Which is manifested by excessive thickening of the stratum corneum of the epidermis. There are several types of this ailment, seborrheic keratosis is the most common of them. In this article, we will talk about the causes, symptoms and treatment of such a pathology.

General information

Most often, the disease develops after 40 years, in this regard, the ailment is called senile or hydrocyanic keratosis. The resulting tumors do not disappear on their own. Over the years, their color, shape, shape change. The ailment can last and progress over decades.

Provoking factors

Seborrheic keratosis of the skin is manifested by benign skin formations (keratomas), which can be either single or multiple. To date, the reasons for this phenomenon have not been finally established.

Assumptions that exposure to the sun's rays on the skin may act as a provoking factor for the disease remain unproven. The theory that the pathology occurs in people with oily seborrhea or in those in whose diet there is not enough vegetable oils, vitamins and an excess of animal fat is also unreliable.

Some scientists insist on the genetic nature of the disease. Since studies have shown that most often seborrheic keratosis, the treatment of which will be described below, develops in people in whose families similar cases have been observed in relatives.

Such a pathology can develop as a result of various external and internal factors, namely:

Why is the disease dangerous?

Seborrheic keratosis Is a benign tumor, however, this pathology and aggressive types of skin cancer are still associated:

Among the cells of a keratoma, cancer cells can develop independently, while remaining unnoticed.

Seborrheic keratosis and cancer are sometimes so similar that they can only be distinguished by histological analysis.

A large accumulation of foci of keratosis may indicate cancer internal organs.

Symptoms of the disease

Seborrheic keratosis is manifested by single or multiple elements, which are localized most often on the anterior surface chest and back, in rare cases - on the face, neck, scalp, back of the forearm, dorsum of the hand, external genitalia. Very rarely, the disease affects the palms and plantar surfaces of the feet.

The shape of the tumor is most often oval or round, the size is from 2 mm to 6 cm. The formations have clear boundaries and are often accompanied by itching.

Tumors are pink, yellow, dark cherry, dark brown, black. The surface of the neoplasms looks like a large number of scaly warts covered with a thin, easily removable crust, which begins to bleed at the slightest mechanical damage. Over time, the crust gradually thickens and can reach 2 cm, black dotted inclusions are formed in it.

Varieties of seborrheic keratosis

There are several types of this ailment:

Flat. With this form of the disease, flat, slightly raised above the surface of the skin, highly pigmented plaques are formed.

Reticular. Symptoms of this form of pathology, along with highly pigmented plaques, are horny cysts on the skin surface.

Irritated. In this case, lymph infiltration is diagnosed on the surface of the plaques. Plaques with such an ailment are usually flat in shape.

Inflammatory. With this form of the disease, inflammatory processes are present in the neoplasms.

When should I see a doctor?

If seborrheic keratosis is diagnosed, treatment is optional - as a rule, neoplasms do not cause any particular inconvenience. However, you must consult a doctor in the following cases:

The tumor begins to grow rapidly.

The neoplasm causes inconvenience, as it constantly clings to clothing and is damaged.

The growth has become inflamed, began to bleed, there are symptoms of suppuration.

The neoplasm is localized on the face or other visible parts of the body and thereby causes moral suffering.

Diagnostics

First of all, the doctor conducts an external examination of the patient. In some cases, additional examination and biopsy of the neoplasm may be required.

Histological examination makes it possible to exclude the development of diseases with similar symptoms, these include:




Seborrheic keratosis of the skin: treatment

Neoplasms with seborrheic keratosis do not affect the deep layers of the skin, so they are relatively easy to remove. An almost invisible scar may remain at the site of the growth after the removal procedure.

Removal of seborrheic keratosis is carried out by the following methods:




Seborrheic keratosis: treatment with folk remedies

If the neoplasms do not cause inconvenience, but there is still a desire to get rid of them, you can use the recipes of alternative medicine.

So, if there is seborrheic keratosis, how to treat it with folk remedies? First of all, you need to be patient, since the treatment in this case will be quite long (several months).

Most effective methods:

The skin is the human organ that undergoes many diseases as a result of exposure to negative environmental factors. Seborrheic keratosis is one of the most common diseases characteristic feature which is the appearance of small tumors on the skin. They arise due to excessive thickening of the stratum corneum of the epidermis. To get rid of seals, you need to know the causes of the appearance, as well as how to deal with them.

Keratoses are a group of skin diseases that are not prone to inflammatory processes. There are several varieties, including seborrheic keratosis. It is also called senile or senile, because often neoplasms appear after 30 years, and especially in pensioners. With age, the affected area may increase.

There are several reasons for the appearance of seborrheic keratosis, but none of them is fully proven. There is a version that it is age-related factors that provoke the development of keratosis. This theory has a significant drawback: why, in this case, a skin disease does not affect all elderly people?

It is believed that seborrheic keratosis can cause the following causes:

• hereditary predisposition (the incidence of skin disease in close relatives is much higher);
• prolonged exposure to the sun (UV rays);
• changes in the structure of the skin with increasing age;
• rubbing, scratching, wearing tight clothing and other types of damage;
• weakening of the protective function of the immune system;
• negative effects of household and industrial chemicals (sprays, colognes, aerosols, detergents, poisoning in factories and plants);
• pregnancy in women;
• endocrine disorders;
• avitaminosis;
• unbalanced diet, lack of a variety of foods;
• taking hormones (including contraception);
• lack of vegetable fats in the diet.

Seborrheic keratosis hazard

These tumors are benign and do not contain cancer cells in their structure, but there is some relationship with oncological neoplasms on the skin:

• often seborrheic keratosis is a sign of cancer on the internal organs;
• keratosis can "mask" a malignant neoplasm growing among tumor cells (it is of great danger, because inoperable cancer can be detected at the last stage);
• cancer and keratosis practically do not differ externally, they can only be distinguished by tissue excision for histological examination.

