Keratoses

The main reason why most keratoses are considered to be dangerous is because they can cause some forms of skin cancer known as Squamous cell carcinoma. The risk of developing Squamous cell carcinoma from Keratosis may be higher than 15% depending on the rate of growth of the Keratosis as well as other factors such as exposure of the skin continuously to keratosis agents such as the Sun and lack of treatment. If your actinic keratosis development becomes ulcerated or thickened then you will need to get it checked as such may become malignant in nature and possibly lead to skin cancer.

Aside the development of basal cell carcinoma, people who develop keratoses can also develop malignant melanoma which is a form of advanced keratosis that is characterized by serious discolouration as well as losing of some part of the skin. Though, seborrheic keratoses are mostly found in older people, however , they can be found in anyone , including some infants. Seborrheic keratosis is regarded as one of the most prominent benign growths of  keratosis in older people. Though Seborrheic keratoses are benign in nature, however continuous exposure of such growth to excessive sun rays will lead to itching and expansion of the lesions, these may result in a painful and a more malignant growing keratosis that must be treated.

Seborrheic keratosis developments are common in people older than 50 and it is quite hereditary in nature, as a matter of fact more than 95% of cases of seborrheic keratosis occur as a result of  some underlying hereditary problems which makes such people highly predisposed to the infection. Seborrheic keratoses are benign growths and not harmful, although that can grow quite large and can be cosmetically displeasing.  Actinic keratosis is more dangerous than seborrheic keratosis but it can be treated much more easily. Seborrheic keratosis can only be handled by altering the genetic predisposition to the condition.

Some of the known features of Keratoses include the following; Keratosis resembles warts in nature, it is characterized with waxy , scaly and slightly elevated appearances, varies in size but up to a maximum diameter of 2.5cm, appear in various colours ranging from light tan to black, and they can be round or oval in shape. Any keratosis growth that looks even slightly different from these features can be dangerous and must be reported immediately to a physician.

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Actinic Keratoses

Vitamins For Liver Spots

Liver spots, also known as solar lentigo, are a result of long-term exposure to the sun and not as is sometimes thought, because of problems with the liver. Liver spots most often appear on areas of the skin consistently exposed to the sun for prolonged periods of time. The spots are usually flat, tan or light brown in color, oval or irregularly shaped with well-defined borders. They are not cancerous. Note however, if blemishes change in any significant way, you see a doctor.

There are ways to prevent the occurrence of liver spots:

• Become dependent on sunscreen with an SPF of thirty or more. Apply at least a half-hour before going outside and reapply frequently.
• Be careful during the summer months. Stay indoors as much as possible, especially from midmorning to mid-afternoon when the sun is at it hottest and brightest.
• If you must go out, wear as much protective clothing as possible, e.g. long-sleeved shirts, long pants and hats.

Treatment for liver spots consists primarily of use of skin bleaching lotions, skin creams and shampoos where the scalp has been affected. They can also be removed by the use of cryotherapy, i.e. removal of the spots by the use liquid nitrogen.

One way of preventing the occurrence of liver spots is through a course of vitamins. Taking the right combination of vitamins is essential in strengthening the body’s resistance to those forces which encourage the growth of liver spots. Vitamins A, C, D and E are beneficial to the having healthy skin. Vitamin A helps to form, as well as maintain healthy skin, teeth and bones. It can be found in such foods as eggs, meat, fortified milk, cheese, cream, liver, kidney, cod and fish oil. Vitamin C is essential to growth and the repair of tissues in all parts of the body. It forms an important protein in the makeup of skin, tendons, and ligaments.

Vitamin C   also an antioxidant which fights what are known as ‘free radicals’ which occur as a result of exposure to tobacco smoke and other pollutants which ultimately affect the health of the skin. Vitamin D assists the body with absorbing calcium and is activated in the body by direct exposure to the sun. Some amount of sun exposure is still good. The following foods contain Vitamin D – cheese, butter, cream and fortified milk.

