Hyperkeratosis seborrheic keratosis. What is seborrheic keratosis of the skin: symptoms and how to treat the disease

Seborrheic keratosis of the skin, senile moles or warts are the names of a skin disease from the group of keratoses, which are characterized by coarsening and thickening of the stratum corneum with the formation of convex elements that look very similar to ordinary warts, papillomas or other skin growths. Such similarities make diagnosis difficult, so visiting a doctor becomes a necessity.

What is seborrheic keratosis

With age, and this can happen after 40 years, various neoplasms begin to appear on the skin. Their nature may be different, but they all cause anxiety to a person. This is not only about aesthetic perception - brown growths on the skin of the elderly can be dangerous due to their degeneration into malignant tumors.

Seborrheic keratoses are benign neoplasms that develop in the upper layers of the skin and come in various shapes and sizes. They can be painted in various colors. Most often, when these skin outgrowths appear, they are small and light, pink, flesh-colored, yellowish, then with age they grow and acquire a different color, becoming brown, burgundy, with dark, sometimes completely black inclusions.

Keratosis has a specific structure that closely resembles a cluster of small warts with a flaky, irritated surface. When injured, and sometimes even when touched lightly, the surface of the keratoma may begin to actively bleed.

The disease tends to progress, and formations tend to grow. Anyone who wants to know how to treat seborrheic keratosis, should know that the sooner they seek medical help, the greater the chance of reducing the harm from the disease.

Important! There is no hope that when taking the medicine, keratomas will disappear on their own. Senile warts do not go away on their own and there is no single drug to combat them.

Causes of seborrheic keratosis and factors predisposing to its appearance

The real reason why senile warts appear is currently unknown. Numerous theories have been put forward, claiming many versions of the origin of this disease, but none at the moment has solid scientific evidence.

The reasons for the appearance of neoplasms include the following:

• Viral nature, like papilloma.
• Heredity, that is, genetic predisposition. The assumption is partially confirmed by the presence of keratomas in a group of people related by family relationships.
• Lack of vitamins and vegetable fats in food with an excess of animal fats. There is no evidence for this theory.
• Excessive solar exposure.
• Severe mechanical and chemical damage to the skin.
• Chronic endocrine diseases.
• Taking hormonal drugs, especially those containing estrogens.
• Pregnancy.

The number of reasons that can be attributed to triggers for the development of senile keratosis is enormous, but scientists have not yet identified the real reason for its appearance. Since keratosis appears on the face and other parts of the body, open or covered by clothing, it cannot be unequivocally stated that it occurs only under the influence of negative environmental influences.

The dangers of seborrheic keratosis

This disease not only disfigures a person’s appearance. It poses a potential threat in two main ways:

Senile warts, in rare cases, can still develop into malignant tumors. The most unpleasant thing is that it is extremely difficult to recognize cancer in them. The thing is that cancer cells can be located inside the tumor, camouflaging among its cells. To determine the malignancy or benignity of a tumor, histological diagnosis is necessary. It is believed that about 10% of all keratomas may contain cancer cells.

Seborrheic keratosis poses a threat of inflammation and infection in the body. Particularly dangerous are voluminous, convex formations with a loose structure in places where they are very easy to damage, for example, keratosis on the legs, face, scalp, torso. Keratosis of the heels is rare, since these tumors least like the surfaces of the palms and feet, however, it can cause the patient to be unable to wear normal shoes.

Trauma to the tumor can not only cause bleeding and lead to infection of the formation with very dangerous consequences up to sepsis. Any mechanical influence can become a stimulus for the active growth of the keratoma and its proliferation.

Description and symptoms of the disease

An unpleasant light or black formation on the skin can be single or appear in large numbers. The location of keratomas varies. They most often “settle” on the back, upper chest, face, under the hair on the scalp, neck, arms (back), forearms and genital area. Senile warts have different shapes, but the most common are round and oval growths. All of them are convex, usually have fairly smooth and clear boundaries. The sites where keratomas form can be very itchy.

The sizes of tumors can vary - from 2 mm to 6 cm in diameter. Their structure is soft, the same as that of the surrounding skin. With age and with constant injury, they become covered with a crust, which peels off and thickens. The boundaries of keratomas may change and become uneven, and multiple formations may merge into keratome plaques.

The main symptoms of the disease are similar to many other processes in which skin growths appear. To distinguish senile moles or papillomas, other neoplasms and prescribe correct treatment, it is necessary to carry out an accurate diagnosis, and this can only be done in a medical institution.

Diagnosis of keratosis

The most unwise and dangerous thing a person can do is try to diagnose themselves without having a specialized education. The thing is that by appearance it is not always possible to firmly conclude that the patient has senile keratomas on the body, and not some neoplasms similar in appearance.

Even a dermatologist, who has extensive experience and knows very well how to treat keratosis of the skin and instantly recognizes them, will not be able to say offhand whether the existing tumor is dangerous for degeneration or not. To accurately diagnose a specific tumor and exclude the presence of cancer cells, a histological examination is necessary. Only she will give a complete and comprehensive answer.

Important! Do not try to get rid of keratomas on your own without first checking them with a specialist. Any aggressive impact, be it mechanical or chemical, can lead to rapid tumor growth and its rapid degeneration into a malignant neoplasm.

Classification and characteristics of forms of keratosis

The division into forms and classification of keratosis is quite complex and largely arbitrary, since in most of these formations several forms of the disease can be simultaneously detected. According to the condition, the following types of seborrheic keratosis can be distinguished:

1. Hyperkeratotic, or irritated. Histology reveals a significant number of lymphocytes in the formation itself and in nearby layers of skin, indicating the presence of an inflammatory process.
2. Acanthotic, or flat. This senile keratoma is more similar to a common wart than other types. It is flat, can be the same color as the skin, with a fairly smooth and even surface.
3. Reticular or adenoid. It is a network of horny cells, the cavities between which can be filled with cysts.
4. Lichenoid. Outwardly, it resembles lichen or skin rashes associated with systemic lupus erythematosus.
5. Clonal. Very similar to epithelioma (a benign tumor that develops from epidermal cells). This type of keratosis is most often characteristic of very elderly people and is found on their lower limbs.
6. Clear cell melanoacanthoma. This complex name hides a rare form of the disease, represented by dark plaques with clear edges, found mainly on the legs of old people.
7. Keratopapilloma, keratotic papilloma or benign squamous cell keratosis. Formation of small sizes from epidermal cells and horny cysts.
8. Follicular. This type of keratosis occurs around the hair follicle as a small lump, sometimes accompanied by redness.
9. "Dermal horn." This is a rather rare neoplasm in the shape of a cylinder or cone, which can reach significant sizes. There is a primary “skin horn”, which appears for unknown reasons, and a secondary one, caused by an aggressive effect on an existing tumor focus. It is believed that the secondary “skin horn” is the most dangerous with the risk of changes towards the development of oncology.

