Hyperkeratosis
know about Hyperkeratosis
Hyperkeratosis is thickening of the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the epidermis), often associated with the presence of an abnormal quantity of keratin, and also usually accompanied by an increase in the granular layer. As the corneum layer normally varies greatly in thickness in different sites, some experience is needed to assess minor degrees of hyperkeratosis.
It can be caused by vitamin A deficiency or chronic exposure to arsenic.
Hyperkeratosis can also be caused by B-Raf inhibitor drugs such as Vemurafenib and Dabrafenib.
It can be treated with urea-containing creams, which dissolve the intercellular matrix of the cells of the stratum corneum, promoting desquamation of scaly skin, eventually resulting in softening of hyperkeratotic areas.
Fast facts on hyperkeratosis:
· There are many forms of hyperkeratosis, which are divided into two main types.
· A doctor will begin a diagnosis by performing a physical exam of the lesion or lesions.
· Conditions such as eczema and psoriasis are forms of hyperkeratosis.
Causes and types
· Pressure-related hyperkeratosis occurs as a result of excessive pressure, inflammation or irritation to the skin.
· When this happens, the skin responds by producing extra layers of keratin to protect the damaged areas of skin.
· Non-pressure related keratosis occurs on skin that has not been irritated. Experts think that this form of hyperkeratosis may be the result of genetics.
Forms of hyperkeratosis include:
· actinic keratosis, which causes rough, sandpaper-like patches of skin to develop as a result of excess skin exposure
· calluses
· corns
· eczema
· epidermolytic hyperkeratosis, an inherited skin disorder present at birth
· lichen planus, a condition that causes white patches to grow on the inside of the mouth
· plantar warts
· psoriasis
· warts
If a person has a potential area of hyperkeratosis on their skin that they are uncertain of, they should see their doctor.
Symptoms
Hyperkeratosis can have a range of symptoms. However, all symptoms will involve an area of rough or patchy skin that feels different from the surrounding skin.
Some symptoms of the more common causes of hyperkeratosis include:
· Calluses: A callus is an area of thickened skin that usually occurs on the feet, but can also grow on the fingers. Unlike a corn (see below), a callus is usually of even thickness.
· Corns: A lesion that typically develops on or between the toes. A corn usually has a center lesion of very hard keratin with an outer ring of hard tissue that is slightly softer.
· Eczema: This condition causes red, itching skin that may appear in patches or as small bumps
· Epidermolytic hyperkeratosis: This condition causes very red skin and severe blistering of 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 build up inside the mouth.
· Plaque psoriasis: This condition can cause an excess buildup of skin cells that are often silvery and scaled.
With the exceptions of corns and calluses, most forms of hyperkeratosis are not painful.
Treatments:
Treatments for hyperkeratosis depend upon what form a person has. Both at-home and medical treatments exist for hyperkeratosis.
Some of the ways to avoid hyperkeratosis lesions, such as corns or calluses include:
· Wearing comfortable, well-fitting shoes. Wearing padding over corns or calluses can also offer further protection.
· Avoiding going barefoot in areas that are prone to fungi, such as in locker rooms, gyms, or pools.
· Avoiding environmental conditions known to contribute to eczema, such as dry air, highly fragranced or perfumed soaps, harsh chemicals, or extremely hot or cold temperatures.
· Avoiding allergy triggers, such as pet dander and pollen that can cause skin inflammation.
· Wearing sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 30 every time you go outside. Wearing protective clothing, such as a hat or long sleeves, can also protect against actinic keratosis. A variety of suncreen products are available for purchase online.
If a person has a condition that causes lesions that are removable, such as warts, they should see their doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant who can "freeze" a wart or use a laser to vaporize it.
These healthcare professionals can also prescribe medication to treat areas of hyperkeratosis, such as corticosteroid creams for eczema or lichen planus.
