Cutaneous horn, a disease that causes the growth of horns on the skin

Did you know that there are skin diseases that look like horns on the skin? Sounds strange but this disease really exists, you know. This disease is called cutaneous horn or by the Latin name is called cornu cutaneum . Like what, this disease? Is it dangerous? Let's look at the discussion below!

What is that cutaneous horn ?

Cutaneous horn (cornu cutaneum) is a skin disease characterized by hard protrusions on the skin that look like cones or resemble horns. The skin bumps are caused by a buildup of keratin. Keratin or what is called the horny layer is actually normally found on the skin. However, in this disease keratin buildup occurs.

The exact cause of this disease is still unclear. One of the suspicions that could be the possibility of this disease is the papilloma virus (human papillomavirus aka HPV).

This skin disorder is more often found in old age (around 60-70 years) with light colored skin. This disease can appear in anyone, both male and female.

What do the symptoms look like cutaneous horn ?

Cutaneous horn can be found anywhere on the body. However, this disease is more often found in areas of the skin that are exposed to lots of sunlight. For example the face, head, ears, chest, neck and backs of hands. Cutaneous horn can be as small as a pimple or the size of a thumb, or even more.

Example of the cutaneous horn. - Source: Healthline

Sufferers cutaneous horn usually have no symptoms other than a bump on their skin that resembles a horn. Usually they come to the doctor complaining of discomfort and lack of confidence due to the protrusions that can interfere with their appearance. However, if there is a wound that causes inflammation, pain will occur.

The bulge that appears varies from person to person. They can be shaped like horns, slightly rounded, or conical. The color also varies, some are brown, yellowish, white, or similar to the color of your own genuine leather.

Is this disease dangerous?

Disease cutaneous horn is a benign skin tumor. This disease is not dangerous. However, you should still be aware of the appearance of malignant skin tumors because they can resemble this disease. There are as many as 20 percent of cases that lead to skin malignancies (cancer).

If you experience skin bumps that are painful, bleed easily, and get bigger quickly, consult a dermatologist immediately.

How to get rid of these horns or skin bumps?

How to get rid of the protrusions that appear on the skin is by means of an excision (incision). The doctor will perform a small operation to remove the "horn" protruding from the skin. After that, a biopsy of the tumor tissue can be examined to determine whether this tumor is a benign or malignant skin tumor.