It should be noted that malignant skin cells were found in about 9000 patients with seborrheic keratosis.

Classification and symptoms of seborrheic keratosis

Scientists have identified several forms of keratosis, which differ not only in provoking facts, but also in their symptoms.

• dry skin;
• the appearance of nodules on the skin of a light pink or yellow tint;
• inflammatory process in the lesions;
• neoplasms occur on hair follicles, therefore, broken off hairs are visible at their apex;
• subcutaneous growth of the hair follicle;
• frequent sites of localization - limbs, buttocks, less often the face;
• no itching;
• most often manifests itself in childhood and adolescence.

• small node, gradually acquiring the form of a papule;
• pigmentation of the skin;
• expansion of capillaries;
• the size can vary from a few mm to cm;
• nodules do not cause pain and do not itch;
• the presence of scales, the peeling off of which is painful (under them you can find depletion of the skin or an erosive process);
• the skin becomes reddish and sometimes brown;
• progresses slowly.

Verrucous keratosis:

• neoplasms rough to the touch;
• have pronounced pigmentation;
• most often localized on the upper limbs;
• easily confused with the seborrheic form.

Horny (horny) keratosis:

• skin growths that are dark at the base and light at the tip;
• conical shape (resembles horns);
• group or single distribution to the skin;
• there is a danger of developing oncology.

Seborrheic (senile, senile) keratosis:

• neoplasms can be of different colors (yellowish, brown);
• the size varies from a few mm to 7 cm;
• usually mushroom or oval;
• at the beginning of the development of the disease, a small spot appears on the skin, gradually developing and overgrowing with a crust;
• peeling, sometimes itching is noted;
• most often appears on the upper limbs, back, chest, face;
• the upper layer is keratinized.

Seborrheic keratosis also manifests itself in several forms:

• flat type (tumors are flattened, rise several mm above the skin level, stand out strongly due to their dark shade);
• irritated type (blood and lymph cells are in the tissues of the skin formations);
• reticular type (similar to the flat type, characterized by the presence of keratinized protrusions).

It is necessary to pay attention if an inflammatory process develops in keratomas or blood is released from them. This may mean that the neoplasms were injured as a result of mechanical action. The inflamed type of seborrheic keratosis is the most dangerous and can cause malignant neoplasms.

Seborrheic keratosis should be differentiated from the following dermatological conditions:

1. Vulgar or common warts. Caused by human papillomavirus type II. They mainly grow on the back of the feet and hands. The elevations above the skin do not exceed 1 cm.
2. Basalioma is a malignant neoplasm also called basal cell carcinoma. It develops from the cells of the outer layer of the skin. Most often localized on the neck and front of the head. Initially, a painless pimple appears, which gradually grows and transforms into a nodule.
3. Melanoma is a cancer of the skin. It develops from birthmarks and skin cells, which contain a lot of melanin pigment. In the later stages, it affects the internal organs. The spots are asymmetric.
4. Keratopapilloma or senile warts. Unlike common warts, the appearance of keratopapilloma is influenced by the age factor, not the virus. Initially it is a pigmented spot.
5. Eccrine poroma is a tumor of the dermis, which is quite rare. It is located in the place where the secretion of the eccrine sweat gland is removed. The lesions are painful, usually of a deep color. Slowly growing, mostly benign.
6. Basal cell carcinoma is a malignant tumor that is not prone to metastases. Outwardly, it looks like a small bump with smooth and shiny skin. Germination of the formation into the surrounding tissues is characteristic.

Treatment methods for seborrheic keratosis

Self-treatment of seborrheic keratosis is dangerous to health. There is a possibility of injury to the tumor tissue, which will provoke their accelerated growth. Therefore, to make a diagnosis and determine the method of treatment, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

A complex of drugs is often prescribed. These can be ointments, creams and gels for external use. Solutions for injection are also common. They must contain active acids that destroy tumor tissue. Cytostatics are often used, due to which pathological cell division is inhibited or completely stopped.

To get rid of discomfort and itching, steroid drugs are prescribed, for example, "Mardil Zinc Max" and "Lorinden A". They relieve inflammation and have an antiseptic effect.

There are other methods of dealing with keratomas:

1. Laser removal. Lack of pain, minimal risk of skin damage, the ability to remove the tumor even in hard-to-reach places. After the procedure, the patient recovers in a few days. Complications do not appear.
2. Cryotherapy. In this case, the lesion site is treated with liquid nitrogen, the temperature of which is –196 ° C. The procedure is carried out for several minutes, taking into account the break. After cryodestruction of a keratoma, it gradually dies off, and soon cells of new, intact skin appear.
3. Using radio waves. In this case, the tumor is excised with a radio knife. It looks like a conventional surgical removal. The advantage is that small incisions are made in the skin with a radio knife. The risk of capillary damage is minimal.

When surgery is indispensable

An operation to remove seborrheic keratosis is necessary in any case. A neoplasm of even a small size causes discomfort, looks unaesthetic and spoils a person's appearance.

Apply urgently for medical help it is necessary if the tumor begins to rapidly increase in size, itching appears, painful sensations and sudden bleeding for no reason. All this can signal the development of cancer.

Surgical removal of a keratoma with a scalpel is the most common method. The tumor is cut, and a scar or scar remains at the postoperative site. If there is a suspicion of oncology, the excised tissue is taken for histological examination.

Traditional medicine recipes for keratosis

Folk remedies used with extreme caution, only after consulting a doctor. It is forbidden to use any alcoholic tinctures, the aggressive components of which can cause the transformation of a keratoma into a malignant tumor.