It is clear that with such a variety of forms, seborrheic warts can only be classified and accurately diagnosed by an experienced specialist in this field. That is why it is strongly recommended not to risk your health, and possibly your life, by consulting a dermatologist at the slightest symptoms of the disease. Treatment with “grandmothers”, folk remedies, herbs and cauterizations, at best, will forever leave indelible marks on the skin, and at worst, it will lead to a hospital bed with life-threatening consequences.

1. Photo of follicular hyperkeratosis
2. Photo of seborrheic keratosis ahyperkeratotic

Treatment of seborrheic keratosis is required only in cases where the neoplasm threatens the health and life of the patient due to the risk of degeneration and development of an oncological tumor process. Keratomas are also removed in situations where the formation is located on the face or other open parts of the body and disfigures the patient’s appearance. Another reason to remove a senile wart is its constant injury and the risk of infection.

A dermatologist may recommend using a cream for keratosis if the formations are small or isolated. Good care using creams and ointments containing retinoids, sulfur and salicylic acid can smooth out the bulge of the keratoma and make it almost invisible or lead to the complete disappearance of the tumor. But this method will be effective only if the wart is small in size and if its safety in terms of degeneration is confirmed.

Medications are not used for the treatment of senile seborrheic dermatosis, but there is evidence of the positive effect of large doses of ascorbic acid with long-term (up to 2 months) use of the drug.

Important! Treating seborrheic keratoma at home can be very risky, especially if harsh mechanical or aggressive chemical treatments are used. This can lead to tumor growth or even cancer.

If the disease causes moral and physical suffering to the patient, you can resort to the following methods of removing formations:

1. Cryodestruction, or freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen. A somewhat outdated technique.
2. Electrocoagulation. The method is applicable only to not too large formations.
3. Curettage. This mechanical method of tumor removal is most often used for small tumors, usually after preliminary freezing or electric shock.
4. The most effective and radical method At the moment, laser removal of keratoma is performed. It is quick, virtually painless and leaves minimal marks on the skin.
5. The doctor chooses the method of exposure based on the number and size of keratomas, their condition and location on the body.

Like any other disease, it is easiest to treat senile seborrheic keratosis at the very beginning of the disease, while the tumors are minimal in size and limited, often single in number. Removing them is much easier, and the consequences will be much less. It must also be remembered that the nature of the onset of the disease has not been thoroughly studied, so the patient should reconsider his diet and lifestyle in general. There is also a need to pay more attention to hygiene own body and caring for him.

Keratoses are a group of skin diseases, the common symptom of which is excessive thickening of the stratum corneum of the epidermis. One of the common types of keratosis is seborrheic keratosis, which develops after 30 years, but is especially common among people 40 years of age or older, and therefore it also received such names as senile keratosis, senile keratosis, senile warts. Tumors do not disappear on their own. Over the years they change their color, shape and outline. The disease can last and progress for decades.

Keratomas are benign skin formations that can be in the form of single or multiple elements and in rare cases degenerate into cancer. The causes of seborrheic keratosis have not been fully established.

Assumptions about viral etiology and the negative effects of solar radiation on the skin as a provoking factor have not found convincing evidence. Theories about the predisposition to the disease of people with oily seborrhea, about the occurrence of the disease in people whose diet contains insufficient amounts of vitamins, vegetable oils and excess animal fat are also unreliable.

The most common occurrence of seborrheic keratosis is observed in individuals in whose families there were similar cases of the disease in relatives, which is the basis for the assumption of a genetic predisposition. It occurs as a result of age-related aging of the skin and can be provoked by various external and internal factors:

• excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays;
• frequent mechanical damage to the skin;
• chemical exposure to aerosols;
• chronic diseases, especially those related to the endocrine glands;
• immune disorders and taking hormonal drugs, especially estrogens;
• pregnancy.

The danger level of seborrheic keratosis

Although the disease is considered a benign tumor, there is a certain connection between it and aggressive types of skin cancer:

1. Cancer cells can develop undetected and independently among keratoma cells.
2. A cancerous tumor can be so similar to a keratosis lesion that it can be very difficult to distinguish it externally, without histological analysis.
3. A large number of seborrheic keratosis lesions may be a sign cancer internal organs.

Symptoms of the disease

The main symptoms of seborrheic keratosis are single or multiple elements, localized mainly on the back and front surface chest, less often - on the scalp, neck, face, back of the hand, back of the forearm, in the area of ​​the external genitalia. Very rarely, keratomas appear on the palms and plantar surfaces of the feet. Tumors often have a round or oval shape with a diameter of 2 mm to 6 cm, clear boundaries and rise above the surface of the skin, often accompanied by itching.

The color of the new growths can be pink, yellow, dark cherry, dark brown, black. The surface structure is often similar to many small flaky warts, covered with a thin, easily removable crust that bleeds with minor mechanical damage. Over time, black dotted inclusions appear in it, it gradually thickens, reaching 1-2 cm, and becomes covered with a network of cracks.

Although the entire formation has a soft consistency, the crust becomes denser, the edges acquire irregular, sometimes jagged outlines. Sometimes the keratomas become pointed or convex in the form of a 1 mm dome with a smooth surface and with black or whitish grains of keratin.