For many, finding the right foods can be tricky at best and it is recommended that a course of supplements be undertaken to make up for whatever vitamin deficiencies may occur. Taking care of the body should always be a priority in preventing any kind of disease or condition and vitamins are essential in that process.

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Age Spots On The Scalp

One would think that the word “Age Spots” as the name suggests is a kind of spot that one gets by attaining the age of 40 and above. On the contrary, an age spot is a kind of skin condition that is caused by sun damage due to excessive tanning of the skin. It can be found on any part of the body like the hands, legs, arms, and sometimes it could be found on the scalp, it is usually dark, brown or red in color. Unlike some other skin diseases, it is not painful or dangerous and it can be treated or removed naturally or chemically and medically.

One of the major causes of age spots on the scalp is the sun. Unknown to some, when you tan your body and you don’t cover your hair with a hat or scarf, you are equally tanning your hair and just like the skin, too much tanning of the hair dries the oil glands, which makes the scalp dry causing age spots on the scalp. Another cause is the use of hair care products. Depending on the hair texture, some hair care products are good and some others are harmful so using the wrong hair product for your hair can cause age spots and loss of hair on the affected area. Infections on the scalp as a result of irritation and allergy of hair chemicals, hormones, poor diet, and blocked hair pores etc can also cause age spots on the scalp.

Age spots on the scalp as mentioned earlier can be removed and treated naturally or medically by following doctor’s prescriptions or chemically by using creams. For the natural removal, honey, aloe Vera, lemon, lime, onion, vinegar etc can be used. Onion and vinegar solution is actually an easy and simple method of removing age spots, just mix some onion juice with vinegar and apply evenly to the affected area. Also, excessive exposure to the sun should be avoided. For the chemical removal; a considerably small amount of fade cream should be applied on the affected area. When buying a fade cream, it’s better to buy one that is made of natural extracts without any harmful chemical components. Washing thoroughly with the right shampoo so as to unblock the blocked hair pores and drying very well so that the hair is not damp, eating a good and balanced diet can also help to remove age spots of the scalp.

Age spots on the scalp can be hereditary in some cases and may turn to a cancerous growth if it’s not treated properly. If you have age spots of the scalp, treat it well or see a doctor, it’s not harmful or painful.

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Age Spots & Hydroquinone

Age Spots HELP!

Is Seborrheic Keratosis Precancerous?

Here, we will only focus on one of the many types of skin lesions and that is seborrheic keratosis. The term keratosis comes from its base word keratin – a naturally-occuring protein in the skin – which has the ability to overgrow. It usually varies from yellow, to brown and to black, in color. Some are flat but most are slightly raised or elevated. And although usually small, it can measure up to one inch in diameter. Usually, it is circular or oblong-shaped. It often appears like a wart but is very dissimilar from it. Though some may appear on the skin isolated, they usually appear in collective groups or batches. It can actually manifest on any part of the body but most of the time, they are found at the chest or the back. But its most specific characteristic is its slight waxy or greasy property. Lastly, seborrheic keratosis is painless. However, if it becomes irritated, there could be inflammation which causes the lesion to become red, warm, edematous, painful and sometimes, bleeding and darkening of its color. Therefore, there is really nothing major about seborrheic keratosis, or is there?

“What if this can cause cancer?”, most of you might have inquired that, we will tackle skin cancer. It is as of yet the type of cancer. Only in the United States, one-eight of Americans obtains skin cancer. But because the skin is easily available for inspection, its early detection is not a problem. Therefore, it is also the type of cancer that is most successfully treated. The three types of skin cancer whose basis of nomenclature is based on the cells affected will be discussed in the next sentences. The most widespread skin cancer is the basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Even though malignant, basal cell carcinoma grows very slowly and does not always metastasize. A tiny, crystal nodule manifests at first. Eventually, it undergoes central ulceration as it grows further. The next most prevalent skin cancer type is the basal cell carcinoma. In contrast, this has a speedy growth, undergoes metastasis, has a firmer consistency and redder in color. The last type, malignant melanoma is most known for having the highest death rate. Its characteristics can be described using the mnemonic ABCDE. It shows assymetry, crooked borders, deviation in color, a 6 millimeter or greater diameter and elevation.

