What Is An Actinic Keratosis?
The three forms of keratosis are seborrheic keratosis, keratosis pilaris, and actinic keratosis. Among these three types, the most common is actinic keratosis. Neglecting actinic keratosis may in the worst cases result in having skin cancer.
The skin’s outermost layer known as the epidermis is where one may see actinic keratosis (also known as solar keratosis). The formation of actinic keratosis is described by abnormal keratinocytes. Since it is a precancerous skin condition, actinic keratosis may develop into squamous cell carcinoma or other worse conditions. It is essential to be vigilant because some cases of actinic keratosis can detect other skin cancers.
Candidates of this skin condition are older men and those who are fair-skinned. However, there are cases in which the first signs of actinic keratosis are seen during the early thirties. As a general rule, actinic keratosis is especially perceptible to affect those who are frequently exposed to the sun. The growth can be present on different parts of the body specifically on those areas that are highly exposed to the sun such as the face, the forearms, the backs of the hands, the legs, and even the neck. Men who are bald are at risk of developing growths on the scalp as well as the ears and on the lips.
Initial actinic keratosis is often detected by means of feeling the skin. The small parts are normally rough and light brown. The growth turns to be reddish or pink as it enlarges. The typical size of a lesion is from one millimeter to two centimeters. The development of the growth can thicken in some cases.
There are two primary causes of actinic keratosis:
Exposure to cancer-triggering factors is the first basic cause of actinic keratosis. Being frequently exposed to the sun may be the reason why actinic keratosis is present. This skin condition correlates itself to the overall exposure to sun during the lifetime of the affected individual. When one is always under the sun, he is likely to be exposed to the ultraviolet light from the sun which is carcinogenic. The chances of having cancer of the skin are increased in those who are exposed to certain chemicals. One example is arsenic. Another thing that causes increased chance of developing skin cancer is ionizing radiation such as radiotherapy.
The other primary cause of actinic keratosis is genetics. There are cases wherein genetic syndromes cause skin cancers to build up although it is extremely rare.
Actinic keratosis may be present on your body, so it is critical to always check your body. When in doubt, turn to your doctors surgery for a consultation about your skin condition.
Keratosis Treatment - Liquid Nitrogen
According to reliable studies, cryosurgery follows surgical procedures in the ranking of treatments most frequently administered to remove skin lesions due to its availability in the doctor’s office.
To remove unwanted types of skin lesions for example warts, actinic and seborrheic keratosis, cryotherapy uses extreme cold to freeze the lesions, which then dry and flake off from the skin. Due to unsuccessful trials in removing deeper and thicker lesions, this regimen is carried out only for superficial or flat lesions.
Now, let us try to comprehend the mechanism of cryotherapy! At the site of the injury, such as where the skin lesions can be found, cryotherapy constricts the blood vessels, including the arteries and the veins. The site then receives lessened blood flow due to this process, commonly referred to health professionals as vasoconstriction. In the absence of adequate blood supply, nutrients such as oxygen, which are very much needed by the cells, will not reach them. This finally results to necrosis or cell death on the lesions.
Liquid nitrogen, carbon dioxide snow and DMEP or dimethyl ether and propane, are some of the chemicals used to generate extremely cold temperatures which are termed as cryogens. The cryogen that physicians most commonly use is liquid nitrogen due to its low boiling point and therefore, its efficiency in freezing off lesions.
The first stage of the treatment is when liquid nitrogen is directly applied on the client’s lesion using a Q-tip, a spraygun or a probe. In the span of a minute, heat from the skin transferring to the liquid nitrogen makes it disappear instantly. Thawing of the skin lesions then follows this short freezing time. This is the time that the actual cell injury starts to occur – when the intracellular contents begin to leak out. To conclude the process, the client’s skin will demonstrate signs of inflammation – redness, swelling, pain and warmth – signaling the cells’ decompensation.
Cryotherapy, in general, is safe when administered correctly. But complications are always a part of any procedure, be them low-risk or high-risk. One of these is hypopigmentation, or the loss of skin color due to a reduction in melanin production, which is the result of deep or prolonged freezing by the liquid nitrogen.
