, as well as a biopsy. Such a diagnosis will help distinguish keratoma from a malignant tumor or other skin pathologies.

What is the danger of the disease

Seborrheic keratosis of the skin is dangerous because tumors can quickly develop into a malignant tumor. At the same time, their appearance does not practically change, so you can skip the time favorable for treatment. The most dangerous is the development of malignant cells under keratoma. In this case, cancer is detected in the late stages, when metastases are already present in the body. A large number of keratomas can also indicate the presence of an oncological process. Moreover, any internal organ can be affected.

Developmental stages

Seborrheic keratosis of the skin develops in several stages:

1. First one. Dark spots appear on the surface of the skin. At this stage, they are located, not rising. Over time, the spots merge. More often they are localized on the closed parts of the body.
2. The second one. 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.
3. The third. At this stage, a keratoma that is similar to beans is directly formed. The color of the tumor changes - it becomes darker. When you try to scrape off the scales on the skin, bleeding wounds appear.

Seborrheic keratosis in children appears extremely rarely. The neoplasm is growing slowly.

Therapy Features

Medication for seborrheic keratosis of the skin is not effective. In most cases, patients do not seek help from specialists, since pathology does not bother them. However, you should go to the doctor if:

• Ulcers, suppurations, wounds appeared on the damaged skin.
• A person experiences severe itching or pain.
• The neoplasm began to increase in size.
• Keratoma appeared in an open area of ​​the body and is a cosmetic defect.
• Keratoma is constantly amenable to injury by clothing.

The most effective method of therapy is the removal of neoplasms. For this, the following methods are used:

1. Laser burning. This method is affordable, safe and effective. For the procedure, a special apparatus is required, with which damaged tissues simply evaporate. The advantage of the procedure is that after it there are practically no scars.
2. Removal by radio waves. The presented operation has a considerable cost. A directed beam of radio waves is used to remove seborrheic keratosis. For the procedure, pain relief is necessary.
3. Cryodestruction. In this case, liquid nitrogen is used to eliminate neoplasms. After processing, the keratoma dies and falls off. After the operation, a large bladder appears in the damaged area, which cannot be eliminated independently. During the recovery period, he himself opens, and under it you can see healthy skin.
4. Cauterization by electric shock. Intervention is performed using a special electrosurgical unit. For such a procedure, you need to choose a clinic with a good reputation and an experienced surgeon. After keratoma is removed, sutures are applied to the wound. The disadvantage of this procedure is its high degree of trauma and an increase in the recovery period.
5. Chemical removal. It is produced using caustic substances that are applied to keratoma. Such a procedure is used extremely rarely, as it is able to give complications and leave deep scars.
6. Mechanical removal using curettage. Such a grinding process is only suitable for flat tumors that do not rise above the surface of the skin.

With seborrheic keratosis, ointments are used only during the recovery period. Tissues after surgery are regenerated quite quickly, but during this period, special hygiene rules must be followed and drugs used to prevent infection of the wound.

After keratoma removal, the wound should be washed with special medication solutions that have an antiseptic effect: Chlorhexin, Belasept. After this, seborrheic keratosis is treated with ointments with an antimicrobial effect. A dressing is applied immediately after the procedure. It is necessary to ensure that no dirt gets into the operated place.

In order for the wound to heal faster, in the menu you need to include vegetables, fruits, as well as other products, which contain a lot of vitamin C.

Alternative treatment of pathology

Alternative treatment for seborrheic keratosis can also be effective, but it should be long and constant. Recipes of funds must be agreed with a dermatologist.

Such recipes will be useful:

1. Vegetable oil. Before use, the product is boiled. Chilled 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 a month. Along with sunflower oil, it is allowed to use sea buckthorn or castor oil.
2. Garlic. To prepare the product, you need a head of garlic, which you need to chop and mix with 3 tsp. honey. The mixture should be warm when used. Treatment of neoplasms is performed three times a day.
3. Raw potatoes. The vegetable is ground on a grater, after which a compress is applied to the affected areas of the skin. You need to keep it for at least an hour.
4. Pure propolis. It is applied in a thin layer to spots and neoplasms. On top of the treated skin is covered with gauze. The compress lasts 5 days.
5. 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 dense tissue and placed in the freezer. After 3 days, the sheets are cut with plates of small thickness. The plant must be used for compresses. They should be applied at night. After the sheet is removed, it is necessary to wipe the skin with an alcohol solution.
6. Onion peel. The raw material is poured with a glass of vinegar and infused for 2 weeks in a dark place. After this, the mixture is filtered and applied to keratomas for half an hour.
7. Apple vinegar. On its basis, therapeutic lotions are made. Apply gauze with liquid to the affected area up to 6 times a day. Therapy is carried out until complete cure.
8. Burdock. It takes 20 g of raw materials and 200 ml of boiling water. Burdock is filled with liquid and infused for 2-3 hours. A solution for compresses is used.
9. Yeast. Based on them, the dough is being prepared. After it rises, it is necessary to make a cake and fix it on the tumor. The compress is removed after 1.5-2 hours, after which the skin needs to be washed with warm water. The procedure should be repeated daily until the keratoma leaves.
10. Celandine and pork fat. Both components are mixed and applied to the skin up to 4 times a day. Store this ointment in the refrigerator.
11. Red beet gruel. It should be fixed on the keratoma for 4 hours. The procedure is repeated every day.

Folk remedies are an effective method of combating pathology, but they should not be used independently. First you need to make sure that there is no malignant process. Self-medication can only aggravate the condition of the skin.

Preventative measures

Since it is difficult to treat seborrheic keratosis, it is better not to allow its development at all. For this, it is worth observing such preventive measures:

• Eat right, including those foods in the diet that contain a large amount of vitamins and minerals. Fatty foods are best eliminated or limited.
• Use moisturizing lotions or body 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.
• Stop smoking, as well as alcohol abuse.
• Stabilize the 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 do not hesitate to visit a doctor.