Classification and characteristics of various forms

For practical purposes, seborrheic keratosis is divided into forms:

1. Flat, having the shape of a slightly raised above the surface of the skin and sharply pigmented flat formation.
2. Irritated - during histological examination under a microscope, the surface layer of the dermis and the internal structure of the tumor are impregnated with an accumulation of lymphocytes.
3. Reticular, or adenoid - thin, interconnected in the form of a looped network, strands of epithelial pigmented cells. The network often includes cysts from the horny epithelium.
4. Clear cell melanoacanthoma is a rare form of seborrheic keratosis with a warty, rounded surface. It contains horny cysts and consists of keratinocytes, which are the basis of the epidermis, and pigment-containing cells - melanocytes. Melanoacanthomas occur mainly on the lower extremities. They look like flat, moist plaques that clearly blend into the normal surrounding epidermis.
5. Lichenoid keratosis, which looks like a tumor with inflammatory changes. These elements are similar to mycosis fungoides, discoid erythematosis in systemic lupus erythematosus or lichen planus
6. Clonal keratosis of the epithelioma type. Special forms that are characterized by warty plaques with nests inside the epithelial layer. Tumors are composed of large or small pigmented keratinocyte cells. Most often found on the legs of older people.
7. Benign squamous cell or keratotic papilloma of small size, consisting of elements of the epidermis and single cystic formations from horn cells.
8. Follicular inverted keratosis with slight pigmentation. This type is characterized by numerous foci of keratinization in the form of concentric layers of epithelium, flattening towards the center of the element. It is represented by thick cellular strands that are connected to the epidermis and grow deep in the dermis, merging into large areas.
9. Cutaneous horn is a relatively rare form of keratosis. It occurs more often in older people and is a cylindrical mass of horn cells protruding above the surface of the skin. It can reach large sizes. The tumor occurs in 2 forms - primary, little studied and occurring for no apparent reason, and secondary, which is formed as a result of the inflammatory process in other skin tumor-like formations. The secondary horn is dangerous due to degeneration into skin cancer under the influence of microtraumas, viral infection, hyperinsolation, etc.

Treatment methods

Treatment of seborrheic keratosis in the presence of individual elements on the face, neck, open areas of the body is carried out mainly by methods such as removal using:

1. Laser radiation or radio wave radiation using the device and the Surgitron technique of the same name (read about the technique in the article “radio wave removal of moles”)

1. Cryodestruction with liquid nitrogen (the method is more often used in the presence of many keratomas).

Similar procedure: Mole removal with liquid nitrogen

1. Chemical TCA peeling 25%, 50% or pure trichloroacetic acid;
2. Electrocoagulation (you can read about the technique here).

1. Applications with ointment containing 5% fluorouracil, prospidin ointment (30%), applications of solcoderm or 10% lactic-salicylic collodion.
2. Curettage, which uses metal instruments (curettes) with a diameter of 0.4 to 1.2 cm. This technique is often used in combination with electrocoagulation or cryodestruction.

Other conservative treatment methods are not effective, however, the use of large doses of ascorbic acid (0.5 to 1.5 grams 3 times a day) in many cases stops the development of keratomas and prevents the appearance of new elements. It is prescribed after meals for 1-2 months. 2-3 courses are conducted with a 1-month break.

Self-medication of seborrheic keratoses cannot be done, due to the need to differentiate them from other forms of tumors and the possibility of degeneration into malignant skin tumors.

Photos before and after treatment for seborrheic keratosis

What is seborrheic keratosis

One of the most common benign tumors human skin. It usually develops in old age due to the proliferation of the epidermis with pronounced keratinization.

The epidermis is the top layer of skin that is constantly sloughed off and completely changes within about two weeks. Its thickness ranges from 0.07 to 1.4 mm. Thus, it becomes clear that keratoma is a very superficial formation. Despite the fact that the foci of seborrheic keratosis can be very large in area, they do not penetrate deep into the skin.

Who is more likely to develop keratomas?

It is noted that most often these formations appear in people over 30 years of age. I don’t really understand why in many articles (usually without an author) the statement about “seborrheic keratosis strictly after 30 years” is elevated to an absolute.

From my practice, I note that I have repeatedly seen these formations in younger people, and sometimes childhood. According to this Australian study, 12% of patients aged 15 to 25 years had an average of 6 keratomas on the skin.

Where do keratomas most often form?

In descending order of frequency: torso, neck, head. Seborrheic keratosis on the skin of the extremities is quite rare, but in my opinion, it is not worth saying that it does not exist there.

Risk factors for seborrheic keratosis

1. Sunlight. At least one study shows a link between keratomas and ultraviolet exposure, although there are studies that question this claim.
2. Genetic predisposition. There are several reported cases of families with inherited large numbers of keratomas, sometimes at a very young age.
3. Human papillomavirus. There are indications that human papillomavirus DNA can be detected on the surface of many keratomas using PCR. At the same time, it should be noted that the same fragments of HPV DNA are also found on unaltered skin. The role of HPV in the development of keratomas is currently quite controversial.
4. Immunity disorders. The emergence and progression of seborrheic keratosis lesions is possible in patients in a state of immunosuppression. Long-term use of glucocorticosteroid hormones can lead to immunodeficiency.

What does a keratoma (seborrheic keratosis) look like?

Appearance keratoma largely depends on how long it has existed.

In the initial stage, this formation protrudes very slightly above the skin level, differs slightly from it in density and has a color very close to flesh-colored. The shape of the lesions is round or oval.

Then, as the number of epidermal cells in the formation increases, the keratome increases in thickness and height. These formations are visible to the naked eye - milia-like cysts and comedon-like openings.

One common symptom for a keratoma, visible to the naked eye, is a surface that somewhat resembles cracked earth after rain. This pattern is formed by layers consisting of keratinized epidermal cells.

In addition to the clinical form - broad-based - there is a pedunculated form of seborrheic keratosis.

The human papillomavirus has a very distant relationship with this form of keratoma. In my experience, only in isolated cases did the histological examination of such formations indicate signs of viral damage.

Leser-Trélat syndrome

We can talk about this syndrome when a person suddenly develops many keratomas, especially on the torso. In 35% of cases, this condition is associated with acanthosis nigricans. About 50% of patients report severe itching in the area of ​​the keratoma.

Leser-Trélat syndrome may indicate the presence of malignant tumors of internal organs, some reports of late stages. Most often we are talking about adenocarcinomas of the stomach, colon, breast cancer, lymphomas or leukemia. The average life expectancy of patients with this syndrome is 11 months.

This means that if multiple keratomas appeared gradually and have been present on the body for many years, most likely we are not talking about this syndrome.

Some researchers question the existence of the syndrome. This is due to the fact that these malignant tumors are more common in older patients, as well as seborrheic keratosis itself.

Treatment of keratosis

Now we come to the most interesting part :)

Removal

It is generally accepted that it is not necessary to treat seborrheic keratosis, since the nature of this disease is benign. However, excision of lesions may be indicated to exclude malignancy in cases where clinical examination findings are equivocal. Regular traumatization, for example by clothing, can lead to inflammation, bleeding and itching and be a reason for removal.

Methods for removing keratomas:

• laser;
• radio knife;
• electrocoagulation;
• razor excision method.