Although not listed as a hazardous material under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, liquid nitrogen is considered a highly dangerous chemical because any direct contact with it, especially prolonged contact, will result in rapid freezing and eventual tissue damage. People are exposed to liquid nitrogen either through inhalation or through direct contact. Inhalation exposure is viewed to be critical only if a vast amount of liquid nitrogen, reducing the oxygen levels in the air, is spilled. In order to avoid accidental exposure to liquid nitrogen, strict adherence to safety protocols, particularly in its transportation, must be observed.
When transferring liquid nitrogen into smaller containers, it can splash into the direction of the eyes causing injury such as a cryogenic burn. The skin can also be accidentally exposed to liquid nitrogen.
Therefore, for both the medical practitioners and the laypersons alike: practice utmost safety when handling liquid nitrogen. Goggles, face shields, masks, gloves, aprons and other encapsulating suits should always be your first line of defense from liquid nitrogen. When leaks are inevitable, remove anyone unprotected from possible exposure. In cases of direct contact, soak the skin in water that has a temperature of 41-46 degrees Celsius then consult a doctor.
Actinic & Seborrheic Keratosis Treatment Options
Keratosis is a skin condition caused by excessive keratin on skin. Keratin is the main component of human hair and fingernail and toenails. Excessive amounts of this can be bad for the skin. There are many types of keratoses, each varying in nature and causes.
Actinic Keratosis
Actinic keratosis also goes by the name solar keratosis and senile keratosis. AK is said to be caused by too much exposure to the sun’s UV radiation and is associated with old age, thus it is sometimes called solar keratosis or senile keratosis. Squamous cell carcinoma can be derived from lesions brought about by actinic keratosis. Actinic keratosis are wart like growths which is rough, scaly but non viral. Actinic keratosis must be removed right away to prevent it to developing into cancer.
Actinic Keratosis Treatments
The good news is that there is a wide range of medication available for actinic keratosis. It could be surgical or non surgical. Laser treatments, cryotherapy and electrocautery are some of the surgical treatments presented for actinic keratosis. These kinds of surgery are recommended for severe cases. There are also non surgical treatments, you only need to apply some sort of creams.
Imiquimod, popularly by the trade names Aldara and Beselna can treat actinic keratosis. It’s under the immune response modifier kind of drugs. A doctor’s prescription is needed to acquire the drug. The skin could look unsightly during treatments and major discomforts could be experienced. But the result after the treatment is satisfying.
5-flourouracil is the standard name for drugs such as Carac. The drug is a topical cream also used for chemotherapy. Application of the cream with fingers is recommended instead of metal applicators. Swelling, pain and itching can happen on the treated area. In rare chances, discoloration of the skin and scars can occur. But these are just experienced during treatment. Prior to the use of the drug, you must let your doctor know if you are taking any forms of medicine. Fluorouracil can have adverse effects on a pregnant or lactating woman, so it must be avoided. You should limit sun exposure plus the use of sunscreens when using Efudex.
A medical recommendation is necessary before you go through any sort of treatment.
Seborrheic Keratosis
Seborrheic keratosis resembles actinic keratosis, but in this case, it has waxy or greasy characteristics. An SK is also not as dangerous as an AK since it is noncancerous. Keratinocytes on the upper layer of the epidermis are liable for this. They also resemble warts because of its pasted on appearance and sometimes associated with old age, thus it is also referred to as the barnacles of old age. The main reason it occurs is still unidentified.
Seborrheic Keratosis Treatments
Treatments for actinic keratosis can also be employed for seborrheic keratosis such as cryosurgery, laser and electrocautery. Electodessication and curettage is used for cases that are big enough. A scalpel is used in place of a curette in a process called surgical excision.
If you already have these skin diseases healed, then you must take care of your skin in future. Keratoses can become worse if not taken care of accordingly. You should always see a skin specialist who will advise the best form of keratosis treatment for you.
