{"id":3623,"date":"2019-02-05T07:24:31","date_gmt":"2019-02-05T07:24:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=3623"},"modified":"2021-05-25T18:23:36","modified_gmt":"2021-05-25T18:23:36","slug":"15-causes-of-seborrheic-keratosis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/15-causes-of-seborrheic-keratosis\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Causes of Seborrheic Keratosis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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This noncancerous skin growth is often confused with melanoma, due to its similar visual characteristics. Seborrheic keratosis defines a common skin disorder that produces a pale, brown, or black lesion on the surface of the skin, with a \u201cpasted on\u201d look. Also known as \u201cseborrheic warts\u201d or \u201cbasal cell papilloma,\u201d this condition affects the skin on the face, upper and lower back, as well as the shoulders, and chest.
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Most cases occur in people who are middle-aged or older, with 75-percent of individuals over the age of 75-years old, affected by the skin condition. It\u2019s important to note that seborrheic keratosis is not contagious and you can\u2019t contract the disorder from contact with other people\u2019s lessons. Some growths may take on a wart-like appearance, while others may resemble drops of candle wax on the surface of the skin.
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Here are eight causes of seborrheic keratosis, if you notice any of the signs of the disorder on your skin, contact a dermatologist for an assessment and diagnosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Over Exposure to Sunlight UV Rays
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Over-exposure to the sun\u2019s harmful UV rays<\/a> is the leading cause of seborrheic keratosis. Sunlight penetrates deep into the skin, causing sunburn to unprotected areas. A sunburn causes cellular damage, affecting the genetic material in skin cells. Changes to the cells may result in the development of seborrheic keratosis, as well as aggressive forms of skin cancer, such as melanoma.
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However, it\u2019s critical to note that seborrheic keratosis lesions are not cancerous. In rare cases, the skin disorder may develop into squamous cell carcinoma (SCC,) if affected individuals continue to receive sunburns to the area with seborrheic keratosis lesions.
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It\u2019s relatively easy to confuse seborrheic keratosis with melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer that kills almost 10,000 Americans every year. The best way to ensure you don\u2019t irritate your lesions and avoid the risk of developing skin cancer is to cover up during peak sun hours between 10 AM and 3 PM. If you do have to go out in the sun, make sure you choose a sunblock with an SPF of 50 or more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Over Exposure to Tanning Bed UV Rays
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Along with overexposure to the sun presenting a threat to your skin<\/a>, there\u2019s also the risk of developing the condition from too much time in the tan-can. Tanning devices expose the epidermis to harmful UV rays that mimic the sun.
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Many models and fitness enthusiasts like to maintain their tan year-round. Unfortunately, some of these individuals spend too much time on the tanning bed and receive a sunburn as a result. A tanning bed produces heat along with the UV rays, and people using these devices notice that it feels similar to sunbathing in direct sunlight.
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As a result, they don\u2019t notice their skins natural reaction to intense sunlight \u2013 or they choose to ignore it, thinking that they\u2019re safe because they\u2019re tanning in a controlled environment. However, tanning devices burn the skin with extended exposure, so it might not be such a good idea to run two tan-can sessions in a row.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Age
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Your age <\/a>is another risk factor to consider. Individuals older than 40-years of age are more at risk of developing the condition than younger people. As we age, our body\u2019s ability to synthesize protein starts to diminish. Since most of our cells are made up of proteins, we begin to show signs of aging as protein synthesis slows, it\u2019s the reason why our skin develops wrinkles.
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This slowdown in cell turnover thins the skin and reduces healing time from sunburn. While the condition mainly affects people older than the age of 40-years, younger people who spend lengthy amounts of time in the direct sun may also develop seborrheic keratosis lesions. People who fish and surf typically spend hours in the ocean every day, increasing their chances of developing the condition.