I will not dwell in detail on the various nuances of removal. I will only say that, in my opinion, keratomas should be removed with histological examination. Many colleagues will argue with me that in most cases it is not difficult to diagnose seborrheic keratosis and histological examination- waste of money.

In response, here are some studies:

1. In 1.4–4.4% of cases, squamous cell carcinoma in situ is detected against the background of seborrheic keratosis. A similar case happened in my practice.

1. Squamous cell carcinoma on the background of seborrheic keratosis.
2. 43 cases of basal cell carcinoma, 6 – squamous cell carcinoma, 2 melanoma against the background of seborrheic keratosis.
3. 3 cases of melanoma associated with keratoma.

I repeat, in my opinion, histological examination of seborrheic keratosis is mandatory.

Drug treatment (beware, it even works! Sometimes)

1. There are reports that topical application of vitamin D analogues may be effective.
2. Systemic (oral) 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 at a dose of 0.5 mcg/day for seborrheic keratosis multiplex may have some effect.
3. External administration of the drug "Tazarotene" also showed its effectiveness in almost 50% of patients.

How NOT to treat keratomas:

• Take high doses of vitamin C, as well as:
• antiviral drugs (“Acyclovir”);
• enzyme preparations (Wobenzym);
• hepatoprotectors (“Ursofalk”).
• Use hormonal ointments.
• Urgently remove all keratomas on the body so that they do not “multiply.”

Better reduce the amount of stress, increase the amount of vegetables and sleep time (the latter does not always work, but it certainly does not harm).

Prevention of seborrheic keratosis

Taking into account the risk factors for developing keratomas listed in the first part of the article, we can safely recommend avoiding excessive exposure to sunlight. There is a detailed article on this topic.

Unfortunately, I was unable to come up with other methods of prevention, because, alas, we cannot influence our age. The situation is similar with heredity. The role of HPV in the development of keratomas has not been proven so convincingly as to prescribe preventive treatment.

Summary

If you have been diagnosed with keratoma, there is nothing to worry about. You can safely remove them if they are bothersome, but I recommend doing so with histological examination.

If keratomas are not removed, this will not lead to negative consequences and will not affect their further appearance.

Bibliography

1. I. A. Lamotkin. Clinical dermato-oncology: atlas/M.: BINOM. Knowledge Laboratory, 2011.
2. Kennedy C, Bajdik CD, Willemze R, De Gruijl FR, Bouwes Bavinck JN. The influence of painful sunburns and lifetime sun exposure on the risk of actinic keratoses, seborrheic warts, melanocytic nevi, atypical nevi, and skin cancer. J Invest Dermatol, 2003.
3. Yeatman JM, Kilkenny M, Marks R. The prevalence of seborrhoeic keratoses in an Australian population: does exposure to sunlight play a part in their frequency? Br J Dermatol, 1997
4. Hafner C, Vogt T. Seborrheic keratosis. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2008 Aug; 6(8):664-77. doi: 10.1111/j.1610-0387.2008.06788.x.
5. Vun Y., De'Ambrosis B., Spelman L., Muir J.B., Yong-Gee S., Wagner G., Lun K. Seborrhoeic keratosis and malignancy: collision tumor or malignant transformation? Australas J Dermatol. May 2006; 47 (2): 106–8.
6. Rajabi P., Adibi N., Nematollahi P., Heidarpour M., Eftekhari M., Siadat A.H. Bowenoid transformation in seborrheic keratosis: A retrospective analysis of 429 patients. J Res Med Sci. Mar 2012; 17 (3): 217–21.
7. Thomas I., Kihiczak N.I., Rothenberg J., Ahmed S., Schwartz R.A. Melanoma within the seborrheic keratosis. Dermatol Surg. 2004 Apr; 30 (4 Pt 1): 559–61.
8. Birnie AJ, Varma S. A dermatoscopically diagnosed collision tumor: malignant melanoma arising within a seborrhoeic keratosis. Clin Exp Dermatol. July 2008; 33(4):512-3. doi: 10.1111/j.1365–2230.2008.02715.x. Epub 2008, May 6.
9. Zabel RJ, Vinson RP, McCollough ML. Malignant melanoma arising in a seborrheic keratosis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2000, May; 42(5 Pt 1): 831–3.
10. Terada T., Kamo M, Baba Y., Sugiura M. Microinvasive squamous cell carcinoma arising within seborrheic keratosis. Cutis. 2012, Oct; 90 (4): 176–8.
11. Mitsuhashi Y, Kawaguchi M, Hozumi Y, Kondo S. Topical vitamin D3 is effective in treating senile warts possibly by inducing apoptosis. J Dermatol 2005; 32:420–423.
12. Herron MD, Bowen AR, Krueger GG. Seborrheic keratoses: a study comparing thestandard cryosurgery with topical calcipotriene, topical tazarotene, and topical im-iquimod. Int J Dermatol 2004; 43: 300–302.
13. Herron MD, Bowen AR, Krueger GG. Seborrheic keratoses: a study comparing the standard cryosurgery with topical calcipotriene, topical tazarotene, and topical imiquimod. Int J Dermatol. 2004 Apr; 43(4): 300-2.
14. Lebedeva U.V., Davidov A.B. Clinical assessment of prevalence of seborrheic keratosis face skin and a neck among oncological patients. Dentistry 2009.

Ask them to me!

Free consultations

Other articles:

• Removing warts at home: a review of drugs
• Skin cancer: symptoms, stages, photos
• Removal of moles on various areas of the skin
• Vitamin D, tanning and melanoma

Useful article? Repost on your social network!

Leave a comment or ask a question

Skin keratosis: treatment, reviews and features

Treatment options for keratosis pilaris:

1. Surgical excision: removal of the tumor using surgical devices. After the procedure, the area is treated and sutured. An effective but traumatic method. In the future, scars remain. In public clinics this method is mainly used.
2. Cryodestruction: the affected area is frozen using liquid nitrogen. For positive result More than one procedure will be required, the interval between which should be a couple of days. The disadvantage of this method is that it will not be possible to completely get rid of the tumor one at a time,
3. Laser removal. The laser evaporates the tissue layers of the formation at a given depth and does not affect healthy skin. Local anesthesia is used for the procedure. Bleeding and inflammation are minimized. The wound heals within a week, and the redness completely disappears after two. The whole process lasts about half an hour and is done in one visit to the doctor.