It is worth paying attention to the following recipes:

1. Grate small beets on a fine grater. Put the gruel in a thin cloth or gauze. Apply to the affected area for several hours daily (approximately 4 hours).
2. Make compresses based on burdock (a decoction of the plant is suitable).
3. Use crushed propolis in a similar way.
4. Attach a cut aloe leaf to the keratome. Fix it with an adhesive plaster or bandage. It is advisable to wrap with foil. Do the procedure before bedtime.
5. Finely chop celandine or mince. Mix with animal fat (preferably pork) and process keratomas several times a day.
6. Grate raw potatoes. Wrap in gauze and apply to the neoplasm 3 times a day.

It should be noted that this therapy is designed for a long time. It will take several weeks to see the first results, and the complete disappearance of the disease is sometimes achieved by treatment over several years.

Seborrheic keratosis prevention measures

In order to prevent the development of seborrheic keratosis, the following preventive measures must be taken:

• is not in the sun for a long time, use sunscreens and lotions, avoid burning the skin;
• do not be nervous, protect your body from stress;
• compose a balanced diet, which contains all the necessary vitamins and nutrients;
• observe work and rest hours, sleep a sufficient number of hours;
• go in for sports, lead a healthy lifestyle.

Forecast

As a rule, seborrheic keratosis occurs in elderly or pre-elderly people. If the formation is not malignant, it does not pose a threat to human life and health. Only an inconvenient location, discomfort during movement or aesthetic unattractiveness make people go to a dermatologist.

Seborrheic keratosis, xerosis and ichthyosis of the skin are diseases that affect the skin. Keratoses are a category of various non-inflammatory skin diseases characterized by one common symptom - a violation of the formation of the stratum corneum. Xerosis is dry skin. Ichthyosis is an inherited skin disorder similar to dermatosis. Pathology is expressed by a characteristic violation of the keratinization process and the appearance on the body of scales similar to fish scales.

Seborrheic keratosis is a benign growth of the skin. In other words, with keratosis, there is an excessive thickening of the stratum corneum and a delay in normal exfoliation. The most common type of keratosis is seborrheic keratosis.

With age, the elderly have symptoms of seborrheic keratosis. As a rule, these are spots on the skin of different configurations, sizes and colors. Most often, the color range of spots varies from flesh and brown to black. The spots may be flat or protruding from the surface of the skin.

It is known that in children the stratum corneum is thin, exfoliation occurs regularly and by itself. In older people, the skin coarsens, the stratum corneum thickens. Moreover, keratosis develops on any part of the body: face, chest, arms, neck. Seborrheic lesions can be solitary or consist of a group of neoplasms that may be close to each other. The disease develops slowly, having arisen once, most often, it does not progress and does not develop into a malignant tumor.

Causes of the disease

The causes of seborrheic keratosis have not been identified to this day. Doctors tended to the viral origin of the disease, but the version was not confirmed. Also, the version about photoreactivity (skin reaction to ultraviolet radiation) was not confirmed. Currently, doctors put forward two reasons for the occurrence of seborrheic keratosis:

1. Gerontological factor. The disease develops in people after forty years. Most likely, with age, changes occur in the structure of the skin, causing the appearance of keratomas.
2. Genetic predisposition (hereditary nature of the disease).

Seborrheic keratosis is a disease that does not cause discomfort in the form of itching, irritation, and does not adversely affect human health. Aesthetic discomfort is the only negative manifestation of keratosis. However, you should be on your guard if suddenly neoplasms show rapid growth. In this case, a consultation with a dermatologist will not be superfluous. There are cases when a cancer tumor simulates a keratosis disease, and cancer cells successfully mask and develop among the cells of the keratoma. An immediate specialist consultation is required if:

• keratosis formations are rapidly increasing in size;
• get inflamed or bleed;
• there is a suspicion of skin oncology.

Diagnosis of the disease

In order to determine the nature of the disease, it is necessary to consult a dermatologist. Seborrheic keratosis is well diagnosed by outward signs, but if the neoplasm is in doubt, you can conduct a histological examination. Seborrheic keratosis does not require treatment, but the clinical picture must be observed in order to develop the correct strategy of action at any stage of neoplasm development.

There are several stages in this development:

1. The first stage is the formation of a spot. A characteristic feature of aging skin is the formation of senile age spots... The spots have a variety of shapes, colors and configurations. But usually these spots are flat, do not protrude above the surface of the skin and do not have a rough structure. With age, the number of such spots grows steadily. The risk group includes people who abuse sunbathing in excessive amounts. Keratosis spots can appear at the age of forty, and even earlier with frequent exposure of the skin to ultraviolet light. At this stage, there are no senile warts yet.
2. The second stage is the emergence of a papular form. Flat spots begin to rise above the skin, turn into small nodules and papules. This stage is characterized by the absence of peeling and the absence of horny scales on the warts.
3. The third stage is keratotic. At this stage, age-related warts appear - keratomas. Senile keratomas are oval-shaped brown or black skin lesions that rise above its surface. Senile keratomas can bleed if injured.
4. The fourth stage is the formation of the cutaneous horn (neoplasm of a dense, horny mass, cylindrical in shape, protruding above the surface of the skin). At this stage, there is an excessive appearance and keratinization of seborrheic keratoma.

Treatment methods for seborrheic keratosis

Methods for treating keratosis most often consist in removing it. If seborrheic keratosis does not cause discomfort of a psychological and aesthetic nature, does not progress in size, and its shape and color remain unchanged, then there is no need to remove it. In other cases, at the request of the patient and the decision of the dermatologist, keratosis is removed by the following methods:

1. By laser method. This hardware method is affordable and cheap. The laser removes keratoma by burning and evaporation of tissues. A crust remains at the site of the keratoma, which eventually falls off, leaving behind healthy skin.
2. The liquid nitrogen cryodestruction method effectively removes large accumulations of keratomas.
3. The radio wave method is similar to a laser procedure. The keratoma also evaporates and a crust forms in its place, which eventually disappears by itself.
4. The method of electrocautery is the removal of a keratoma with an electric scalpel. This method is not very popular, as it involves a certain period of rehabilitation. The procedure is performed by a surgeon, and after removal of the neoplasm, sutures are applied to the skin.

