Senile keratosis

Characteristics

Senile keratosis, also known as actinic keratosis, is a disease characterized by the appearance of flat discoloration on the skin. The patches of keratosis may be single or multiple and appear most commonly on the face, head, hands, shins and forearms. The affected area is dry and scaly with grayish-yellow discoloration of the skin surface. The epidermis may be thickened and covered with wrinkles, which is a consequence of excessive exposure to the sun, or on the contrary – thinning, in the case of senile lesions. Keratoses can have an uneven surface, and their diameter reaches several millimeters. When the skin is scraped or disturbed, bleeding may occur and the resulting wound oozes. Keratosis is not only a cosmetic defect – it is a precancerous skin condition, which means that these changes may become malignant. For this reason, accurate and prompt diagnosis is extremely important. These changes can be effectively treated, so if you notice any disturbing changes on your skin, do not hesitate to consult a dermatologist.

Causes

Age-related keratosis most often occurs in elderly people with light skin phototypes or those taking immunosuppressive drugs. It is caused by excessive exposure to sunlight or results from advanced age. Exposure to UVB radiation leads to inhibition of DNA repair abilities. UVA radiation destroys skin cells indirectly by damaging the epidermal building blocks. Men are more prone to senile keratosis, although this disease can affect anyone, regardless of gender and age. Given that keratosis senile is a direct result of sun exposure, sun avoidance and sun protection play a key role in the prevention of the disease.

Diagnostics

After taking a thorough medical history, the specialist examines the lesion with a dermatoscopy. It is a fast, effective and simple diagnostic method. It allows for a tenfold magnification of the affected area, so the physician can see the keratinized skin very closely. If these methods do not provide a complete clinical picture, the dermatologist can perform an examination using the FotoFinder ATBM® Master, a technologically advanced and non-invasive device that allows very precise determination of the nature of skin lesions at their earliest stage of development. FotoFinder ATBM® Master allows:

• taking pictures and videos in Full HD resolution
• achieving high image sharpness (CrystalView Technology)
• Image magnification of up to 140 times with built-in optical zoom
• optimal irradiation of the examined area with polarized or non-polarized light
• Automatic image storage in FotoFinder ATBM® Master

The Moleanalyzer pro AI Score software photographs nevus and thoroughly evaluates them using an artificial intelligence-based algorithm that groups all nevus for their potential risk to the Patient’s health. This examination is particularly useful in cases of senile keratosis, as Patients often exhibit other pigmented lesions during the course of this disease. If a skin cancer risk is suspected, the physician will recommend a diagnostic biopsy.

Treatment methods

In choosing the optimal method of treatment of senile keratosis, the number of outbreaks, their surface, location, clinical evolution of the lesions and how long ago they appeared on the skin should be taken into account. The Patient’s age and past or chronic diseases, including skin cancers, are also important. Treatment includes preparations for topical application combined with medical procedures. In Zakrzewscy Clinic experienced and professional specialists will help the Patient choose one of several effective treatment methods available. Treatments that achieve the best results include:

• Alma Pixel CO2 ablative laser therapy – is a fast, precise, non-invasive and safe treatment method. The period of convalescence is minimized practically to zero, and the treatment itself takes from 15 to 30 minutes. Ointment anesthesia is optional, and only a burning or pinching sensation is felt during the procedure. The lesion vaporizes in a bloodless manner, and healthy skin remains intact. The physician has full control of the laser, so he can optimize the effectiveness of the treatment and maximize safety. After the procedure, the skin is covered with a scab, then the wound is covered with new cells, which reduces the risk of scar formation. An unquestionable advantage of laser therapy is that it destroys the lesion in its entirety.
• Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using LED Dermalux Tri-Wave MD lamps is a modern method that allows for extremely precise results in the treatment of senile keratosis. It is based on the application of a light-sensitive chemical substance (photosensitizer), which is applied to the affected area on the skin. Under the influence of light with appropriately selected wavelength generated by the lamp Dermalux Tri-Wave MD, photosensitizer activates causing the oxidation process in the affected skin cells, which leads to their disintegration. The undisputed advantages of this treatment method are that the photosensitizer acts only at the site of application to the skin without destroying healthy tissue. PDT therapy is characterized by high efficiency and is an excellent solution for Patients in whom other methods of treatment, such as laser therapy, cannot be used.
• Chemical peelings – improve skin condition by controlled exfoliation of the affected area. This method of treatment is used in mild, initial forms of senile keratosis. Peelings using pyruvic acid, trichloroacetic acid and glycolic acid, especially recommended in the treatment of keratosis, stimulate the processes of regeneration and growth of new epidermal cells. Depending on the characteristics of keratosis, the specialist selects the type and concentration of preparation that will bring optimal results.

Regardless of the treatment method chosen, the use of sunscreen is crucial in the fight against keratosis senilis. Sunscreen with SPF 50 should be applied every time the Patient is exposed to the sun, and its application should be repeated every 3 hours. The effectiveness of treatment depends largely on the Patient’s determination and adherence to medical recommendations.

If you notice senile keratosis or you are concerned about the condition of your skin, we invite you to a professional dermatological consultation, during which we will diagnose the problem and present available treatment methods.

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