Keratosis can also occur in children. Treatment is carried out by specialists. A full examination is first carried out to determine the characteristics of the course of the disease. Based on this, they select therapeutic methods. If solar keratosis has been diagnosed, treatment is recommended with a laser. This is the most painless and effective way.

Laser removal of keratoma - from 500 rubles

• the latest equipment at the Vita clinic
• just one session for complete removal of keratoma
• completely contactless and painless method

More about the procedure

Keratosis: laser removal and benefits of the procedure

Treatment of keratosis with a laser beam has received many positive feedback. In addition, this method has individual advantages:

• There is no contact with the skin (evaporation of infected tissue is carried out by a beam of light).
• The area where the operation was performed is treated with a laser beam to prevent inflammation from reoccurring.
• The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis in one time.
• Fast recovery.
• No unexpected effects.

Keratosis before and after photos: treatment in a professional clinic

Treatment of keratosis in Moscow is best entrusted to the VITA clinic. The clinic has modern equipment: exclusively new surgical or aesthetic laser devices are used. There is a modernly equipped operating room that meets the approved requirements.

Specialists with extensive experience: doctors at the Vita clinic have been fighting skin tumors in practice for a long time. Painless excision of keratomas: surgical processes are carried out under local anesthesia. Its option is selected according to individual characteristics.

Research before surgery: before excision, the tumor will be checked for malignancy to ensure that consequences are avoided. We save your time: we coordinate the time of your visit in advance.

Typical signs

Seborrheic keratosis is distinguished by easily recognizable and characteristic symptoms, the main of which is the appearance of spots. As a rule, they are located on the back, chest and neck, much less often on the scalp, face, and external genitalia. Only the palms and soles of the feet are not affected by the disease.

Papillomas can be of various sizes, on average their diameter ranges from 2 millimeters to 6 centimeters. The shape is round or oval with clear edges and raised above the skin level, which often causes itching. The color of the tumors is yellow, pink, cherry or black, and their surface looks like several small flaky warts that are covered with a thin crust. They can bleed even with minor mechanical damage. As the disease progresses, small black inclusions form on the crust, which slowly thicken, covering the new growth with cracks.

The spot itself is soft, but over time the crust takes on a denser shape and the edges become like jagged edges with irregular boundaries. Sometimes the keratome may acquire sharp ends.

The clinical picture directly depends on the stage of development of the pathology. There are three main stages:

1. Pigmentation - characterized by the appearance of single or multiple yellow-brown spots that resemble a xanthoma in appearance. At this stage, the formations are characterized by a smooth surface and do not rise above the level of healthy skin. Such symptoms can also appear in young people if they are overly interested in tanning without proper protection from the sun's rays.
2. Nodules - appear at the site of spots. Despite the progression of the disease, the lesion still remains smooth and does not harden.
3. Keratolic stage - represents the final stage, where the majority of characteristic symptoms. A papilloma is formed, which is similar in appearance to an ordinary wart. The color of the tumor changes to gray-black or becomes a darker shade of brown, making it very noticeable to others. The surface is covered with dense scales.

Some patients mistake such formations for ordinary wounds and try to remove the scales themselves. Most often this happens in the case of seborrheic keratosis on the face, as it causes the most inconvenience. However, such attempts can lead to the onset of severe bleeding, which will be extremely difficult to stop.

Diagnostic methods

To accurately identify the disease, it is necessary to visit a dermatovenerologist, who can confirm senile papilloma at the first appointment. Thanks to the recognizable and specific clinical picture To determine it, it is enough to conduct a routine medical examination. However, if there is the slightest doubt or suspicion of a malignant nature, patients are prescribed a biopsy.

For this procedure, a small section of tumor tissue is taken and sent for histological examination. Microscopic examination reveals a significant increase in the stratum corneum, which in some places even grows into the thickness of the epidermis, which leads to the formation of cystic cavities. Histology makes it possible to distinguish the formation from similar problems such as wart vulgaris and basal cell carcinoma.

Treatment of seborrheic keratosis of the skin

This pathology in itself does not pose a danger or threat to life. The only trouble such patients encounter is discomfort and unaesthetic appearance. The decision to carry out therapy is made only by the patient himself, since medical point this is not necessary.

To date, there is no treatment for senile papilloma that could completely stop the process of thickening the stratum corneum. Therefore, the only possible option to help the patient is to remove the tumor if it causes inconvenience, is injured by clothing, or simply spoils the appearance. Modern medicine has a large arsenal of choice of treatment methods, which allows you to make seborrheic keratosis of the skin as invisible as possible.

For this pathology conservative therapy will be ineffective. It may briefly slow down the development of the problem, but will not get rid of it completely. In such cases, doctors prescribe drugs for both internal and external external treatment. Medicines based on zinc and containing urea show a good inhibitory effect.

If the scalp is affected, it is possible to prescribe special shampoos, as well as use retinoids and vitamins A and B. Special attention with basal cell papilloma, the patient’s diet is given. A properly selected diet can significantly improve the condition of the skin, so it is recommended to exclude fried, fatty foods and flour products.

Surgical intervention

In order to get rid of seborrheic keratosis, and not just slow down the progression of the disease, surgical removal is performed. You can choose one of 4 main methods:

• Laser radiation is the most popular among patients, as it is accessible, bloodless, and affordable with a good result of the procedure. To perform this you need a special apparatus, which, under the influence of high temperatures burns and vaporizes the affected tissue. Remains in place of the stain slight compaction, which completely disappears over time.
• Radio wave method - has a principle of operation similar to laser radiation, the damaging factor here is radio waves. Usually, this procedure performed under local anesthesia.
• Cryodestruction – involves treatment with liquid nitrogen. It has a destructive effect on the keratoma, causes its death and does not cause pain to the patient. Over time, patches of healthy skin form at the site of the wart.
• Electrocoagulation – it is based on the use of an electric scalpel, which makes it possible to make neat and discreet incisions. After the procedure is completed, small stitches are placed on the wound. This method is the least traumatic and ensures rapid postoperative recovery.

Prevention

There are no guaranteed measures that can prevent seborrheic keratosis, since it is a consequence of natural age-related changes in the skin.

However, in order to delay as much as possible or minimize the likelihood of developing this unpleasant disease, it is necessary to regularly include deep cleaning procedures in cosmetic care. Most best option– use of gels, scrubs and peelings with an exfoliating effect. This will remove dead epithelial cells from the surface and prevent thickening of the stratum corneum.