Conservative treatment methods involve the oral administration of large doses of ascorbic acid. This prevents the development and growth of new keratomas. Treatment is carried out in courses with a monthly break.

Xerosis - what is it?

Most people have suffered in one form or another in their lives from xerosis, or dry skin. When this problem gets serious, it can affect people both physically and emotionally.

The key to overcoming the symptoms of xerosis is taking proper daily skin care that does not worsen skin conditions and provides proper care and hydration. Understanding the multiple causes of dryness and applying the appropriate care can help you personalize the process to improve its effectiveness.

Xerosis is the medical name for dry skin. It comes from the Greek words 'xero', which means dry, and 'osis', disease, disease. Xerosis is associated with a lack of moisture in the skin, which can occur as a result of aging (age-related xerosis) or accompany certain diseases such as diabetes. As a result, the skin becomes dry, coarse and tight, which can develop into keratinization, leading to flaking and peeling of the skin.

Whenever you are in doubt about the condition of your skin, it is important to consult a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis.

The skin's ability to regulate hydration, or the saturation of moisture in its upper layers, depends on three main processes that occur at different depths in the skin:

• In the upper layers of the skin, molecules of various hygroscopic substances, such as urea, lactic acid, PCA (carboxylic acid pyrolidones), salts and amino acids, absorb and bind large amounts of water.
• The skin's own protective lipids (eg ceramide-3) have a vital function in reducing water loss through evaporation.
• In deeper layers, the skin's own natural hydration system transfers water to the surface through aquaporin channels.

This delicate system works quite clearly and is able to adapt to the skin's hydration needs, maintaining the required moisture concentration during changes in the external environment. However, several internal (endogenous) and external (exogenous) factors can disrupt this system, resulting in dry skin. Moreover, the severity of symptoms depends on a number of complex factors.

Signs and symptoms of xerosis

Xerosis is a common skin condition experienced by millions of people with chronic or acute form... Just as the hydration system of the skin is supported by many factors, the lack of moisture in the skin can manifest itself in different ways. Most often, dry skin will show only a few of these symptoms, while very dry skin will usually have all of these symptoms to varying degrees:

• Thickening is due to the fact that the skin loses its elasticity due to dehydration. When there is a lack of moisture, the skin becomes less elastic and loses volume.
• Roughness (keratinization) is also caused by dryness, which increases the rate of cell death in the upper layers of the skin, resulting in a thick layer of dead cells on the skin's surface.
• Skin that is flaky is similar to keratinous skin, with the difference that the upper stratum corneum becomes dry and inelastic.
• Skin detachment occurs when particles of dry skin are exfoliated. Sometimes it only looks like fine dust.
• Itching is another effect that results from dry skin and is a violent reaction to the discomfort caused by the hardening of the skin that is not functioning properly.
• Sensitivity is caused by dry skin's inability to resist irritants such as hot water, perfume and other substances that can penetrate the skin's surface. However, dry skin is not always associated with sensitive skin.

Dry skin can appear anywhere on the body, although it mainly occurs in areas that are most exposed to external influences. Inflammatory skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis mainly result in localized areas of xerotic skin.

Always seek professional advice and diagnosis from your doctor if you develop any of these symptoms.

What causes the disease?

Three main skin defects have been shown to cause dryness:

• Lack of protective skin lipids. The cells of the stratum corneum are connected to each other using epidermal lipids. These lipids are essential to maintain healthy state skin: they create a protective barrier and retain moisture. When lipids are not present, the skin may become dry and feel tight and coarse.
• Lack of natural moisturizing factors (PVF). In addition to urea, there are several other natural moisturizing factors (RAFs) present in the skin. These include PAC, lactic acid, salts, and sugars. Like urea, these natural moisturizers tighten and retain moisture near the stratum corneum (the top layer of the skin), preventing it from dryness, flaking and damage.
• The ineffectiveness of the skin's own hydration system. Aquaporins are microscopic water channels located in cell membranes that control the transport of water into and out of the cell. Aquaporins form a system that transfers moisture through the various layers of the skin's epidermis.

Factors causing dry skin

Some external factors provoke the physiological changes described above, which can lead to xerosis:

Environmental factors affecting the skin - its cleansing, moisture and sun rays.

• Frequent cleansing, especially constant washing, often causes the skin's natural barrier to collapse. The danger increases with the use of aggressive cleaning agents and detergents.
• Dry skin develops more often in conditions of low air humidity, which happens in winter, and sometimes during hot summer.
• The sun's rays can dry the skin, and the ultraviolet rays increase the rate of evaporation from the skin's surface, which in the long term can lead to premature aging of the skin, which affects its ability to maintain the required level of moisture.

The internal environment of the skin - age, dehydration, nutrition, medication and disease.

• Studies have shown that the concentration of lipids in the stratum corneum decreases with age. This can lead to age-related dryness.
• A dehydrated body cannot afford to supply water to the skin.
• Diet is important because healthy skin requires the supply of natural lipids, GFR and nutrients.
• Certain medications, especially diuretics, cause dehydration, which in turn can lead to dry skin.
• Skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and diabetes are characterized by the symptom of dry skin.
• Pharmaceuticals can dehydrate the body.

How is xerosis treated?