Going back to our previous question, is seborrheic keratosis precancerous? In contrast with actinic keratosis which eventually results to squamous cell carcinoma, seborrheic keratosis is not a precursor of skin cancer and has no connection to it. It is indeed a benign skin tumor. You must ensure that the growth is in fact seborrheic keratosis, and to do this you should see a dermatologist who will be able to diagnose the growth. Now, all you have to think about is: to what degree it affects your appearance cosmetically, the possibility of removing it and which method you will choose.

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Age Spots & Hydroquinone

The term hydroquinone is probably a familiar term for you, particularly if you are suffering from age spots or pigmentation problems of the skin. However, this may be the first time you have learned of this term if age spots or modifications in skin condition are not one of your troubles. Hydroquinone, a chemical compound, has been very favorable in the bounds of medicine, particularly in dermatology, and in other different industries as well. Due to the chemical’s properties, it has been considered as one of the few chemicals successful in making the skin whiter, in general. It is particularly successful in helping individuals be free from the appearance of age spots, unsightly dark skin lesions and uneven skin color.

Topical creams for various skin conditions might contain hydroquinone singularly or incorporated with other chemicals. It is available in two percent, four percent or greater concentrations. In other countries, you can purchase topical creams which have two percent hydroquinone without presenting a prescription. But without a doctor’s prescription, you will not be able to use a stronger hydroquione-containing topical cream. Or if you are currently inflicted with age spots or other skin conditions necessitating the need for topical creams with higher concentrations of hydroquinone, you can buy them from your own dermatologist.

Hydroquinone works by hindering the skin from generating superfluous melanin – the pigment being the reason for the existence and variation in our skin color. This is because of its capacity to inhibit tyrosinase from carrying out its function – creation of melanin. You begin to observe its efficacy after applying the hydroquinone for one month. Dermatologists actually consider hydroquinone an effective and relatively safe skin lightener.

It may be considerably effective in lightening the skin but it also has its own downsides. With the application of hydroquinone on the skin, it decreases the melanin and eventually increases the skin’s vulnerability to ultraviolet radiation – both UVA and UVB. As a result, users become more prone in developing skin cancer. As with any other medications, hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity are its most serious adverse effects. Hydroquinone can also commence an allergic reaction making the person breathe hardly and making the face and the parts of the digestive system swell. Some might mistakenly see sunburns as age spots or skin hyper-pigmentation and unfortunately apply hydroquinone on them – making the condition worse. Skin discoloration from the normal color into blue or black, skin irritation, itching and redness, along with the formation of abscesses are still some of hydroquinone’s unwelcomed effects.

In the United States, in the year 2006, the availability of hydroquinone as an over-the-counter drug was prohibited. This is because studies have shown that the application of hydroquinone caused cancers in rats. Even though it is not yet validated that hydroquinone can cause cancer in human beings, some still presume otherwise. However, in some countries, especially those that do not have strict laws regarding medications, hydroquinone – two percent or four percent – continues to be sold not only in drugstores but also in cosmetic stores. Unless more studies are done to prove or disprove hydroquinone’s carcinogenic property, extreme care should be observed in its use.

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Keratosis & The Sun

An overview of Keratosis complications and the effect of sunlight

Despite this being the twenty first century, there is still no cure for Keratosis. Neither is there a sort of miracle pill or a universally effective treatment method available. However, there are some very effective methods that can completely suppress this skin condition. There is a catch though, as you have to constantly use your desired treatment method and a discontinuation of using the medication will result in the re-appearance of Keratosis. There are also some known cases where the condition clears completely without any treatment. It all depends on your overall body and skin composition.