For prevention, it is important to eat right. People at risk (with a hereditary predisposition) are recommended to eat fruits and vegetables and dishes high in vegetable fats every day. It is also necessary to drink enough fluid to ensure normal metabolism in the skin. Smoking, tanning, and neglect of sunscreen have a particularly negative impact on the appearance and health of middle-aged and older people.

And the main measure that is often forgotten is regular visits to a dermatovenerologist. If any tumors are detected on the body, you must immediately consult a specialist, since there is a high risk of a benign tumor degenerating into a malignant one, which will be the beginning of the cancer process. But even in the absence of obvious problems, it is recommended to visit a doctor at least once a year, especially after 40 years.

What is seborrheic keratosis?

"Hello

A few years ago I noticed a small dark mole on my face. It was flat and looked like a brownish spot with fuzzy edges.

This mole grew slowly and gradually turned into a rather large, raised black mole. In addition, I noticed that several more flat, spot-like moles appeared on my face and back.

I went to the doctor and he said that such moles are called seborrheic keratosis and that it is not dangerous and normal for my age.

Please explain what seborrheic keratosis is and why it could appear in me? Can it turn into cancer? Is there anything I can do to prevent new spots from appearing?

Nikolai, 60 years old"

The moles described above that look like vague dark spots that may gradually turn into large, raised, black or dark brown moles may indeed be seborrheic keratosis.

Below we will give detailed answers to all the main questions regarding this problem.

In medicine, the term "seborrheic keratosis" is used to describe cases where specific dark patches or growths appear on a person's skin, which may initially be flat and resemble "hardened wax patches", but then, over time, may become thicker and may turn into “large dark moles” with a bumpy surface.

Causes of the disease

Today, there is no clear opinion about what is the direct factor in the development of keratosis. It is known that the pathology is not viral and is not contagious.

There are the following main reasons due to which the formation of keratomas is possible:

• genetic predisposition;
• dry skin due to the use of drying care products;
• deficiency of vitamins responsible for skin health (A, E, C, B);
• exposure to UV rays due to excessive tanning;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver due to poor nutrition;
• stress and nervous tension causing loss of vitamin B;
• taking hormonal medications;
• metabolic disease.

People over 40 years of age (senile keratosis) are especially at risk for keratosis.

Types and symptoms of keratosis on the face

Keratosis on the face can be of several types, depending on the etiology and process of its development.

Alena Zernovitskaya, a famous blogger, shared her AUTHOR'S recipe for a youthful face mask, which she has been using for more than 5 years!

Read in full

Actinic– most often associated with prolonged exposure to UV radiation.

First, irregularities appear on the face, which progress into scaly patches of varying shades (from skin color to red-brown). The sizes of formations may vary.

Seborrheic - oval formations, which are characterized by slow growth. First, a spot of about 2-3 cm of a yellowish tint appears, which gradually thickens and becomes covered with greasy crusts. They can be easily separated from the skin.

As it progresses, the formation increases in diameter. The crusts layer on top of each other and darken. Moderate bleeding from the formation is possible due to the appearance of cracks.

Follicular– characterized by the formation of a node with clear boundaries of a pale flesh-colored or pink color. The diameter of the formation is no more than 1.2 cm.

Its surface is slightly lumpy, with a depression or flat silvery scale in the center. Typically such a keratoma is observed on the cheeks, nasolabial fold or lip border.

Senile – usually develops after 50 years. The first symptom is the appearance of a yellowish spot that resembles a highly pigmented patch of skin. Over time, the formation becomes darker and grows in diameter.

The structure of the keratoma becomes softer and looser. Later, roughness and flaking appear. The size of the formation can vary from 1/2 to 6 cm.

Treatment of keratosis of the facial skin

At the first manifestations of the disease, consultation with a doctor is mandatory. He will conduct a visual examination, prescribe tests to determine the cause and exclude the malignant nature of the keratosis.

Only after this will he be able to determine which treatment methods will be effective in each specific case.

Conservative methods

The goal of conservative treatment is to reduce the number of keratomas, their symptomatic manifestations destructive methods. More often, local applications with keratolytics containing urea (12-30%) are used to exfoliate and soften formations:

• Ureaderm.
• Keratosan.
• Ureatop.
• Akerat.

Products with salicylic and lactic acid:

• Carac.
• Efudex.
• Fluoroplex.
• Imiquimod.
• Fluorouracil.

Our article will tell you about the basic rules for using yeast face masks.

You will find the most popular recipe for a face mask with honey and cinnamon in our material.

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:

1. The appearance of flat pigment spots of various colors and sizes. Their number may gradually increase.
2. Thickening of the stratum corneum, the appearance of formations protruding above the surface of the skin.
3. 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, exposure to chemicals on the skin, immune disorders in the body, chronic diseases liver and endocrine glands.

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 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:

1. 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.
2. It is possible to distinguish cancerous lesions from areas affected by seborrheic keratosis only through histological analysis of samples of the affected tissue.
3. 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. Application folk ways removing stains and warts, as well as using ointments and other products 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 allows us to determine the form of seborrheic keratosis and distinguish it from others 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. Happening fast healing with a 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 centers of the brain that regulate the functioning of various systems body. 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.

Content

Benign formations on the surface of the skin, which often occur in older people, are called seborrheic keratosis. Due to the age-specific selectivity of the disease, it received a second name - senile warts. The disease is not dangerous, but requires observation and medical control.

What is seborrheic keratosis of the skin

Keratoses are pathological skin conditions in which the regeneration process of the epidermis is disrupted. Keratinization (death and keratinization of cells) occurs without normal exfoliation. There are several types of this pathology:

• follicular dyskeratosis;
• ichthyosis;
• gonorrheal keratosis;
• angiokeratoma of Mibelli and others.

The most common type of disease is the seborrheic form. The disease is characterized by single or numerous formations of benign tumors on the skin in the form of round or oval plaques with clear contours. Horny skin is manifested by the appearance of elements on the front of the chest, on the back, on the face, neck and in any other part of the body.

The seborrheic type of disease is divided into several types. Even experienced dermatologists cannot always distinguish one from the other, so you cannot make a diagnosis yourself based on photos from the Internet. At the initial stage, the disease manifests itself as spots that stand out on the skin only in color. Over time, nodules and papules appear. At this stage, experts recommend visiting a doctor to examine the formations.