Historically, the treatment of xerosis has been mainly symptomatic, with the aim of providing short-term relief of symptoms by topical application lipids, mainly vegetable oils, humectants and PFPs such as urea and lactic acid. When it became known about the causes and factors of xerosis, doctors found that a more holistic, integrated approach to the treatment of xerosis produced significantly better results.

This strategy is to avoid or minimize the causes and factors that contribute to the development of xerosis, focusing on providing the necessary daily skin and body care, cleansing and hydration.

• It is recommended to use mild cleaners

Gentle yet effective skin cleansing is important condition not only for later use local funds, for example, for atopic dermatitis but also for moisturizing the face when caring for dry skin. Selecting an instrument that is suitable for cleansing the skin and does not compromise the skin's barrier function is critical to the effectiveness of subsequent hydration and skin care.

• Improving skin hydration

Skin hydration is regulated in a variety of ways, each dependent on many different factors. For effective treatment xerosis, every factor that is involved in the regulation and maintenance of skin hydration must be addressed.

Dry skin often lacks urea, the main moisturizing component. Additional causes of xerosis are the lack of other natural moisturizing factors (NF) and protective lipids of the skin. Local supply of these vital substances can restore the skin's ability to regulate hydration. In addition, the latest moisturizer - a combination of glycerin and glucose, glycerol glucoside (GG) - has been shown to stimulate the skin's own hydration system.

If symptoms change, or if you are unsure which treatment is best for you, please consult a dermatologist.

Avoiding factors contributing to xerosis

In addition to high-quality cleansing and moisturizing procedures, it is very important to avoid factors that contribute to the development of dry skin. This will help alleviate the problem of dry skin and reduce the need for treatment:

• Avoid dry air by spending less time outdoors in hot, dry or cold weather, and using humidifiers if the heating is on.
• Reduce time in hot water by taking quick, warm showers instead of long hot baths.
• Use gloves when washing dishes to avoid exposure to hot water and harsh detergents
• Wear clothing made from natural materials such as cotton and silk that will not irritate your skin. Wool is also a natural material, but it can irritate atopic skin and should be avoided in this condition.
• Try to use detergents that do not contain dyes or fragrances for clothes, as they can remain on the clothes after washing and irritate dry skin.

Make sure you drink enough water.

Causes and treatment of ichthyosis

Ichthyosis is an inherited skin disorder similar to dermatosis. Pathology is expressed by a characteristic violation of the keratinization process and the appearance on the body of scales similar to fish scales. Hence the name of the disease, it comes from the Greek word ichthys - fish.

The main cause of the disease is a gene mutation that can be transmitted through a generation. Scientists have not yet figured out the biochemical process that underlies the disease. Typical symptoms is an increase in cholesterol levels, excessive accumulation of amino acids, metabolic disorders.

A mutation caused by ichthyosis leads to a decrease in metabolic processes: their activity decreases, the thermoregulation of the skin is disrupted, the participation of enzymes in oxidative processes in the outer layers of the skin increases. In people suffering from ichthyosis, there is a decrease in the functions of the thyroid and gonads, adrenal glands, difficulties arise with the activity of the sweat glands, a deviation in the keratinization of the skin appears, the rejection of dead cells of the epidermis slows down, the process of assimilation of vitamin A is disrupted.

The patient's body looks very unsightly, it is covered with scales, and amino acid complexes that have not been absorbed by the body accumulate between them. Stagnation of substances give a cementing effect on the skin, as a result of which keratinized cells tightly adhere to each other with healthy cells. The separation of scales causes the patient to strong pain.

Types of ichthyosis

There are several types of ichthyosis:

• vulgar (ordinary);
• serpentine;
• pearlescent (shiny);
• needle;
• black;
• lamellar.

There is one more form of ichthyosis, allocated in a separate group - congenital ichthyosis. It occurs in the fetus even in the womb and is expressed by a violation of the process of normal keratinization of the skin. A child is born with this pathology if he has the genes of both parents. However, a specific expression of a gene may not cause 100% transmission. Usually, the congenital form of ichthyosis is not compatible with the life of the child.

Vulgar ichthyosis is the most common hereditary form of ichthyosis. It usually develops during puberty.

Black ichthyosis develops in the elderly when aging skin is prone to structural changes and increased formation of age spots.

The symptoms of the disease are especially pronounced in children. younger age... The foci of tissue damage are very significant and it is impossible not to notice them. The skin becomes dry due to a violation of the production of sebum. The hair on the head thinns and falls out, becomes dry and brittle. Children lag behind in development from their peers not only in physiological indicators, but also in mental development. The immune system weakens, which allows the development of infectious and inflammatory diseases.

Ichthyosis symptoms

The clinical symptoms of ichthyosis depend on the form of the disease. For vulgar ichthyosis, the following symptoms are characteristic:

• dry skin;
• roughness;
• the formation of light gray or dark gray scales;
• the appearance of horny plugs at the base of the hair follicles;

In other forms of ichthyosis, the following are observed:

• scales are black-brown;
• cracks appear between the scales, which makes them look like snake skin;
• the affected areas are localized on the back, neck, lower and upper limbs, abdomen and hairy part heads.

Diagnosis and treatment of the disease

Diagnosis of the disease is not difficult. A dermatologist can easily diagnose the disease. In some cases, histological studies are performed to confirm it accurately.

Treatment of ichthyosis is carried out by a dermatologist in a hospital or on an outpatient basis (depending on the severity of the disease).

The patient is prescribed vitamins A, E, B, C and a nicotinic acid for a long time with multiple courses in high doses. Also prescribed drugs that help soften the scales (lipotropic action). To increase the body's resistance, drugs containing trace elements, blood plasma transfusion, gamma globulin, and aloe extract are prescribed.

If systemic lesions of the thyroid or pancreas are observed, appropriate treatment is prescribed: thyrodine in the first case and insulin in the second.

