Is This Skin Blemish the First Sign of Keratosis?

What is Keratosis, and Why Should You Care?

Keratosis refers to non-cancerous growths on the skin, commonly caused by sun exposure or aging. While most cases are harmless, some forms, like actinic keratosis, can develop into skin cancer if left untreated. Understanding the early warning signs of keratosis can help you stay on top of your skin health.

Early Signs of Keratosis: What You Need to Watch For

Rough, Scaly Patches

One of the first signs of keratosis is the development of rough, dry patches on the skin. They may look like red, pink, or brown spots that feel rough to the touch. These patches tend to be more noticeable in sun-exposed areas, like your face, hands, and shoulders.

Raised Growths That Don’t Go Away

You may spot small bumpy growths on your skin, which can be flesh-colored or slightly darkened. If they don’t go away or get bigger over time, it could be keratosis. These growths are typically painless, but you’ll want to keep an eye on them.

Itchy or Tender Skin

Sometimes, keratosis patches or growths can cause mild itching or tenderness. If your skin feels irritated or sore around a growth, it’s a signal to get checked by a dermatologist.

Change in Appearance

If you notice a change in the shape, size, or color of any skin spots, it’s time to seek professional advice. Keratosis growths can evolve, so early intervention is crucial in preventing complications.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Get Checked

If you’ve spotted any of these early signs of keratosis, don’t wait around. Early detection makes a world of difference in preventing more serious skin issues down the line. Treatment options are simple and can often remove the growths before they become problematic.

Remove the Growths: Cryotherapy (freezing), topical treatments, or laser therapy can effectively treat keratosis.

Prevent Skin Cancer: By addressing keratosis early, you reduce the risk of the growths turning into skin cancer.

Better Skin Health: Catching these early signs can help you maintain healthy, clear skin long-term.

How to Treat Keratosis Effectively

Most treatments for keratosis are non-invasive and simple. Here’s what you can expect:

Topical Treatments: Your dermatologist may prescribe a topical cream to treat the affected area.

Cryotherapy: Freezing the growths with liquid nitrogen is a quick way to remove them.

Laser Therapy: For more stubborn cases, laser therapy is an effective and non-invasive treatment.

Take Action Now!

Don’t let keratosis sneak up on you! If you’ve noticed any of the early signs, it’s time to see a dermatologist and get your skin checked. It only takes a simple visit to ensure that what seems like a small issue doesn’t become a bigger problem later on.

Click below to learn more about keratosis and how to treat it before it’s too late!