Senile keratoma

One of the forms of the disease is senile or senile keratosis. Initially, a brown or yellow spot forms, which becomes darker over time. Along with the color, the structure of the seborrheic spot also changes. The skin at the site of the tumor becomes loose and soft. A lumpy surface gradually forms, on which protrusions, depressions, veins, dark dots, etc. alternate. Even later, the stain begins to peel off, peeling off in small gray scales. The diameter of the senile keratome varies from 0.5 to 6 cm.

Seborrheic wart

A hyperpigmented spot on the skin with clear boundaries is called a seborrheic wart. Keratinization of the skin has a wart-like appearance, and the surface of the plaque is covered with dry horny crusts. Seborrheic neoplasms can occur on any part of the body, excluding the soles of the feet and palms. With age, the number and size of plaques may increase. Sometimes malignant transformation occurs, because keratoma is considered a precancerous skin disease of a benign nature.

Seborrheic keratoma

Keratinization of the skin in the seborrheic form of the disease occurs very slowly. Initially, a yellow spot forms on the skin, having a diameter of about 2-3 cm. Gradually, its color darkens and the surface becomes dense. On top of the seborrheic neoplasm are sebaceous growths that are easily separated from the skin. Over time, such warts become multi-layered, reaching a thickness of 1.5 cm. These types of keratomas, if mechanically damaged, can cause bleeding and discomfort.

Flat

If flat, slightly raised plaques appear on the patient's skin, they are classified into a special type - the flat type of seborrheic keratosis. The keratized area often has the same color as the skin, a smooth and even surface. Sometimes the pigmentation of the plaques is strong and pronounced. In medicine, this type of seborrheic neoplasm is also called acanthotic keratosis.

Reticular

The manifestation of the reticular type of keratosis occurs from microtumor cells. Numerous thin branches intertwined with each other extend from the epidermis. As a result, keratolization is formed in the form of a looped network. The pigmentation of seborrheic plaques is strong. Sometimes horny cysts are present on the surface. This type of tumor has another name – adenoid keratosis.

Irritated

If, when examined under a microscope, there is an accumulation of lymphocytes on the surface and inside the plaque, then the disease is classified as irritant keratosis. The appearance of seborrheic spots is flat, they do not protrude above the surface. Color can vary from black to light brown. This type of formation is also called hyperkeratotic.

Inflammatory

This type of disease occurs with obvious signs of an inflammatory process. Swelling, erythema, and hemorrhage may be observed. Inflammatory keratosis requires mandatory treatment and medical supervision. This lesion can be mistaken for malignant melanoma, so a biopsy is often required to confirm the correct diagnosis. This disease not only carries the threat of degeneration into a malignant tumor, but also contributes to the development of infections in the body.

Causes of seborrheic keratoma

Today, it has not been possible to reliably determine the reasons why keratomas appear on the skin. It is known that the disease is often a hereditary factor. There are versions about the viral nature of seborrheic formations and the connection between their appearance and exposure to UV radiation. The following probable causes of keratosis of the skin are called:

• accumulation of toxins in the body;
• skin aging;
• neuroendocrine pathologies;
• violation of metabolic processes;
• lack of vitamin A;
• unbalanced diet;
• constant pressure or friction from clothing.

Symptoms

Neoplasms can occur on any part of the body except the feet and palms. The shape of senile warts varies, but more often they are round or oval. The sizes of keratomas vary from 2 mm to 6 cm in diameter. The surface has a soft structure, which over time becomes covered with a flaking and thickening crust. At first, it is difficult to recognize the disease, but over time, the signs of keratosis become more obvious. The variety of types and stages of keratomas requires diagnosis by a qualified specialist who will determine the need for treatment.

How to treat seborrheic keratosis

In rare cases, treatment of keratosis is mandatory. Most patients are in no hurry to medical care even with significant sizes, a large number of seborrheic formations, and even more so at the initial stage of the disease. Neoplasms that have begun to grow rapidly, bleed, or itch require immediate consultation. Examination and treatment for inflammatory processes on keratic plaques are also necessary. Those formations that cause inconvenience, constantly rub against clothes or jewelry, or cling to nails, also require attention.

The only effective measure to get rid of plaques is their radical elimination. This procedure is carried out different ways: laser, nitrogen and others. To improve the condition of the skin, ointments and creams are used, but therapeutic effect these funds are not always sufficient. The disease can also be treated using traditional medicine methods.

At home

If seborrheic spots and plaques are detected on the skin, the patient should consult a doctor for diagnosis. This measure is necessary to exclude more dangerous diseases. Treatment of keratosis at home comes down to treating the affected skin. You can soften the flaky area with heated oil: sea buckthorn, castor, walnut oil. Ointments and creams are also used, which, when used daily, destroy dead tissue and make the seborrheic wart smaller.

As a preventive measure for the disease and to prevent the appearance of new formations, the doctor may prescribe vitamin therapy. A significant dosage of vitamin C (3-4 grams per day) significantly affects the patient’s condition, stops the growth of existing seborrheic plaques and prevents new ones from appearing. The vitamin is taken in a course of 2-3 months, after which a break of at least 30 days is required.

Seborrheic keratosis removal

If the keratosis is large, looks too unaesthetic, and its treatment with conservative methods has not brought results, doctors recommend removing the formation. Modern medicine offers several gentle methods. How seborrheic keratosis is removed in each specific case is decided by the doctor. Of the methods most often used, the following methods of excision of formations are used:

• laser removal;
• cryodestruction;
• electrocoagulation;
• radiosurgical excision;
• removal using liquid nitrogen;
• surgical curettage.

Treatment of seborrheic keratosis with ointments

Conservative methods of treating keratosis are not as effective even initial stages, as a radical removal of seborrheic plaques. Ointments and creams for keratoma are prescribed only in cases of low blood clotting and other hematological diseases. The preparations include: urea, vitamins A and E, salicylic, lactic acid and other substances that help soften and exfoliate keratotic areas.

Traditional treatment

You should not self-medicate, as formations on the skin can be a symptom of melanoma or another dangerous disease. The specialist must conduct a study, after which, if necessary, adequate therapy will be prescribed. Traditional healers offer to cure the problem using alternative medicine recipes. Folk remedies for keratoma require a long period of treatment, which often takes more than one week. Among the popular and effective means getting rid of plaques can be called the following:

1. Aloe leaves or juice. Freeze fresh aloe leaves and apply to affected areas of the skin. You can use the juice of the plant. It is rubbed into keratotic areas.
2. Chamomile, string, sage, calendula. Herbal decoctions are used for bathing. These products effectively soothe the skin and relieve itching.
3. Celandine. The juice of the plant is applied to the affected areas to reduce the size of the keratoma.
4. Propolis. A small, softened piece of propolis is applied to the problem area and covered with a bandage. This compress is left for several days (no more than 5), and then replaced with a new one. The procedure is repeated 3 times.