In very severe cases or with a congenital form of the disease, hormone therapy is prescribed. During the period of normalization of the condition, routine examinations are carried out to control general condition patient and prevent the development of complications.

Local therapy includes taking baths with a solution of potassium permanganate, salt, starch and lubricating the affected areas with cream. Bath water is saturated with vitamin A, sodium chloride and urea.

Irradiation of the affected areas with ultraviolet light, swimming in the sea and moderate sunbathing help to improve the condition of the skin. Patients with ichthyosis are recommended sulfide and carbon dioxide baths, which stimulate metabolic processes in the dermis. In a state of remission, silt and peat mud are shown as preventive measures. Improvement of the patient's condition is observed in the case of spa treatment.

At home, you can take baths with sea ​​salt, brown and glycerin. It is better to alternate such baths: one day - with brown and salt, on the other - glycerin in combination with brown. Baths with the addition of pine needles, tea and hay dust are also very effective.

Prevention and prognosis

It is impossible to prevent the development of ichthyosis, but modern medicine can prevent the birth of a sick child. The main prevention of the disease is the observation of married couples in order to determine the genetic risk. For couples in whose families there were cases of ichthyosis, consultations are held to educate and explain the causes of the disease.

Some married couples are contraindicated to have children in case of burdened heredity of at least one parent. Such couples are advised to adopt orphans, as the risk of having a sick child is too high.

Unfortunately, the prognosis of the disease is always unfavorable. Because even in mild form there is a risk of joining systemic diseases and the progression of metabolic diseases.

Keratosis is a pathological change in the stratum corneum, in which its regeneration is impaired. It gets thicker as the exfoliation of dead cells gets worse. Seborrheic keratosis is the most common form of pathology.

General description of the disease

Seborrheic keratosis is accompanied by the appearance on the surface of the skin of multi-colored spots that rise above it or remain flat. Over time, the shade and shape of the neoplasms changes, but they do not disappear on their own. Pathology affects more often elderly people, since they slow down the processes of regeneration of the stratum corneum of the skin.

Keratomas are localized on various parts of the body: head, back, limbs. The growth may be isolated, but there are cases when the patient has an accumulation of formations. Seborrheic keratosis according to ICD-10 ( International classification diseases of the 10th revision) has the code L82. Pathology develops over the years, but in unfavorable conditions, growths are able to degenerate into malignant formations... Seborrheic keratosis of the head is often found in elderly patients.

Reasons for the appearance

The exact causes of seborrheic keratosis are still not known. However, experts have identified negative factors that trigger the pathological mechanism:

• Heredity. Most often, pathology is transmitted through the female line.
• Predisposition to the development of oily seborrhea (on the scalp).
• Excessive exposure to the skin of direct sunlight, chemicals. The epidermis becomes thinner, cells begin to form improperly, and it becomes vulnerable to negative external factors.
• Lack of vitamins and minerals in the body, as well as the consumption of large amounts of animal fats.
• Frequent mechanical damage to the skin.
• Chronic pathologies, functionality problems endocrine system, immune disorders.
• Frequent use of hormonal drugs.
• Pathological changes in skin tissues are not established.

Sometimes seborrheic keratosis is difficult to distinguish from other pathologies, so the diagnosis should be differential, so as not to miss the development of the malignant process.

Symptoms of keratosis

Keratosis is characterized by certain symptoms that cause physiological and psychological discomfort. The presented pathology has the following signs:

• The presence of small spots, which in the first stages do not rise above the skin.
• A gradual change in the shade of the neoplasm.
• Loose structure of the keratoma, while the upper part of it exfoliates.
• Pain syndrome when trauma to the formation with a piece of clothing.

It is dangerous if the keratoma rises strongly above the skin. If you injure her, then this neoplasm can develop into a malignant tumor.

Disease classification

Seborrheic keratosis is not a life-threatening disease, but it must be treated correctly and on time. But before that, it is important to find out which form the neoplasm belongs to:

1. Flat. Its peculiarity is that it consists of unchanged pathological cells.
2. Reticular. The formation is based on the connection of epithelial cells.
3. Actinic. It develops after 45 years. At the same time, the epidermis has a light shade. Such formations are located on uncovered areas of the skin. This type of pathology is characterized by extensive rashes.
4. Clonial. The presence of this type of neoplasm is typical for elderly patients.
5. Annoyed. In the inner and outer parts of the keratoma, a large number of leukocytes are present. This type of neoplasm can be determined using histological analysis.
6. Follicular (inverted). It is characterized by a small amount of pigment.
7. Warty. It has a rounded shape. Occurs on lower limbs, and is rare.
8. Lichenoid. The neoplasm is accompanied by inflammatory process... By outward appearance it resembles lupus erythematosus, lichen planus.
9. Horny. It occurs very rarely, but it is dangerous because it can degenerate into a malignant tumor. Such a keratoma occurs in people over 60 years old.

Depending on the type of disease, treatment for seborrheic keratosis of the skin is prescribed. You won't be able to cope with it on your own.

Diagnostic features

Before starting treatment for seborrheic keratosis, you need to see a dermatologist. He can determine the disease by its external manifestations, as well as clinical picture... Define the disease on early stages very difficult. If the neoplasm grows too quickly, the specialist will prescribe a histological examination of its tissues, as well as a biopsy. Such a diagnosis will help distinguish a keratoma from a malignant tumor or other skin pathologies.

What is the danger of the disease

Seborrheic keratosis of the skin is dangerous because neoplasms can quickly develop into a malignant tumor. At the same time, their appearance practically does not change, so you can skip the favorable time for treatment. The most dangerous thing is the development of malignant cells under the keratoma. In this case, cancer is detected at later stages, when metastases are already present in the body. A large number of keratomas can also indicate the presence of an oncological process. Moreover, anyone can be affected internal organ.

