Keratosis is a term for several skin conditions that cause bumps, sores, or discoloration. Actinic keratosis is a precancerous condition that can cause squamous cell skin cancer but is usually removed early enough not to cause cancer. Seborrheic keratosis is benign, and keratosis pilaris has no links to cancer and can be treated with exfoliation and hydration.
The term keratosis applies to several skin conditions that cause bumps, wart-like sores, or discoloration of flat or raised skin. Three of the most common types are actinic or solar keratosis, keratosis pilaris, and seborrheic keratosis. Only actinic keratosis is indicated in the development of skin cancer, as it can cause squamous cell skin cancer. This form of cancer should be removed, but it does not tend to progress to other parts of the body as malignant melanoma does.
Actinic keratosis is sometimes called a precancerous condition. It usually occurs in people over the age of 30 and is more common among those with fair skin and those who are outdoors a lot without using adequate sunscreen agents. The growths appear thick and may also have a crusty or scaly exterior.
Usually, this condition is diagnosed through an examination of the bumps. The diagnosis can be confirmed by doing a skin scraping to rule out squamous cell cancer. Often, large bumps are removed through laser removal or cryotherapy, which freezes the lesions.
People with this form of keratosis need follow-up with regular visits to a dermatologist, who will look at any unremoved bumps for changes that indicate squamous cell skin cancer. However, actinic keratosis is usually removed early enough not to cause any form of cancer, and some spots will never develop into cancer.
Seborrheic keratosis is completely benign and looks like small pink to brownish warts. Few complications are associated with this form, although picking a spot can cause cellulitis. The stitches aren’t usually painful, so the pain could be an indication of a different diagnosis or infection. Removal can be done if the patient wishes, but is not necessary, as this form does not progress to cancer.
Keratosis pilaris can appear as red bumps on the skin, rough skin, or bumpy skin. It also has no established links to cancer. It can be misdiagnosed as pimples or as eczema. There is no treatment to cure the condition, which is quite common. However, those with this form may find that exfoliation and hydration help smooth skin. It often occurs in young children and resolves by middle age. Children can scratch the bumps, increasing their risk of infection, but irritation and complications are rare.
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