The stratum corneum is made up of a protein known as keratin. When the body produces too much keratin, skin issues can occur.
This article discusses the types, causes, and treatment options for someone who develops this skin condition.
Types of Hyperkeratosis
“Hyperkeratosis” is an umbrella term for skin conditions that develop from excess amounts of keratin. There are various types of hyperkeratosis, each marked by its cause.
Hereditary Types of Hyperkeratosis
Some types of hyperkeratosis develop due to a hereditary component. Examples include:
Epidermolytic hyperkeratosis Multiple minute digitate hyperkeratosis (MMDH) Focal acral hyperkeratosis Lamellar ichthyosis X-linked ichthyosis (XLI) Keratosis pilaris, otherwise known as follicular hyperkeratosis
Acquired Hyperkeratosis
Other forms of hyperkeratosis are acquired later in life. It’s not always clear what the cause of each type is. Some acquired hyperkeratosis conditions include:
Plantar hyperkeratosis Hyperkeratosis of the nipple and areola Lichen planus Seborrheic keratosis Corns and calluses Hyperkeratosis lenticularis perstans (HLP) Warts Actinic keratosis
Hyperkeratosis Symptoms
The main symptom of hyperkeratosis is thickened skin that feels rough to the touch. Other symptoms may be present with hyperkeratosis depending on the type.
For example, if a person has keratosis pilaris, a hereditary type of hyperkeratosis, they may also experience redness in the affected skin area.
Common symptoms of hyperkeratosis include:
Pressure relatedNonpressure related
Pressure-related hyperkeratosis occurs when the skin is irritated or inflamed. In response to the pressure, the body produces more keratin to combat the damage to skin cells but does so too quickly. Acquired forms of hyperkeratosis can be pressure-related.
Nonpressure-related types of hyperkeratosis are caused by genetics. Inherited hyperkeratosis develops when changes to a specific gene occur in families, and those changed genes are passed down. Different genes play a role in each type of hyperkeratosis.
Diagnosis
To get a diagnosis of hyperkeratosis, you must visit a healthcare provider. They will do a physical examination of your skin, as well as ask about the symptoms you are experiencing and your health history.
Since there are so many different conditions associated with hyperkeratosis, knowing the symptoms accompanying the thick and rough patches will be necessary to come to a final conclusion.
A skin biopsy is often necessary to help the healthcare provider determine what type of condition is causing hyperkeratosis. A skin biopsy involves the removal of skin so it can be examined under a microscope.
Treatment
Hyperkeratosis is, for the most part, highly manageable through various courses of treatment. The most effective treatment options for the varied types of hyperkeratosis include:
Keratolytics are designed to break down the outer layer of thick skin. Moisturizers help combat dry and rough skin. Corticosteroids can reduce inflammation. Retinoids are designed to encourage a more regulated level of skin cell growth.
That said, each type will have its own treatments. They can include:
For example, actinic hyperkeratosis is a precancer and has the potential to develop into skin cancer.
Coping
Coping with a skin condition like hyperkeratosis isn’t always easy because of physical and cosmetic symptoms. However, with the proper treatment, you will be able to manage your symptoms and improve the visual appearance of your skin.
Summary
“Hyperkeratosis” is a blanket term used to describe various skin conditions. The health conditions associated with hyperkeratosis have different symptoms. However, they one thing in common: the excess production of keratin.
Hyperkeratosis can be hereditary and passed down through families, but it can also develop later in life because of different factors. Some forms of the condition have no known cause.
Hyperkeratosis may take time to diagnose. Work with your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause of your skin condition. Once that is done, you can begin the proper treatment to manage your skin condition.
A Word From Verywell
A skin condition can be challenging to deal with, especially if it causes painful symptoms. The good news is that dealing with most forms of hyperkeratosis is manageable with the proper treatment. In most cases, this condition is not severe or life-threatening.
The best thing you can do if you have hyperkeratosis is to speak to a dermatologist (a medical doctor specializing in conditions of the skin, hair, and nails) about your condition and any concerns you have. They will be able to determine the next steps to address your condition.
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