Stages of development

Seborrheic keratosis of the skin develops in several stages:

1. First. Dark spots appear on the surface of the skin. At this stage, they are located without towering. Over time, the spots merge. Most often they are localized on closed parts of the body.
2. Second. Small knobby papules form here. They have clear boundaries. The spots protrude slightly above the skin. Signs of keratinization of the neoplasm or peeling are absent.
3. Third. At this stage, the keratoma is directly formed, which is similar to the beans. The color of the neoplasm changes - it becomes darker. When you try to scrape off the scales, bleeding wounds appear on the skin.

Seborrheic keratosis in children is extremely rare. The neoplasm grows slowly.

Features of therapy

Drug treatment seborrheic keratosis of the skin is not effective. In most cases, patients do not seek help from specialists, since pathology does not bother them. However, you should go to the doctor if:

• Ulcers, suppuration, and wounds appeared on the damaged skin.
• The person experiences severe itching or pain.
• The neoplasm began to increase in size.
• A keratoma appeared on an open area of ​​the body and is a cosmetic defect.
• Keratoma constantly lends itself to injury by items of clothing.

Most effective way therapy is the removal of neoplasms. For this, the following methods are used:

1. Laser burning. This method is affordable, safe and effective. For the procedure, a special apparatus is required, with the help of which damaged tissues are simply evaporated. The advantage of the procedure is that there are practically no scars left after it.
2. Removal by radio waves. The presented operation has a rather big cost. A directed beam of radio waves is used to remove seborrheic keratosis. Anesthesia is required for the procedure.
3. Cryodestruction. In this case, liquid nitrogen is used to eliminate neoplasms. After processing, the keratoma dies off and falls off. After the operation, a large blister appears on the damaged area, which cannot be removed on your own. During the recovery period, it opens itself, and under it you can see healthy skin.
4. Cauterization of education electric shock... The intervention is performed using a special electrosurgical unit. To carry out such a procedure, you need to choose a clinic with a good reputation and an experienced surgeon. After removal of the keratoma, sutures are applied to the wound. The disadvantage of the procedure is its high degree trauma and an increase in the recovery period.
5. Chemical removal. It is produced using caustic substances that are applied to the keratoma. This procedure is used extremely rarely, as it can cause complications and leave deep scars.
6. Mechanical removal using curettage. This sanding process is only suitable for flat lesions that do not rise above the surface of the skin.

With seborrheic keratosis, ointments are used only during the recovery period. Tissues after surgery are regenerated quickly enough, but during this period special hygiene rules must be observed and medicines preventing wound infection.

After removal of keratomas, the wound should be washed with special medicinal solutions with an antiseptic effect: "Chlorhexin", "Belasept". After that, seborrheic keratosis is treated with ointments with antimicrobial action. A bandage is applied to the wound immediately after the procedure. It is necessary to ensure that dirt does not get on the operated area.

In order for the wound to heal faster, you need to include vegetables, fruits, and other foods in the menu, which contain a lot of vitamin C.

Alternative treatment of pathology

Traditional treatment seborrheic keratosis can also be effective, but it must be long-term and permanent. Prescriptions of funds must be agreed with a dermatologist.

The following recipes will be useful:

1. Vegetable oil. The product is boiled before use. The cooled oil is applied to the affected skin with rubbing movements. The procedure is repeated up to 5 times a day. The duration of the course is one month. As well as sunflower oil it is allowed to use sea buckthorn or castor.
2. Garlic. To prepare the product, you will need a head of garlic, which must be chopped and mixed with 3 tsp. honey. The mixture should be warm during use. Neoplasms are treated three times a day.
3. Raw potatoes. The vegetable is crushed on a grater, after which a compress is made on the affected skin. You need to keep it for at least an hour.
4. Pure propolis. It is applied in a thin layer to spots and neoplasms. The treated leather is covered with gauze on top. The compress lasts 5 days.
5. Aloe leaves. V morning time it is necessary to cut off the largest sheets and scald with boiling water. Next, the plant is wrapped in a dense cloth and placed in the freezer. After 3 days, the sheets are cut into thin plates. The plant should be used for compresses. They should be applied at night. After the sheet is removed, it is necessary to wipe the skin alcohol solution.
6. Onion peel. Raw materials are poured into a glass of vinegar and infused for 2 weeks in a dark place. After that, the mixture is filtered and applied to the keratomas for half an hour.
7. Apple vinegar... On its basis, medicinal lotions are made. It is necessary to apply gauze with liquid to the affected area up to 6 times a day. The therapy is carried out before complete cure.
8. Burdock. Requires 20 g of raw materials and 200 ml of boiling water. The burdock is filled with liquid and infused for 2-3 hours. A solution for compresses is used.
9. Yeast. Dough is prepared on their basis. After it rises, it is necessary to make a cake and fix it on the neoplasm. The compress is removed after 1.5-2 hours, after which the skin must be rinsed with warm water. The procedure should be repeated daily until the keratoma disappears.
10. Celandine and pork fat. Both components are mixed and applied to the skin up to 4 times a day. You need to store such an ointment in the refrigerator.
11. Red beet gruel. It should be fixed on the keratoma for 4 hours. The procedure is repeated every day.

Folk remedies are an effective method of dealing with pathology, but they should not be used on their own. First you need to make sure that there is no malignant process. Self-medication can only aggravate the skin condition.

Preventive measures

Since it is difficult to treat seborrheic keratosis, it is better not to allow it to develop at all. To do this, it is worth observing the following preventive measures:

• Eat right, including in the diet those foods that contain a large amount of vitamins and minerals. Fatty foods are best avoided or limited.
• Use moisturizing lotions or body creams, especially after 30 years.
• If you have to work with chemicals, then you need to do it carefully and use protective equipment.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, use sunscreen.
• Quit smoking and alcohol abuse.
• Stabilize the emotional state.

