Hyperkeratosis
The content of the article:
- Causes
- Kinds
-
Signs
- Follicular hyperkeratosis
- Lenticular and disseminated hyperkeratosis
- Features of the course of hyperkeratosis in children
- Diagnostics
- Hyperkeratosis treatment
- Treatment of hyperkeratosis with alternative methods
- Prevention
- Consequences and complications
Hyperkeratosis is a pathological thickening of the stratum corneum of the epidermis of a non-inflammatory nature, which develops as a result of increased cell division and disruption of the process of their desquamation.
Source: infoplastika.ru
Hyperkeratosis is not an independent nosological unit, but is a symptom that occurs against the background of a number of diseases (erythroderma, lichen, diabetes mellitus) or under the influence of prolonged compression of the skin (hyperkeratosis of the skin of the feet). Hyperkeratosis accompanies the formation of corns and some types of skin cancer.
Causes
The reasons leading to the development of hyperkeratosis are divided into internal (endogenous) and external (exogenous).
The main external cause of the development of hyperkeratosis is excessive and long-term pressure on the skin (wearing tight clothes or clothes made of rough tissues, pressure with the whole body on the feet, narrow shoes). Any external aggression triggers defense reactions in the human body. In particular, increased pressure on the skin provokes increased division of the surface layer of cells and a slowdown in their desquamation.
Exogenous hyperkeratosis most often affects the feet, since they bear a significant load. The factors that increase the risk of its development are:
- incorrectly selected shoes (shoes of a larger or, conversely, smaller than required size);
- overweight;
- flat feet;
- lameness.
The internal causes of hyperkeratosis include chronic systemic diseases. Most often, diabetes mellitus leads to a thickening of the stratum corneum of the epidermis of an endogenous nature. This pathology is accompanied by a violation of all types of metabolism, as a result of which the blood supply to tissues deteriorates, their sensitivity decreases. Due to a malnutrition of the skin, it becomes dry, and further hyperkeratosis develops.
More rare endogenous causes of hyperkeratosis are diseases accompanied by changes in the state of the epidermis:
- psoriasis;
- ichthyosis;
- keratoderma;
- erythroderma;
- different types of lichens.
The causes of plantar hyperkeratosis:
| Disorder of the skeletal system |
Transverse and longitudinal flat feet Morton's foot Dislocation of the fibular head Metatarsalgia Post-traumatic bone deformity |
| Systemic diseases |
Rheumatoid arthritis Psoriatic arthritis |
| Skin diseases |
Psoriasis Eczema Mycosis of the feet Keratoderma Plantar warts Hereditary dermatoses, etc. |
| Connective tissue diseases |
Plantar adipose tissue atrophy Consequences of bruises Cicatricial atrophy after trauma |
| Mechanical reasons | Subluxation or dislocation of the metatarsophalangeal joint hallux valgus |
| Iatrogeny | Unsuccessful surgical intervention for hallux valgus, etc. |
Kinds
Depending on the characteristics of clinical manifestations, lenticular, disseminated, and follicular hyperkeratosis are distinguished.
By origin, hyperkeratosis is hereditary and acquired.
Signs
The clinical manifestations of hyperkeratosis depend on the type of pathology.
Follicular hyperkeratosis
The pathological mechanism of the development of this form of hyperkeratosis is based on the blockage of the follicular ducts by individual skin scales. This form often accompanies skin diseases, a deficiency of vitamins A and C, and also occurs as a result of exposure to the skin of irritating factors, such as hard water or cold air.
Clinical signs of follicular hyperkeratosis are dry skin and small red bumps, which are most often localized on the outer surface of the thighs, knee and elbow joints, as well as the buttocks. If the provoking factor is not eliminated, then over time, the skin of the lower and upper extremities is involved in the pathological process.
Lenticular and disseminated hyperkeratosis
Currently, the exact reasons for the development of these forms of hyperkeratosis have not been established. Most experts believe they are the result of genetic mutations that disrupt keratin synthesis. Lenticular and disseminated hyperkeratosis affects mainly elderly men, although the first signs of pathology may appear in adolescence.
Source: okeydoc.ru
These forms are characterized by a long course, affecting mainly the follicles of the dorsal surfaces of the feet, thigh and lower leg, trunk, arms and ears. In the affected area, papules of yellow-orange or reddish-brick color appear, up to 5 mm in diameter. They do not cause painful sensations, do not tend to merge. If you remove the horny surface of the papule, then a small depression is found under it, and inside it there is a pinpoint bleeding.
