Hyperkeratosis: Skin Problems and Diagnosis

Hyperkeratosis is the skin's reaction to rubbing or irritation. Corns or calluses on your hands or feet are a form of hyperkeratosis. Keratin is a type of protein and it helps protect the skin. Thickened skin or lumps are known as hyperkeratotic lesions.

Other types of Hyperkeratosis include:

• Chronic Eczema: Eczema is a condition in which dry, scaly skin develops. Eczema is believed to be the result of genetic or environmental causes.
• Actinic Keratosis: These are usually small, red, scaly bumps that appear after exposure to too much ultraviolet light. Actinic keratosis means you have precancerous growths in your body. Do consult a dermatologist and see him.
• Seborrheic Keratosis: These small brown or black spots usually appear on the face, neck, shoulders, and back. These are noncancerous and are one of the most common types to develop in adults.
• Epidermolytic Hyperkeratosis: This condition can be seen at birth. The skin of newborn babies becomes red and sometimes blisters also occur. There are two main types of this form of hyperkeratosis: PS-type epidermolytic hyperkeratosis in which thickened skin develops on the hands and feet, and NPS-type epidermolytic hyperkeratosis in which rough skin develops elsewhere on the body.
• Keratosis Pilaris: Described as “goose meat,” keratosis pilaris is a harmless condition. It develops on the upper arms, but may also be likely to occur on the legs and buttocks. Too much protein in the skin can cause small rashes on the skin, which are more of a nuisance than a health concern.
• Follicular Hyperkeratosis: Also known as inverted follicular hyperkeratosis, this condition often appears as a bump on the face of middle-aged or older adults. These are cancer-free, but look like cancerous lesions.
• Psoriasis: Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease that typically causes hyperkeratotic, scaly silvery plaques or scabs on the skin.

Read more - (Burning sensation on skin)

Treatment of hyperkeratosis largely depends on the type of disease.

• Corns and Calluses

Corns and calluses usually disappear over time once whatever cause of skin irritation is eliminated. To deal with foot problems, wear properly fitting shoes. Always keep your feet moisturized. Do not try to cut or scrape off the corn or callus yourself.

• Itching

Treating eczema with corticosteroids can make it worse. For this, consistently following good bathing habits, moisturizing the areas where there is eczema, can help prevent future problems.

• Seborrheic Keratosis

Treatment with liquid nitrogen is effective for this. Sometimes the patch can also be removed with a curette or shave removal technique.

• Epidermolytic Keratosis

This and other hereditary forms of hyperkeratosis cannot be cured. Medicines containing vitamin A may improve symptoms. Research is also being done to use gene therapy to help treat this condition.

• Pilaris

This condition usually resolves on its own with time. However, a dermatologist can advise you to treat it with the best care.

• Psoriasis

The treatment of this disease depends on how serious it is. Light therapy may range from ointments for mild to moderate cases to oral or injectable medication for more severe cases.

Read more - (How to remove fungal infection marks from skin)

It is recommended to avoid being barefoot in gyms and locker rooms to help prevent hyperkeratosis lesions. Treatment of hyperkeratosis depends on the type of condition the person has. There are both home and medical treatments for hyperkeratosis.

Some ways to avoid hyperkeratosis lesions, such as corns or calluses, include:

• Wearing comfortable, well-fitting shoes. Wearing padding over corns or calluses can also provide more protection.

• Avoid going barefoot in areas where there is a risk of fungus, such as in locker rooms, gyms or pools.

• Avoid environmental conditions that aggravate eczema, such as dry air, scented soaps, harsh chemicals, or extremely hot or cold temperatures.

• Avoid allergy triggers like pet dander and pollen that can cause skin inflammation.

• When going out, apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30.

• If you have a wart or a problem that can be removed, see your doctor, nurse practitioner, or therapist.

• Doctors may also prescribe medication to treat hyperkeratosis, such as corticosteroid creams for eczema or lichen planus.

Read more - (Breaking Out? Here's What You Need to Know About Acne)

Some types of harmless hyperkeratosis resemble cancer, while others may actually be cancerous. To make sure you're safe, be sure to see a doctor about your skin condition. When you meet with a doctor, you will be asked about your personal medical history of skin problems, allergies and autoimmune diseases, family history of skin problems, sun exposure and use of sunscreen, smokeless tobacco or smoking products. Usage etc.

If you have chronic eczema, using mild soaps, thick creams, and topical steroids may be recommended. Actinic keratosis may be treated with liquid nitrogen or other methods, or a biopsy may be performed to cure it.

Read more - (Skin Discolouration symptoms, causes, treatment )

There are many forms of hyperkeratosis, most of which are not painful. Some types of hyperkeratosis, such as warts and calluses, can be removed, while other forms can be treated or managed with a variety of medications.