The body's outer layer that creates a physical barrier between the external and the internal environment is known as the integumentary system is Consisting of skin, nails, hair, and glands, they are the first line of defense and safeguard the body against many external factors. Any medical condition that affects this integumentary system is called a skin or a cutaneous condition. 

There are many forms of skin conditions that can affect our integumentary system. Amongst many such skin anomalies, hyperkeratosis is a skin condition where the skin becomes thicker than usual in certain parts of the body. The prime cause of this disorder could be due to excessive production of keratin- a tough, fibrous protein found in fingernails, hair, and skin. The body may produce extra keratin as a protective response to pressure, due to a genetic condition or some kind of inflammation. Though a little discomforting, with prevention and medication, all types of hyperkeratosis are curable.
hyperkeratosis

Also Read: Skin Biopsy: Procedure, Risks And Results

Types Of Hyperkeratosis And Symptoms

Hyperkeratosis is divided into two main types, and they can have a range of symptoms but primarily it involves an area of rough skin different from the rest of the skin. The following are the most types of hyperkeratosis with their respective symptoms:

Plaque Psoriasis: These usually appear on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. It causes an excess buildup of dry, silvery, and scaly skin cell patches

Corns: A bruise that develops primarily between, on the top or side of a toe. Corns have outer tissues that are softer but a central lesion of keratin which is thicker

Calluses: A callus is an area of thickened skin that usually occurs on the feet but unlike regular corn, it is thick from the inside and from the outside

Eczema: Eczema is a skin problem causing itchiness and redness on and around the skin mostly appearing in patches

Actinic Keratosis: This hyperkeratosis type causes course sandpaper-like patches on the skin

Epidermolytic Hyperkeratosis: An inherited skin disorder present at birth, this condition causes severe blistering and redness which eventually further progresses as hyperkeratosis

Leukoplakia: Leukoplakia is a condition that causes thick, white grayish patches to build up in the mouth

Warts: Warts are noncancerous growths and a skin infection caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The infection causes bumps to form on the skin that are contagious.

Plantar Warts: Found on the soles of the feet also called plantar surfaces, plantar warts also occur due to infection by human papillomavirus and can cause a great deal of discomfort

Pressure-Related Hyperkeratosis: It is caused by excessive pressure, swelling, or irritation on the skin

Non-Pressure Related Hyperkeratosis: Primarily due to genetics, it occurs on skin that has not been irritated. This hyperkeratosis

Also Read: Plantar Wart/Foot Wart: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Diagnosis

Most forms of hyperkeratosis are not painful barring corns and calluses. However, when any form of hyperkeratosis causes pain or discomfort or the skin appears infected, swollen, or pus-filled, the patient should see a doctor. The doctor will perform a physical exam besides a medical history to identify any underlying cause for the hyperkeratosis. In most instances, a doctor can diagnose an underlying reason but sometimes this disorder may resemble cancerous lesions hence many patients choose to get a biopsy done where doctor tales sample of skin and examine it for presence of cancerous cells. Moreover, the doctor can recommend imaging tests to determine issues with the bone structure or tumorous presence around the hyperkeratosis areas. 

Treatment 

Treatments for hyperkeratosis depend upon what type of hyperkeratosis the person has. Medical treatments can easily cure the problem by prescribing medication to treat areas of hyperkeratosis. If a person wants to remove warts, it can be frozen or a laser technology can be used to vaporize them. 

How To Prevent Occurrence Of Hyperkeratosis?

Some of the ways to avoid hyperkeratosis include the following:

  •  Wearing comfortable footwear
  • Avoid going barefoot in areas that are prone to fungi
  • Stay away from environmental conditions that can contribute to eczemas such as harsh chemicals, or extremely hot or cold temperatures
  • Wearing padding over corns or calluses in the primary stage to avoid the aggravation
  • Do not exposed to allergy triggers such as pollen and pet dander that can cause skin inflammation.
  • Apply sunscreen with an SPF of above 40 whenever in the sun 
  • Go for protective clothing, such as a hat or long sleeves, and also to get protection against actinic keratosis