There are very little complications regarding Keratosis, if any. This is because it is merely a cosmetic skin condition that discolors the skin and does not hurt or itch. The bumps will usually have a different color from the usual skin color. It is advisable to avoid the use of overly aggressive treatment methods or even scrubbing or scratching of the bumps so as to avoid permanent scarring.

There is a kind of Keratosis called Actinic Keratosis which is precancerous. It is believed to carry a risk of about seven percent of developing into a type of cancer called melanoma skin cancer. That is why medical experts recommend for an early removal of Keratosis so as to prevent it from developing into a cancer. There is also a strong emphasis on avoiding the sun. Keeping the affected area away from sunlight is actually a treatment method for Keratosis.  Sometimes, a complete avoidance of the sun can result to a gradual fading away of the Keratoses.

The rough skin patches which can at times become a nuisance can be well managed with the use of prescription creams which can be diagnosed by a surgeon or a doctor. With constant application, especially during the early stages of the appearance of Keratosis, you will find the creams to be very effective. You can comfortably get rid of these unsightly and uncomfortable rough patches of skin and kill two birds with one stone as you will also get rid of the risk of developing skin cancer. Once you are successful in suppressing Keratosis, it is advisable to avoid excess exposure to direct sunlight as this can eventually result in the re-appearance of the bumps that you worked so hard to get rid off. This could actually mean that you end up avoiding leisure practices such as sunbathing.

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How To Remove Keratosis

An Overview Of A Keratosis Biopsy

How To Remove Keratosis

Should you happen to have a Keratosis skin condition, there is certainly no need to worry as medical experts have found many methods of treating it. Before beginning to apply any of the available treatment methods, it would be best to seek the advice of a medical expert first. This is because the available treatment methods are classified depending on the type of keratosis you have. With the fact that skin compositions do vary, it would be best to hear it right from the professional so that they can recommend a certain treatment for you. They will also go a step ahead and do follow ups to evaluate how your skin is responding to the treatment.

There are many available methods of treating Keratosis including topical cream application solutions and even surgery. The available Keratosis treatment methods cannot be entirely termed as being risky. There has to be an overview on this so that one can be certain of being covered by their respective insurance cover. You certainly do not want to be paying premiums only to find out that your skin condition is not covered by your insurance company.

The good thing is that there has recently been a great increase in insurance companies in the market hence the issue of competition comes to our advantage. They have to devise every available means in order to stay afloat and win the existing numbers that seek insurance cover. This being the case, the insurance companies will have to go against the usual insurance rules and offer coverage against many of the existing risks. You will find that most, if not all Keratosis removal solutions will be covered by insurance companies. Especially when it comes to the surgical methods, the procedure will be regarded as a necessary surgical procedure as opposed to the previous branding of it being a cosmetic procedure.

Depending on where your Keratosis condition is located should determine the kind of medical professional you should see. If the Keratosis is on your face, then you should see a cosmetic surgeon for best and accurate diagnosis. Depending on the location of your condition will determine the method applied to treat your skin. There are Keratosis removal solutions that include the use of liquid nitrate. A medical expert could also recommend the use of laser treatment as a method of Keratosis removal. There are also surgical treatments that include the use of a blade to remove the Keratosis. However, do not judge the effectiveness of a method just from the description of the procedure. You’d better leave that to the medical experts to decide when you pay them a visit seeking medical advice.

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Age Spot Prevention & Skin Protection

Are you afraid of having those unsightly dark spots on your skin? Does imagining yourself in front of the mirror while using a concealer to cover up every single age spot frighten the hell out of you? Don’t you want to experience the strain of wasting a lot of money just so your skin can return to its clear, radiant state? Or are you afraid of even the most minor complications these age spot treatments might cause? If all your answers are affirmative, protect your skin starting now!

