Keratin does not grow on skin, and once it does, it could be keratosis. Actually, keratin is the main component of hair, toe nails and fingernails. If ever keratin grows into the skin, it could cause solidification, lumps and wart like skin growth. There are several types of keratoses, actinic keratosis, pilaris keratosis, hydrocarbon keratosis and seborrheic keratosis. Our focus will be on actinic keratosis and its surgical removal. Solar keratosis is another term for it. Parts of the body which gets the most sun exposure such as the face and arms are more likely to be affected. The disease most likely occurs on people with fair skin. Since it could lead to cancer, it must be treated at once.
Actinic or solar keratosis is mainly triggered by being exposed to the sun for long periods of time. It looks like a mole in color and in size. Keratosis gets thicker and a bit bigger while moles don’t. If having keratosis is verified, many treatments are available. This also depends on the severity of one’s keratosis. For mild cases, there are creams and gels which can be applied on the affected area for about 2-3 months. Application of these will soften the area hardened by keratosis and its removal would ensue. Surgical procedures like cryosurgery are also available.
Very cold temperature is employed in cryosurgery to kill off abnormal growths in the skin tissue. Liquid nitrogen or carbon dioxide snow is applied to the affected area. Application of those matters would make it easy to remove the keratosis. Through this, the cost, pain and scar can be reduced. Cryosurgery could also affect nearby healthy tissues and some nerve tissues.
Laser surgery could also be chosen. This type of surgery does not need the use of scalpel. Laser surgery burns out bad tissues, and it could be costly. Laser treatment also has benefits such as quick healing and less pain.
Conventional surgery, or surgery with scalpel is another less expensive choice. Keratosis is not as skin deep as some skin disorders are and can be treated with cream and surgery. The pain you would feel would amount to the safety of your health.