Video

Attention! The information presented in the article is for informational purposes only. The materials of the article do not call for self-treatment. Only a qualified doctor can make a diagnosis and give treatment recommendations based on the individual characteristics of a particular patient.

Found an error in the text? Select it, press Ctrl + Enter and we will fix everything!

Discuss

Seborrheic keratosis of the skin: causes and treatment

On the face or hands - keratomas. It looks unpleasant and ugly. But many people forget that this is a disease that needs to be treated and cannot be neglected.

What is a keratoma

is a benign formation on human skin. It looks like a large convex mole of light yellow color. The tumor can be multiple or single. If left untreated, it can become malignant or develop into squamous cell carcinoma.

There are several types of this education. The most common types of keratomas found in people are senile (senile) and seborrheic keratomas.

Senile (senile) keratoma appears after 30 years. Most often, senile keratomas appear on the face, neck, on the back of the arms, and much less often on the chest, abdomen, back, forearms and legs. They look like moles of white or gray-yellow color. They increase in size gradually, and sometimes inflammation may begin. These are some of the most benign formations skin.

Seborrheic keratoma of the skin- the most dangerous of all. Seborrheic keratoma is localized on the scalp, arms, legs, neck and face, most often on the nose. In most cases, this type of keratoma is multiple. At first it appears as a brown or yellow speck, then it quickly grows, becomes rough, darkens, and noticeable cracks appear. Quite often, its appearance and growth is accompanied by pain, itching and bleeding.

There are also types of keratomas called senile (senile) wart(also sometimes called age-related keratoma), and seborrheic wart.

The first appears after 50 years and exclusively in the eye area. It looks like a flat or slightly protruding formation with clear contours. Color - from gray-yellow to brown. Malignancy occurs extremely rarely. A wart grows very slowly and usually only interferes with its appearance.

Seborrheic wart is another name for seborrheic keratoma.

Reasons for appearance

At the moment, it is already known that keratomas are non-contagious formations. There are several reasons for the appearance of seborrheic keratomas:

• The most important - excessive sun exposure, when the skin simply does not have time to cope with the incoming ultraviolet radiation. Because of this, the processes in cell formation are disrupted, the epidermis grows very quickly and becomes covered with the cornea.
• Heredity.
• Predisposition to skin diseases or long-term skin disease (for example, seborrhea, oily seborrhea).
• Age. Most people over 30-40 begin to develop keratomas. This is due to the weakening protective function of the skin, when skin cells find it difficult to withstand sunlight or frost.
• Flaw useful substances in the body (vitamins, vegetable oils) and excess animal fats.

Symptoms

Wherever the keratoma is localized (on the skin, on the scalp, on the nose, in the ears, etc.), the initial symptoms are the same:

1. The appearance of a light yellow spot that does not protrude on the surface of the skin.
2. The spot darkens and grows.
3. The bulge enlarges and grows to a wart, rising several millimeters above the skin.
4. The wart grows and peels off.

Remember that you cannot pick off a keratoma, as you can cause an infection or start the process of forming a malignant tumor. Sometimes self-amputation occurs - the fall of the wart in the absence of external influence.

Surgery

At the moment, seborrheic keratoma can be removed in the following ways:

Cryodestruction- removal of keratomas with liquid nitrogen. No anesthesia is required. Scarring may occur; this method is not recommended for removing lesions on the face. The price is reasonable.

Laser- it has no contraindications and side effects. They can remove keratomas on any part of the body, relapse is excluded. The method is painless, the scars heal in two weeks. The method is not cheap.

Electrocoagulation- removal of keratomas with high-frequency current. Small scars remain, which heal completely after some time.

There are contraindications:

• cannot be used by people suffering from arrhythmia;
• hypertension;
• fever;
• angina pectoris;
• current intolerance.

Radiosurgery- use of the Surgitron radio knife. Thanks to non-contact (thermal) removal, the wound heals very quickly. There are no contraindications.

You can also get rid of senile keratomas with the help of surgery - cutting the keratoma with a scalpel under the influence of a local anesthetic: lidocaine or novocaine. The cheapest, but also the most time-consuming method. The wound also takes a long time to heal. Scars remain because stitches are required after the operation.

How to treat seborrheic keratoma?

In some cases it is practiced drug treatment seborrheic keratomas and warts.

• To increase immunity in senile keratoma, they are used vitamins of group C. Doctors prescribe ascorbic acid 3 times a day, 5-6 pieces at a time.
• A complex of vitamins has a positive effect on keratomas: vitamin B12 intramuscularly (2 times a week injection with 1 million mcg) and Wobenzym tablets(2 pieces 3 times a day).
• Small keratomas are lubricated with hormonal ointments: flucinar, fluorocort, elocom. However, it is worth remembering about the “withdrawal syndrome”.
• Long-term intake of antioxidants can lead to a reduction in warts and even to involution: they help tocopherol, dibunol liniment.

Preparations for the treatment of senile (age-related) keratomas and warts. If you regularly lubricate the affected area with them, you can reduce the size of the keratoma:

• Castor oil
• aekol
• retinol oil solution
• fir oil
• ointments with beta-carotene
• hydrogen peroxide ointment

Treatment of senile keratomas with folk remedies

It is noted that some folk remedies also help in the treatment of seborrheic keratomas, senile warts and age-related keratomas.

Balm from walnut. Pour slightly unripe fruits vegetable oil, heated to a temperature of 45 degrees Celsius in a ratio of 1:6. Leave in a thermos for 1 day, then cool and strain. Rub the balm into the keratomas for 2 weeks.

ointment from celandine. Grind the dried leaves of celandine and mix with rendered pork fat. The consistency of the ointment should resemble thick sour cream. If possible, add 10 drops of carbolic acid (for long-term storage).

ointment from bay leaf. Mix 6 powdered bay leaves, 1 juniper leaf and 12 parts butter. At the end, add 15 drops (per 100 ml) of lavender or fir oil. Apply a small amount to formations. Use as needed until the keratomas shrink or disappear.

Remember that if a keratoma appears, you should immediately consult a doctor to rule out cancer and other diseases. It is not recommended to treat it yourself. And even folk remedies should be used after consulting a doctor!