Final answer:
In cases of keratosis, the skin typically experiences an overgrowth of keratin. When considering skin health and keratinocyte cancers such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, lesions can occur which may require surgical treatment to cure. Scarring, as a result of skin injury repair, involves collagen-rich tissue formation that differs from normal skin structure.
Step-by-step explanation:
When discussing what happens to the skin in cases of keratosis, it is usually in reference to a non-cancerous condition where there is an overgrowth of keratin on the skin. However, the term 'keratosis' might be confused with keratinocyte cancers like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer, arising from basal cells in the epidermis and generally presents as a pearly or waxy bump, whereas squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common skin cancer, arises from squamous cells and may appear as a firm, red nodule or a lesion with a scaly surface. Both types originate from cells in the epidermis and are typically curable through surgical means, as they are less likely to metastasize. Despite the commonality and treatable nature of these cancers, they highlight the importance of skin health and the potential consequences of excessive UV exposure.
In cases of skin injury, scarring can occur when the damage goes deeper than the surface, leading to the formation of collagen-rich scar tissue. This tissue lacks the original cellular structure of skin and accessory structures, resulting in scars or keloids in cases of overproduction of collagen.