Seborrheic keratosis is a rather dangerous pathology that can transform into a malignant skin lesion. To prevent this, it is better to warn her. If she appears, then you should not hesitate to visit the doctor.

Seborrheic keratosis is a benign neoplasm that occurs on the skin; manifests itself as dark brownish spots, as a rule, the spots are slightly convex, embossed (see photo below). The surface of areas affected by seborrheic keratosis tends to become scaly and form oily crusts that tend to flake off.

Unlike, with which it should not be confused, seborrheic keratosis does not develop into a malignant pathology.

Epidemiology

Seborrheic keratoses are very common on the face and trunk of people who have reached old middle age, without gender preference (i.e., both men and women are the same). The dermatological disorder manifests itself primarily in the Caucasian race, while the eastern and black races are rarely affected.

Causes

Etiopathological studies are still the basis for the study of this disease. The only connection that scientists were able to prove was familiarity: Seborrheic keratosis appears to be genetically transmitted in an autosomal dominant manner.

There is no doubt, however, that the growth, therefore, the development of seborrheic keratoses is enhanced by hormonal changes or irritation, although it is not a triggering reason: for this reason menopause, the time of high hormonal modulation, coincides with an increase in seborrheic keratosis.

Finally, some studies also suggest possible involvement ultraviolet radiation in the etiology of the disease, since it has been noted that seborrheic keratosis occurs in people who have exposed their skin for a long time sun exposure... However, since the disorder occurs even in people who have not been excessively exposed to ultraviolet radiation, the debate about the effect of sunlight in the etiology of seborrheic keratosis is still open. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct further and deeper research in this area.

Clinical manifestations

Typically, seborrheic keratoses begin as yellowish papules that turn brown and flake off over time. In truth, the color of the lesions can range from hazel to brown or blue, depending on the subtype of seborrheic keratosis that affects the patient. In addition, while lesions are more common on the face and trunk, depending on the subtype of seborrheic keratosis a person suffers from, they can also occur in other parts of the body. (see paragraph "classification").

Papules can be different sizes, depending on the object and depending on the area affected by keratosis: in general, there are spots with a diameter of 1 millimeter to 1 centimeter, but there have been cases where the papules were even larger.

Often, seborrhoeic keratoses barely adhere to the skin and give the impression of being easily detached. It is because of the barely adjacent feature with which seborrheic keratoses form on the skin that they are often, partially or completely, destroyed after injuries.

Given the similarity with, seborrheic keratosis is called seborrheic warts, senile warts: seborrheic formations are not contagious and not transmitted and, as already mentioned, cannot develop into malignant tumors.

Symptoms

The lesions typical of this skin condition are usually asymptomatic and do not cause any discomfort. However, in some cases, the lesions may become irritated or cause itching and / or bleeding.

Classification

There are various subtypes of seborrheic keratosis:

• Seborrheic acanthotic keratosis: This is the most common form of the disease and is a diffuse light brown to dark brown pigmentation with pseudo-corneal cysts that tend to take on a yellowish color.
• Acropostic seborrheic keratosis: Affects mainly legs, lesions are multiple.
• Hyperkeratotic seborrheic keratosis: keratotic manifestation that tends to flake off continuously.
• Pigmented seborrheic keratosis or melanoacanthem: This form is manifested by multiple pigmentation, melanocytes are present in large numbers.
• Painful (irritated) seborrheic keratosis: the manifestation of seborrheic keratosis is accompanied by irritation and other possible skin changes. Bleeding and redness of the damaged areas occurs. Usually infiltration of melanophages in the aforementioned areas gives the spots a bluish color, sometimes raising diagnostic doubts (difficult to distinguish from).
• Black papular dermatosis ( seborrheic keratosis on dark skin): Regarding this, it is not yet clear whether it can be considered as a variant of seborrheic keratosis. It manifests itself in small, multiple hyperpigmented spots.

Diagnostics

The dermatologist must correctly diagnose the disorder by analyzing each individual seborrheic wart in order to avoid misunderstandings: the signs left by seborrheic keratosis actually resemble signals of much more serious illnesses skin (flat, spinocellular carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma).

If the diagnosis of seborrheic keratosis is correct, removal of the wart will be useless (unless the disorder is a serious aesthetic problem in the affected subject's eyes). Through dermatoscopy, the specialist can make the correct diagnosis and differentiate seborrheic keratosis from others skin diseases... Of course, the physician will also have to determine what type of seborrheic keratosis the patient has.

Treatment

As already mentioned, treatment by removing seborrheic warts is not necessary, except for aesthetic reasons. In fact, the lesions are usually asymptomatic and do not cause discomfort in patients. However, if seborrheic keratoses show unregulated and overgrowth, the disorder can have significant aesthetic consequences.

In this case, diathermocoagulation, cryotherapy, laser therapy, curettage or electrocoagulation are possible solutions for eliminating seborrheic keratosis. At the same time, these therapeutic approaches can be used if the lesions become irritating, itchy, pain and / or bleeding.

After removal, it usually appears lighter than the surrounding skin. This hypopigmented area can remain so throughout the patient's life. However, treatment results in permanent removal of the lesion, as it will no longer occur in the area where it was removed. However, this does not prevent the appearance of new seborrheic keratoses in other untreated areas of the body.

Prophylaxis

To date, there are no specific methods for the prevention of this pathology. It is recommended to limit exposure to the sun, avoid heavy tanning, follow the rules healthy way life, stop drinking alcoholic beverages and cigarettes, observe the rules of hygiene.

To summarize

To secure the material, see the table below ...

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