Question:
Has anyone heard of the following two conditions, and if so, are there any
medicines or shampoos that can alleviate the scaling. They are:
1. Seborrheic Keratoses
2. Lentigo Maligna.
Answer:
Seborrheic Keratoses are growths that begin to appear on many adults in
their 40s. Growths continue to appear and can increase in size throughout
life. They are harmless growths, unless they become inflamed, itch, etc.
They can then be easily removed, either with cryotherapy or by curettage
(scraping). Good skin lotions, such as Lubriderm or Alpha Keri, can cut
down on itching and skin flaking. Lentigo Maligna, on the other hand, is
a life-threatening malignancy, in the melanoma family. Lentigo Maligna is
often mistaken for an early seborrheic keratosis, because the skin simply
looks dark, discolored, with clearly-defined borders. Often looks like
melasma, as well, another disorder, most often occuring in women of
childbearing age, associated with hormonal changes, commonly during
pregnancy. The dark, brownish-black discoloration spreads with Lentigo
Maligna, and can involve very large areas of skin. If you have or know
someone who has Lentigo Maligna, please get medical advice ASAP! Again,
this is a life-threatening malignancy, and nothing to fool around with.
Paula Allen, CMA member, Dermatology Nurses' Association
