Stucco Keratosis: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Our skin is constantly shedding dead skin cells. Usually, these dead skin cells are replaced with new ones. But sometimes, the dead skin cells accumulate on the surface of the skin, forming a rough, scaly patch. This is called stucco keratosis.

Stucco keratosis is usually harmless. It’s most common in older adults and people with fair skin. The condition is not contagious and does not usually lead to other health problems. This article will lay out everything you need to know about stucco keratosis.

What is stucco keratosis?

Stucco keratosis is a common, harmless skin condition. It occurs when dead skin cells accumulate on the surface of the skin, forming a rough, scaly patch. The patches are usually yellowish, brown, or black. They can range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters.

Moreover, it is also most common in older adults and people with fair skin. The condition is not contagious and does not usually lead to other health problems.

Stucco Keratosis Causes

There can be several causes of stucco. The most common is simply the natural aging process. As we age, our skin cells turnover more slowly, which can cause them to accumulate on the surface of the skin.

Other possible causes include:

Excessive exposure to sunlight or other ultraviolet (UV) light

When we are too exposed to sunlight, it can damage the DNA in our skin cells. This damage can cause the cells to grow abnormally, leading to the formation of keratosis patches.

Certain medications

A bottle of Corticosteroids tablets

Some medications, such as corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, can increase the risk of developing keratosis.

Medical conditions

There are some medical conditions that are associated with an increased risk of developing keratosis. These include diabetes, psoriasis, and certain types of cancer.

Chronic skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis

Skin conditions can happen in response to an overactive immune system. This can cause the skin cells to turn over more quickly, leading to the accumulation of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin.

Stucco Symptoms

Man with an itchy hand

The most common symptom of keratosis is the appearance of one or more scaly patches on the skin. These patches can range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters. They are usually yellowish, brown, or black.

Other possible symptoms include:

  • Itching. Stucco may start out as a small, itchy patch of skin. The itchiness can worsen over time and may become very intense.
  • Bleeding. If the patches are scratched or irritated, they may bleed.
  • Inflammation. The patches may become red, swollen, and painful if they are inflamed.

Keratosis Diagnosis

A doctor can usually diagnose keratosis by looking at the skin. In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.

A biopsy involves taking a small sample of skin tissue to be examined under a microscope. This is usually done in a doctor’s office or outpatient clinic.

What are the risk factors for keratosis?

Lady exposed to sunlight

The following factors can increase your risk of developing stucco:

  • Age: The condition is most common in older adults.
  • Skin color: People with fair skin are more likely to develop stucco than those with darker skin.
  • Exposure to sunlight or other UV light: This can damage the DNA in our skin cells and lead to the formation of keratosis patches.
  • Certain medications: Corticosteroids and immunosuppressants can increase the risk of developing this disease.
  • Medical conditions: Diabetes, psoriasis, and certain types of cancer are associated with an increased risk of developing keratosis.

Stucco Keratosis Treatment

This disease can be treated in several ways, including:

Topical Preparations

Topical treatment dispensed on a finger

This type of treatment involves applying a cream, gel, or b to the affected area. These preparations can help to exfoliate dead skin cells and reduce inflammation.

Medications

Oral medications, such as retinoids, may be prescribed to treat stucco. These medications can help to improve the turnover of skin cells and prevent the formation of new patches.

Freezing

A woman patient receiving Cryotherapy on her hand data-lazy-src=

How to Tell If a Mole Needs to Be Removed

How to Tell If a Mole Needs to Be Removed

Does the appearance of your mole worry you? If you're concerned about a mole or its changes, book a mole screening at Skin Cancer Specialists in Houston, TX.    What is a mole check? A mole check is a skin exam where a dermatologist looks at your moles to assess...

read more

Beyond Treatment: Your Guide to Life After Skin Cancer

As a skin cancer survivor, you've shown incredible strength. We're here to support you every step of the way, offering expert medical care, compassionate understanding, and personalized guidance. We hope this guide will empower you to navigate life after skin cancer....

read more

Skin Cancer Screening: What to Expect

Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, with millions of cases diagnosed globally each year. While some skin cancers are easily treatable when detected early, others can be more aggressive and challenging to manage. Professional skin cancer screening...

read more
What are dark spots on skin and How Can You Treat Them?

What are dark spots on skin and How Can You Treat Them?

Do you have dark spots on your skin? If so, you’re not alone. Many people suffer from this condition, which can be caused by a variety of factors. In this blog post, we will discuss what causes dark spots on the skin and how you can treat them. We will also provide...

read more
Difference Between Eczema and Psoriasis

Difference Between Eczema and Psoriasis

There is actually a difference between eczema and psoriasis. Yet, many people are confused about the two conditions. In this blog post, we will discuss the differences between eczema and psoriasis, as well as their respective treatments. We will also explore whether...

read more
How to Get Rid of Plantar Warts in Most Effective Ways

How to Get Rid of Plantar Warts in Most Effective Ways

If you’ve been dealing with plantar warts, you know how frustrating they can be. Not only are they unsightly, but they can also be quite painful. In this blog post, we will discuss the most effective ways to get rid of plantar warts. We will cover both home treatment...

read more
How To Treat Dry And Cracked Hands

How To Treat Dry And Cracked Hands

Getting dry hands occasionally is common. It is not a serious condition, but it can be annoying and even painful when it starts to crack, or worse, peel. Dry hands and cracked skin are even more concerning when you try everything you can to get rid of the dryness but...

read more
How to Boost Immune System to Fight Psoriasis

How to Boost Immune System to Fight Psoriasis

Red, itchy, and flaky — psoriasis is an uncomfortable chronic autoimmune skin disease that causes a lot of complications. Because of the buildup of excess skin cells, psoriasis can also be painful. It’s not just a simple rash that you can ignore. In fact, it can lead...

read more
What is a Pustule: Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment

What is a Pustule: Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment

The skin deals with a lot of breakouts and distress coming from different types of conditions. One of the most common is the formation of a pustule, a small patch of fluid that commonly appears on the face. Pustules are typically harmless and can heal over time....

read more