April 8, 2018

Bowen’s Disease

Bowen’s Disease

It is also called in situ cell carcinoma .  This disease is easily curable. The cancer cells may spread along the top layer, but it is a very slow moving process, and could take years to do.  Only 3 to 5 % of patients with Bowen’s disease experience the disease moving into deeper layers of the skin. If left untreated, there are risks that could be associated with it.

Symptoms

It is commonly seen on the arms, legs and trunk. It will most likely appear as a scaly patch on the skin that is red, and may or may not itch. The skin can bleed, scab over and be sore. It is more common in woman then in men and will usually effect those that are in their 70s to 80s. seen on many with fair skin.  However, it has been known to show up in areas that would not see exposure to sunlight, such as the genitals.   It is common to effect those that are taking medications to suppress the immune system.

Bowen’s Disease is not genetic, and it can not be passed through skin contact. It is rarely related to arsenic exposure.  One is at more of a risk for developing Bowen’s disease if they have had radiotherapy in the effected area.

 Treatments

A dermatologist will examine the skin, looking at the size and thickness, as well as the number of patches on the skin to determine the best treatment option which include:

  • Cryotherapy- liquid nitrogen is sprayed on effected skin. The effected area could weep and blister, and a scab will form which will fall off within a few weeks.
  • Curettage and Cautery- The skin that is effected is scraped away. Local anesthetics are used. Heat or electricity will stop any bleeding.  The area will scab over, and heal within a few weeks.
  • Photodynamic Therapy- light sensitive cream is applied to effected skin .  A laser will be moved over the skin 4 to 6 hours later, which will destroy all abnormal cells. One will need more than one treatment with photodynamic therapy.  It takes about 45 minutes to do the process.  After the laser treatment  is done, a bandage will be applied to protect the skin from light.
  • Imiquimod Cream or Chemotherapy cream- The cream will be applied to the skin that is effected over a period of time.  Skin could become red and inflamed with use.
  • Surgery- Abnormal skin cells are cut out, with stitches needed more than likely. This works well if there is just a small patch.

Bowen’s disease is fully treatable, however, it is best to have it treated right away before damage is further done.  It will take time to heal back into normal skin.  Do note that if the effected treated skin begins to bleed or change in appearance, such as a lump developing, one should see their dermatologist immediately.  Always follow up protocol that the doctor has set up, such as applying sunscreen and wearing protective clothing.

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Ichthyosis (ick-thee-OH-sis) is a skin disease that causes extremely dry, thick, and scaly skin resembles fish scales.

These are a heterogeneous group of disorders with both inherited and acquired forms. these are the types
Ichthyosis Vulgaris- Most common type of icthyosis Lamellar Ichthyosis- Lamellar ichthyosis is characterized by dark, plate (armor)-like scale. Epidermolytic Hyperkeratosis- characterized by generalized redness and fine white scale Congenital Ichthyosiform Erythroderma- newborn infant with ichthyosis who presented at birth with collodion baby appearance. X-linked Ichthyosis- due to a defect in the enzyme steroid sulfatase, affects males with generalized scaling that usually begins soon after birth.

Ichthyosis Treatment

Several hours each day may need to be devoted the skin if ichthyosis is present in an individual. Daily, a person will need to take a shower or a bath. The skin should be exfoliated on a daily basis, and moisturised well. Moisturising ointments or creams may need to be prescribed by a dermatologist for the individual. Oral retinoids can be prescribed to reduce scaling. If a secondary infection occurs on the skin, oral antibiotics will need to be prescribed. Tips that will help keep the skin looking and feeling its best include applying a good quality lotion within 3 minutes of bathing. Apply to wet skin to keep moisture trapped into the skin. Products that contain lactic acid, alpha hydroxy acids and urea will help to keep skin not only moisturised but also exfoliated. Rubbing a wet pumice stone over crusty scales on the skin can help to remove them. Should there be scales on the scalp, brushing wet hair gently will aid in removing the scales.  

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