How then do you protect your skin and prevent age spots? This is done, generally, by avoiding the dangers of the sun, or keeping them at a minimum. Make sure your skin is adequately guarded from the ultraviolet rays of the sun. But if it is summer and you cannot stop yourself from going out under the sun, how can you keep your skin protected? Should you just wait for the sunset before you submerge yourself into the waters or before you put that lovely swimsuit into good use? Or should you just rule out swmming in your agenda? Of course, you should swim! All you have to do is observe these recommendations below.

Since you are going for a get-away, you have to prepare all the things that you will need. Your plans may vary from swimming to hiking or just staying at any summer hotspot but you should not fail to remember to bring a sunscreen. Make sure to read the label when buying sunscreens. See if that sunscreen you are holding contains titanium dioxide. This helps in preventing both UVA and UVB rays from entering your skin. Also, get a sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of fifteen and above.

Now, before you permit the ultraviolet rays to reach your skin, use your sunscreen all over your body, leaving no stone unturned. Do this twenty to thirty minutes before heading outdoors. Sometimes, it may be less than or more than twenty to thirty minutes, depending on the brand of the sunscreen. Then, reapplication succeeds as to what the label instructs. Reapplication is performed every after one or two hours, most of the time. While you should not totally wait until the sun sets, it helps if you expose your skin to the sun at a later time. Between ten in the morning and three in the afternoon, the sun’s harmful rays are at their most damaging state. Therefore, you can either enjoy outdoors before ten in the morning or after three in the afternoon. If you are not going to swim, don protective clothing instead – covering anything you can cover, but not too exaggerated.

If you really have to be exposed to the sun, always remember these reminders. Now, if you do not have anything to do outside, stay indoors and still apply sunscreen but with a lower sun protection factor. Following all of the instructions above, you can help protect your skin from age spot formation.

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Age Spot Treatment: Chemical Peel

Removing Melasma

Melasma is usually associated with pregnancy in women, hence it alternative name “pregnancy mask”. It rarely occurs in men and it is a skin disorder that will disappear naturally after a woman delivers a baby or when she stops using birth control pills. Patients are often advised to take precautionary methods in avoiding the reoccurrences of melasma, these preventive measures include; staying away from the sun, and wearing sun  glasses plus protective clothings. Over the counter medications such as Hydroquinone creams are often employed in lightening pigmentation on the skin, this kind of cream is one of the cheapest melasma treatment therapies as you can find a Hydroquinone cream for as cheap as $10, some may be cheaper than this but it is very important to consult a doctor before buying any.

Cosmetic procedures are an advanced form of dealing with melasma. These procedures often include the use of chemical peels or related treatments for removing melasma. Chemical peel treatments may range from the superficial layer of skin treatment to the treatment of the deepest region of the skin. Microdermabrasion treatments may cost few hundred dollars for lighter peels or thousands of dollars for the deeper- peels. Microdermabrasion often involves the use of some abrasive brush to rub tiny diamond particles over the surface of the skin, the light damage cause will ensure that the upper layer of the skin is removed to reveal a fresher and healthier skin layer. You may spend at least 100$ or more per session on microdermabrasion.

Laser resurfacing is another form of skin peeling, however this form of peeling involves the use of laser energy , which sensitizes the skin to the laser materials and the skin layer that is damaged is removed to reveal a more natural healthy skin. The prices of laser treatment for melasma may vary depending on a number of factors, these include; the area on which the pigmentation is located, and the type of clinic where the operation is being performed.

Intense Pulsed Light { IPL } therapy is cheaper than other forms of surgical or advanced treatments for melasma as it costs between $300 to $600 per treatment{ it is less expensive only if you are treated once but in situations where you may have to undergo a series of IPL treatments, then you will have to spend thousands of dollars to do so}. When IPL is combined with some other therapies such as the AVA , then you may have to spend an extra 150$ per treatment.

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Melasma

Why Do I Have Melasma?