Index
A disorder characterized by thickening of the outer layer of the skin, which is composed of keratin.
Hyperkeratosis refers to the thickening of the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the epidermis), often associated with an abnormal amount of keratin and usually accompanied by an increase in the granular layer.
As the corneal layer usually varies significantly in thickness at different sites, some experience is needed to evaluate lower grades of hyperkeratosis.
Causes
It can be caused by vitamin A deficiency or chronic exposure to arsenic. Hyperkeratosis can also be caused by B-Raf inhibitory drugs such as Vemurafenib and Dabrafenib.
It can be treated with urea-containing creams, which dissolve the intercellular matrix of the stratum corneum cells, which promotes flaking of the scaly skin and, finally, produces a softening of the hyperkeratotic areas.
Types of hyperkeratosis
Follicular:
Follicular hyperkeratosis, also known as keratosis pilaris (KP), is a skin condition characterized by an excessive development of keratin in the hair follicles, which produces high rough, cone-shaped papules.
The openings are often closed with a white plug of tallow embedded. When called phrynoderma, the condition is associated with nutritional deficiency or malnutrition.
This condition has been shown in several small-scale studies to respond well to supplementation with vitamins and fats rich in essential fatty acids. Deficiencies of vitamin E, vitamin A, and B vitamins have been implicated in the cause of the condition.
Other specific sites:
- Plantar hyperkeratosis is hyperkeratosis of the sole. Surgical removal of dead skin is recommended to provide symptomatic relief.
- Hyperkeratosis of the nipple and areola is a rare, benign, asymptomatic, and acquired condition of unknown pathogenesis.
Hereditary:
- Epidermolysis hyperkeratosis (also known as “congenital bullous congenital erythroderma” or “congenital bullous erythroderma de Brocq”) is a rare skin disease in the family of ichthyosis that affects about 1 in 250,000 people. Keratin
- Multi-minute digital hyperkeratosis is a rare skin condition, with about half of the cases being familial.
- Focal acral hyperkeratosis (also known as “lichenoid acrokeratoelastoidosis”) is a late-onset keratoderma, inherited as an autosomal dominant disease, characterized by oval or polygonal crateriform papules that develop along the edges of the hands, feet, and dolls.
- Keratosis pilaris is similar to goosebumps; it is usually asymptomatic and can be treated by moisturizing the skin.
Others:
Lenticular hyperkeratosis Persians (also known as “Flegel’s disease”) is a skin condition characterized by rough, yellow-brown keratotic papules with a flat top.
In the mucous membranes:
The term hyperkeratosis is often used in connection with lesions of the mucous membranes, such as leukoplakia.
Due to the differences between the mucous membranes and the skin (for example, the keratinizing mucosa does not have a lucid stratum and the non-keratinizing mucosa does not have this layer or usually a stratum corneum or a stratum granulosum), sometimes the specialized texts give definitions slightly different from hyperkeratosis in the context of mucous membranes.
symptom
Hyperkeratosis can have a variety of symptoms. However, all symptoms will involve an area of rough or uneven skin that feels different from the surrounding skin.
Some symptoms of the most common causes of hyperkeratosis include:
- Calluses: A callus is an area of thickened skin that usually appears on the feet but can also grow on the fingers.
- Corns: A lesion that usually develops on or between the toes. Corn usually has a very hard central keratin lesion with an outer ring of hard tissue that is slightly softer.
- Eczema: This condition produces red itchy skin that can appear in patches or as tiny bumps.
- Epidermolysis hyperkeratosis: This condition causes very red skin and severe blisters on the skin at birth. As the baby ages, they will develop areas of thickened skin (hyperkeratosis), particularly over their joints.
- Leukoplakia: This condition causes thick, white patches to accumulate inside the mouth.
- Plaque psoriasis: This condition can cause an excessive accumulation of skin cells that are often silvery and scaly.
- Actinic keratosis: Causes patches of rough skin, similar to sandpaper, to develop due to excessive skin exposure.
- Lichen planus: This condition causes white patches to develop inside the mouth.
- Warts
Except for calluses and hardness, most forms of hyperkeratosis are not painful. If a person has a potential area of hyperkeratosis on their skin that they are not sure about, they should see their doctor.
What are the treatment options?
People who walk barefoot tend to be prone to hyperkeratosis injuries. It is recommended to avoid being barefoot in gyms and changing rooms to help prevent hyperkeratosis injuries.
Treatments for hyperkeratosis depend on the shape of a person. There are treatments at home and doctors for hyperkeratosis.
Some of the ways to avoid hyperkeratosis injuries, such as corns or calluses, include:
- She was wearing comfortable and tight shoes. Using filler on corns or hardness can also offer more excellent protection.
- Avoid going barefoot in mushroom-prone areas, such as changing rooms, gyms, or swimming pools.
- Avoid environmental conditions that contribute to eczemas, such as dry air, highly perfumed soaps, aggressive chemicals, or extremely hot or cold temperatures.
- Avoid allergy triggers, such as pet dander and pollen that can cause skin inflammation.
- Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 30 each time you leave. The use of protective clothing, such as a hat or long sleeves, may also protect against actinic keratosis.
- Suppose a person has a condition that causes removable injuries, such as warts. In that case, you should see your doctor, nurse practitioner, or medical assistant who can “freeze” a wart or use a laser to vaporize it.