Features of the course of hyperkeratosis in children
Follicular hyperkeratosis is common in childhood - it is detected in 30-50% of children. The people call this pathology "chicks". Follicular hyperkeratosis in children is often combined with atopic dermatitis.
The disease is chronic and recurrent. In the cold season, skin lesions intensify, and in summer, under the influence of insolation, they almost completely disappear.
Source: likar.info
The features of follicular hyperkeratosis in children are:
- symmetry of skin lesions;
- strengthening of signs of pathology in puberty;
- spontaneous regression after the completion of puberty.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis of hyperkeratosis is carried out by a dermatologist based on patient complaints and skin examination data. If the diagnosis is difficult, they resort to biopsy of suspicious areas, followed by histological analysis of the tissue samples obtained.
Given the fact that hyperkeratosis often occurs against the background of chronic systemic diseases, a dermatologist may refer the patient for consultation to the relevant narrow specialists, for example, an endocrinologist or rheumatologist.
Hyperkeratosis treatment
Currently, in the arsenal of doctors there are no drugs and medical techniques that can completely relieve the patient from the manifestations of hyperkeratosis. Treatment is aimed at reducing the symptoms of the disease, preventing relapse.
Since follicular hyperkeratosis most often develops against the background of systemic diseases, its treatment is carried out in conjunction with their therapy. Topically applied creams containing fruit acids, which have an exfoliating effect, as well as moisturizing ointments. With this form of hyperkeratosis, the use of pumice and mechanical scrubs is categorically contraindicated, since they injure the altered follicles, which creates the prerequisites for the addition of a secondary bacterial infection with the subsequent development of pyoderma.
In order to normalize the processes of cell division of the stratum corneum of the epidermis and their desquamation externally and internally, preparations of vitamins A and C are prescribed.
With lenticular and disseminated forms of hyperkeratosis, treatment is carried out with aromatic retinoids and glucocorticosteroids. Chemical peels and moisturizers are used to soften and moisturize the affected areas of the skin. Mechanical action in lesions is undesirable due to the high risk of skin injury.
Treatment of hyperkeratosis with alternative methods
Traditional medicine offers a wide range of treatments for skin hyperkeratosis, the most effective and safe are the following:
- therapeutic baths with table salt, starch or soda - well moisturize the skin, help exfoliate the epidermis. After taking a bath, it is advisable to apply a nourishing cream to the skin;
- compresses with aloe. Take thick aloe leaves, wrap them in cotton cloth and place them in the fridge freezer for 72 hours. Then the leaves are thawed and cut into thin slices. Aloe plates are applied to the lesions, covered with plastic wrap on top and fixed with a bandage, in this form the compress is left overnight. In the morning it is removed, the skin is wiped with salicylic alcohol;
- masks with propolis. Grate propolis and mix with vegetable oil in a 1: 1 ratio. Heat the resulting mass in a water bath until the propolis dissolves, then cool. Apply a thin layer to the affected skin. Wash off with warm water after 2-3 hours;
- compress with potatoes. Peel a small potato, wash under running water, grate on a fine grater. Apply the resulting gruel with a thick layer on the affected skin, cover with gauze on top and leave for 1 hour. To achieve the effect, the procedure should be repeated 3-4 times a week.
Traditional methods of treating hyperkeratosis can have a good therapeutic effect, but before resorting to them, you should consult your doctor.
Prevention
In order to prevent the development of hyperkeratosis, it is necessary:
- timely identify and treat diseases of internal organs and metabolism;
- carefully observe the rules of hygiene, refuse to wear tight and coarse clothing, improperly selected shoes in size;
- with flat feet, wear orthopedic shoes or use orthopedic insoles.
Consequences and complications
Hyperkeratosis does not pose a threat to the patient's life. However, when exposed skin areas are affected, patients may experience psychological discomfort, which can cause the development of insomnia, low self-esteem, and depression.
When the foci of hyperkeratosis are injured, conditions are created for the accession of a secondary pyogenic infection with the development of serious purulent complications (pyoderma, abscess, phlegmon, sepsis).
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Elena Minkina Doctor anesthesiologist-resuscitator About the author
Education: graduated from the Tashkent State Medical Institute, specializing in general medicine in 1991. Repeatedly passed refresher courses.
Work experience: anesthesiologist-resuscitator of the city maternity complex, resuscitator of the hemodialysis department.
The information is generalized and provided for informational purposes only. At the first sign of illness, see your doctor. Self-medication is hazardous to health!
