Actinic keratosis
Actinic keratosis is a thickening of the surface layer of the skin as a result of excessive sun exposure. As such, it is common on sun exposed areas of the body.
It is seen more often in advancing age, those who have spent a lot of time in direct sunlight and those with sparse hair or fair skin.
Actinic keratosis is not cancerous but should be regarding as pre-cancerous – meaning the body has started to develop cancer like changes.
Actinic keratosis tends to look like a thick layer of white or yellow crusty skin. It is often described as looking like a corn flake stuck on the skin.
The surrounding skin often looks red and irritated.
It can be sore and re-grows when picked off.
Treatment
Avoid sun exposure.
High factor sun cream.
Prescription only topical treatment – Solaraze, Picato, Efudix.
For images of actinic keratosis – follow the link – https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/actinic-keratosis-scalp-images/
Dermatofibroma
A dermatofibroma is a non cancerous growth of the skin.
They are more common in women than in men and tend to occur most frequently on the lower limbs.
They frequently occur after minor trauma to the skin and grow rapidly to approximately the size a 5p piece.
They usually feel hard to the touch and are often pale brown in colour.
They are usually painless.
Treatment
None.
Surgical removal only if painful. This can usually be done at The Oalkwood Surgery.
For images of dermatofibromas – follow the link – https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/dermatofibroma-images/
Lentigo
A lentigo is a flat, darkened patch of skin. As such, they look like large, flat, moles of the skin.
They affect men and women equally but are more common in those with fair skin.
They tend to be caused by exposure to UV radiation (sunlight, sunbeds etc).
They tend to be non cancerous, but a cancerous form is recognised – this is called lentigo maligna.
Treatment
None.
Referral to specialist Dermatologist if skin cancer is a possibility.
For images of lentigo – follow the link – https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/lentigo-images
Lipoma
A lipoma is a collection of slowly growing fatty tissue under the skin thet feels rubbery and soft to the touch.
They are non cancerous and are extremely common in advancing age.
Lipomas do not tend not to cause any symptoms.
Treatment
None.
Surgical removal only if painful. This can usually be done at The Oakwood Surgery.
For images of lipomas – follow the link – https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/lipoma-and-liposarcoma
Pyogenic granuloma
A pylogenic granuloma is a common non cancerous overgrowth of blood vessels. As such, they are usually cherry red in colour.
These commonly occur after minor trauma to the skin and grow very rapidly to around the size of a 1p piece.
They are fragile and bleed easily when knocked.
They can feel quite uncomfortable.
Treatment
None.
If causing problems, cautery or surgical removal. This can usually be done at The Oakwood Surgery.
For images of pyogenic granulomas – follow the link – https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/pyogenic-granuloma
Seborrhoeic keratosis
A seborrhoeic keratosis is a thickening of the surface layer of skin that occurs more frequently in advancing age. They are extremely common.
The colour can vary wildly from flesh, to pale brown, to dark brown to black.
They tend to look waxy on their surface and look as they they have been “glued on” to the skin.
They are usually painless but are often itchy.
Treatment
None.
Avoid sun exposure.
High factor sun cream.
If causing problems, cautery or surgical removal. This can usually be done at The Oakwood Surgery.
For images of seborrhoeic keratoses – follow the link – https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/seborrhoeic-keratosis-images/
Skin Cyst
A skin cyst is a fluid filled sac in the skin. We see these very frequently at The Oakwood Surgery.
They are common on the scalp, upper back, face and neck.
The sac usually contains a thick, white, cheesy and smelly substance.
They are very common and more frequently seen in women than men.
They frequently become painful, inflamed or infected.
Treatment
None.
Surgical removal only if painful or repeated infections. This can usually be done at The Oakwood Surgery.
For images of sebaceous cysts – follow the link – https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/pilar-cyst
Skin tag
A skin tag is a small outgrowth of skin on a stalk. As such, they tend to be a normal fleshy colour. They are non cancerous.
They occur more commonly in advancing age and those who are overweight.
They are more frequently seen in the armpits, groin and around the neck.
Treatment
None.
If causing problems, cautery or surgical removal. This can usually be done at The Oakwood Surgery.
For images of skin tags – follow the link – https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/skin-tag-images/