Actinic Keratosis And Its Implications
Actinic keratosis is a kind of pathologic condition that is identified by patches or bumps that are usually flat and raised, scaly, thick, or crusty. Other terms used to refer to this condition are senile keratosis and solar keratosis. It is commonly known as sun spot or precancerous spot. This is commonly called as “AK” by dermatologists Its measure ranges from that of a pinhead up to more than an inch across. Its color may be light or dark, pink, red, tan, or a combination of these colors.
Actinic keratosis can be easily recognized by touching it rather than seeing it. The scale or the crust is horn-like, dry and rough. A scorching sharp pain can be sensed most of the time. An individual can experience itchiness most especially after being exposed in the sun. Many actinic keratoses are more likely to appear in cluster in areas that are most likely to be exposed in the sun. Most common areas are backs of hands, lips, face, ears, neck, foreams, and scalp that is bald.
Considering that it may be a sign of skin cancer development, this condition is said to be harmful. Granting that there is early cancer detection and medical assistance is undergone, this cannot be threatening to one’s life. Without needed medical attention, actinic keratoses are most likely to grow bigger and invade the surrounding tissues as the infection worsens.
Damage coming from the sun to the skin can be collected over time. One thing to consider is the bouncing off of ultraviolet on surfaces that reflect. Those who have fair skins are most likely to have this kind of skin condition. Likewise, People who have red or blonde hair, and those who have blue, green, or gray eyes are responsive to this condition. This is so because they have lesser pigments that protect their skins that are repulsive to sunburn. Dark-colored skins may likewise be affected by this condition.
Handful kinds of treatments can be pondered over for the treatment of actinic keratosis. Nevertheless, not all actinic keratosis necessitates removal. One of the most typical treatment is called cryosurgery. This is done through application of liquid nitrogen which in turn freezes off lesions. Utilized here is an applicator with a cottop tip or a special spray device.
If there are many lesions, an effective treatment is through applying keratosis removal cream. Chemical peels and curettage are other ways that can be thought of for the treatment.
To sum it all up, it is highly advised by many skin doctors to seek them first if you want to learn more regarding this condition.
Be Careful About Precancerous Actinic Keratosis
Skin cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed of all cancers, exceeding even colorectal, prostate, breast, and lung cancer. Skin cancer is the most prevalent cancer in the population’s 20 – 39 age bracket. Unknown to by many, actinic keratosis is precancerous and has been confirmed to potentially progress into squamous cell carcinoma, a skin cancer. Studies prove that actinic keratosis lesions have a 20% possibility of becoming cancerous unless given attention.
Otherwise known as solar keratosis or senile keratosis, actinic keratosis often appears as small, rough patches of skin that are 2-6 mm each in diameter. Often painful as well as sore, the actinic keratoses are colored red. On several occasions, the lesions are covered with yellowish scales that can also appear as white.
Research studies have proven that actinic keratosis may lead to skin cancer which makes it a risky skin condition.
Over exposure to the sun’s rays is the principal cause of solar keratosis, especially if you stay outside for a very long time under the sun. Fair-skinned individuals are more at risk with regards to this skin condition, especially when they go outside without protection from the sun.
Actinic keratosis commonly afflicts the forearms as well as upper part of the hands the most often. This is because these parts are often the most exposed to the sun. The face, scalp, and nape are also major places for the actinic keratosis lesions to appear. For some, even their legs get affected with the skin condition.
It is highly advised that lesions from actinic keratosis be immediately removed once diagnosed. Upon seeing such reddish lesions, visit your dermatologist as soon as possible. Have the doctor determine if the patches of reddish skin are precancerous. Once the dermatologist diagnoses your lesions as those caused by actinic keratosis, it is time to move quickly. When it comes to cancer, time is of the essence. The sooner that the cancer is treated, the better the chances are of you being healed.
Usage of creams is done by some for actinic keratosis treatment. Photodynamic creams or those that come with imiquimod, diclofenac, or 5-fluorouracil are applied in skin therapy to treat actinic keratosis. One more method is by the application of lasers. Cryosurgery is another choice while the burning/cutting of the keratoses is another.
Regardless of the type of treatment you use for your actinic keratosis, make sure that your doctor may be relied upon as well as is competent. Such precancerous lesions may be your end if you are not serious with your treatment.