Many of us are relatively unaware of the term 'keratosis' and for those that do have knowledge of it, their first point of reference is usually 'prelude to cancer'. So is this true, is keratosis really a prelude to cancer? In order to answer this we must start by learning to recognize the distinctive branches of keratosis and manner in which they can be prevented and treated.

DISTINGUISHING THE VARIATIONS OF KERATOSIS

Keratosis Pilaris

The most prevalent of all variations of keratosis, this hereditary condition affects roughly half the world's population at some point in their lives. Keratosis pilaris is evidenced by rough, spiky, gooseflesh-type skin, usually found upon the upper arms, cheeks or thighs, and occasionally on the back or buttocks. Treatment can involve topical solutions or microdermabrasion; however the simple use of a natural skin rejuvenation program is usually the most effective and non-intrusive solution.

Seborrheic Keratosis

Seborrheic keratoses are benign swellings of the skin, they do not represent cancer. They typically appear as light brown areas on the skin that appear to be 'stuck on'. Developments can spawn anywhere on the skin, but they most often occur on the face, chest, and back; and tend to grow slowly over time. As a result of seborrheic keratoses becoming very large, unsightly, and itchy doctors can remove them on request. However, the discomfort or itchiness can be easily treated with the use of a deep moisturizing skin care cream.

Acrinic Keratosis

Actinic keratosis, also referred to as solar keratosis, is premalignant, and therefore a potentially life threatening pre-cancerous cell. However, nearly all acrinic keratosis can be taken out without becoming skin cancers which makes early detection and prevention paramount.

Actinic keratosis is characterized by a scaly, crusty, horny, dry bump on the skin surface. The base may be light or dark, tan, pink, red, a combination of these, or the same color as your skin. It is most likely to appear on the parts of the body most regularly exposed to sunshine.

Treatment is usually centered on the removal of the effected areas. This is most commonly achieved through Cryosurgery, where the lesions are frozen off with liquid nitrogen. Chemical peels may also be applied, whereby acid removes the top layers of skin, which is later replaced by the growth of new skin.

TREATMENT FOR KERATOSIS

Treatment for keratosis doesn't necessarily need to be a complicated matter. Aside from acrinic keratosis, the majority of the inflammation and discomfort caused by keratosis can be effortlessly reduced and maintained by combining a natural skin exfoliate that actively regenerates the skin with an effective non-toxic moisturizer.