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Suggest Treatment For Itchy Growth On Legs
Question: I am 72 yrs. of age. my problem has gotten worse over the past 3 years. I have white small growths that started on my feet on top. they have been coming up all over my body from feet to on my head. they itch and sometime when I scratch them parts come off but not all. they are worrisome to say the least. I was told they are called barnacles. is there some way to rid myself of them? HELP.
Brief Answer:
detailed below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello !
Welcome to Healthcare Magic.
I read carefully your query and understand your concern.
It would be great if you could send me a picture of these growths on your skin but if you can't it is O.K
The way you describe they seems to be Seborrheic keratosis.This are small multiple growths appear in middle-aged and older adults.
They may look worrisome, but they are benign skin growths.The only reason to remove them from the skin is for cosmetic reason or because they cause some discomfort like itchiness ,irritation when they rub against clothes etc.
Most often seborrheic keratoses are treated by one of three surgical methods:
-Freezing or cryotherapy
-Scraping or curettage
-Electrosurgery
Removing the growths is simple and usually does not cause scars.
There are some topical medications (keratolytic agents) that can reduce these growths.
-Superficial lesions can be treated by carefully applying pure trichloroacetic acid
-Ammonium lactate and alpha hydroxy acids have been reported to reduce the height of seborrheic keratoses.
-I would not recommend to try removing them yourself because they may bleed or become infected.
If you want to get rid of these skin growths I suggest to consult a dermatologist.
Hope it helps.
Let me know if you have any other question or doubts to clarify.I will be happy to assist you further.
Kind regards,
Dr.Rovena Murati
detailed below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello !
Welcome to Healthcare Magic.
I read carefully your query and understand your concern.
It would be great if you could send me a picture of these growths on your skin but if you can't it is O.K
The way you describe they seems to be Seborrheic keratosis.This are small multiple growths appear in middle-aged and older adults.
They may look worrisome, but they are benign skin growths.The only reason to remove them from the skin is for cosmetic reason or because they cause some discomfort like itchiness ,irritation when they rub against clothes etc.
Most often seborrheic keratoses are treated by one of three surgical methods:
-Freezing or cryotherapy
-Scraping or curettage
-Electrosurgery
Removing the growths is simple and usually does not cause scars.
There are some topical medications (keratolytic agents) that can reduce these growths.
-Superficial lesions can be treated by carefully applying pure trichloroacetic acid
-Ammonium lactate and alpha hydroxy acids have been reported to reduce the height of seborrheic keratoses.
-I would not recommend to try removing them yourself because they may bleed or become infected.
If you want to get rid of these skin growths I suggest to consult a dermatologist.
Hope it helps.
Let me know if you have any other question or doubts to clarify.I will be happy to assist you further.
Kind regards,
Dr.Rovena Murati
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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