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It\u2019s vital to get into the habit of using premium quality sunblock with a high SPF to protect your skin from the sun\u2019s harmful UV rays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Medical History
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Your family history and personal medical history plays a significant role in establishing your risk profile for developing seborrheic keratosis. If other individuals in your family suffer from this skin disorder, there\u2019s a high chance that you have the same risk. Check with your parents and grandparents, as well as extended family members, such as aunts, uncles, and cousins, to see if any of them are dealing with seborrheic keratosis<\/a> lesions.
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When visiting a doctor for diagnosis of the condition, the physician will take a comprehensive medical history from you, and assess your risk profile for developing seborrheic keratosis. It\u2019s important to mention any other family members who are suffering from this skin disorder. Sometimes parents may not pass on the genes for the disease to their children, and it skips a generation.
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Your doctor will examine your skin and give you an accurate diagnosis, as well as treatment options if they discover any seborrheic keratosis lesions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Environmental Factors
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The climate of your environment also contributes to your risk profile for the development of seborrheic keratosis. The sun\u2019s rays are most active around the coastline, as well as in regions with high-altitude and plenty of sunny days.
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People who have the luxury of living at the seaside are typically the highest risk profile, as they tend to walk around bare-skinned on the beach. People living at the coast usually have tan skin, so they\u2019re resistant to the sun\u2019s rays to a certain extent.
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However, even tanned individuals with dark skin can develop seborrheic keratosis lesions <\/a>if they don\u2019t take care of their bodies. Water sports and sunbathing are two prime examples of activities where the skin risks extended exposure to harmful UV rays. Receiving a sunburn may occur more frequently in people taking part in these pastimes, and as a result, they are at higher risk of developing seborrheic keratosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Genetics
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Your genetics <\/a>are an indicator of your risk profile for developing seborrheic keratosis. Studies show that individuals with fair skin are most at risk. If you have fair skin, with blue eyes and blond hair, you\u2019re in the top percentile of people most likely to develop seborrheic keratosis. People with fair skin and freckles are another group predisposed to the condition.
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People with fair skin should cover themselves with light, airy clothing during the peak sun period of the day. Purchase an SPF 50 lip balm and sunscreen to protect your face from the sun\u2019s harmful rays. Remember to apply the sunblock frequently throughout the day for the best protection.
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Using a sunhat while out in the sun\u2019s rays is another practical means of avoiding sunburn and damage to your skin. Remember to touch up your ears with sunblock if you\u2019re wearing a peak cap. The eras are one of the most affected areas on the body for seborrheic keratosis lesions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Poor Immune Function
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The immune system<\/a> is responsible for fighting off inflammation and disease. When we get a sunburn, our immune system signals white blood cells to flood the affected area. The cells reduce the swelling and redness of the burned skin cells. People with a weakened immune system, you’re more at risk of an extended healing period from sunburn, as well as heightened symptoms relating to the skin trauma endured by your body.
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Some individuals have autoimmune dysfunctions where the immune system can\u2019t tell the difference between invading pathogens, and normal cells. As a result, the immune system signals cells to attack otherwise healthy cells in the body.
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Seborrheic keratosis is more likely to develop in individuals with weakened immune function, due to the skins inability to defend itself against infection and disease. If you have autoimmune dysfunction, speak to your doctor about dietary options and medications that can relieve the symptoms and return your immune system to health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Detection Time
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Seborrheic keratosis lesions take years to reach maturity. Some affected individuals may not even notice the development of the growth until it reaches a large size. Similarly, people who develop seborrheic keratosis lesions on parts of the body they rarely see, such as the back of the arms, as well as the upper, and lower back, may not even realize they have any lesions until some else identifies it for them.
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For this reason, it’s vital that individuals at high risk of developing Seborrheic keratosis, should see their dermatologist at regular intervals for a checkup. Seborrheic keratosis lesions are removed without much hassle and discomfort if caught early on.
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There are three methods doctors, and dermatologists <\/a>use to remove the wart-like lesions from your body. Cryosurgery involves freezing the growth, and the growth typically falls off by itself after a few treatments. Electro-surgery is another option similar to cryo-surgery where the physician or dermatologists uses electrical current to remove the lesion.
Established growths may require removal via curettage and desiccation, where the medical professional cuts them out of the skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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