The following medical article is about Hyperkeratosis and their causes. Treatment options and preventive measures for the disease are also shown.
What is hyperkeratosis?
Hyperkeratosis is a thickening of the skin caused by an overproduction of keratin. A thickening of the skin is also caused by friction, pressure or strength exercises.
Hyperkeratosis is also triggered by exposure to skin, eczema, warts and UV radiation. However, in many cases it is very easy to treat. A sensitive reaction of the skin can also be caused by chronic inflammation or infection, or by sunlight or chemicals. The hyperkeratosis can also be caused by an external influence, e.g. B. make noticeable through a congenital disorder.
The horny layer usually plays a protective role. However, various causes can lead to a disorder and the cornea will then multiply. Hyperkeratosis is also caused by tight footwear or physical activity. Movement in parts of the body that can cause calluses is not healthy for the body. The thickening on the skin can vary in size.
causes
Hyperkeratosis is often referred to as a form of keratosis. There is an overproduction of keratin. This is connected with an abnormality of the keratin structure, the corneal layer thickens very noticeably. The thickening develops through constant pressure and other effects on the skin.
Then the skin reacts with the increased creatine to equalize this pressure. The thickenings are also called calluses in this case and are usually only an external problem. The warts, which are caused by infections, also accumulate individual thickenings under the skin.
A similar reaction occurs with eczema. However, these then usually cause inflammation. The skin is then often discolored. In keratosis, small dots form, which are a reaction to UV light. These carry the risk that skin cancer can develop further.
Symptoms, ailments & signs
With hyperkeratosis, painful calluses develop on various parts of the body. The excessive keratinization of the skin can be very painful and lead to restricted mobility. Occasionally, additional nodules or warts develop as the disease progresses. A strong thickening of the skin makes the affected area appear almost paralyzed and insensitive to touch.
If the discomfort occurs on the feet, pressure points and bruises can develop. If the affected leg continues to be stressed, there is a risk that the areas of the skin will tear and scar, which is associated with severe pain and further thickening of the skin. Externally, hyperkeratosis can primarily be recognized by the visible skin changes.
Those affected initially notice a slight thickening that increases rapidly and often spreads to the surrounding areas of the body. The affected areas of the skin may become red or warm. Circulatory disorders are also possible. In extreme cases, hyperkeratosis can degenerate and cause tumors or malignant skin changes.
If the outcome is positive, the skin thickening will persist for years without being a major burden for the person concerned. Usually there are no other symptoms. However, if the symptoms are caused by eczema, a painful infection can occur in the cornification area.
Diagnosis & course
Depending on the cause, hyperkeratosis is diagnosed. Warts and calluses in particular can be very painful for those affected. Other people, however, only see a distinction from the rest of the skin.
If the hyperkeratosis develops for no significant reason, then it is already present at birth, so it is a congenital disorder. This is usually accompanied by other symptoms. Depending on the nature of the symptoms, the doctor will ask additional questions during the examination to help make an accurate diagnosis. Questions about family history or questions about allergies are also asked.
If the patient is exposed to sunlight for longer, the question arises what happens then. In many cases, the doctor can already tell from the symptoms and questions about the hyperkeratosis which diagnosis to make. If there is eczema in connection with an allergy, a corresponding test is carried out. It is often necessary to do a biopsy. A small sample is carried out on the skin, which is carefully examined in the laboratory. In children it is usually a congenital hyperkeratosis.
Complications
The hyperkeratosis primarily leads to a thickening of the skin. Although this is an unpleasant symptom, it can be treated relatively well and easily, so that there are no further complications for the patient. Warts and calluses appear, which can be associated with pain.
The thickening of the skin can also lead to inferiority complexes or to a reduced self-esteem, so that those affected feel ashamed of the symptoms and no longer feel comfortable with their own bodies. It is not uncommon for the discomfort to appear in the feet, which can lead to pain when walking. In many cases, ordinary activities are also restricted.
The treatment of hyperkeratosis always depends on its cause and usually proceeds without complications. Creams and ointments are mainly used. Infection or inflammation can be used with the help of antibiotics. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to treat the hyperkeratosis. After the treatment, the symptoms disappear completely and there are no further complications. Life expectancy is not restricted by the disease.
When should you go to the doctor?
If excessive keratinization of the skin is noticed, hyperkeratosis may be the cause. A doctor's visit is indicated if further symptoms occur or if the symptoms persist over a longer period of time. Calluses, warts and other skin changes that cannot be traced back to any identifiable cause always require medical clarification. If bleeding, pain or pressure sores occur as a result of skin thickening, a doctor must be consulted. Even with restrictions in everyday life, the person affected should speak to a doctor.
If the hyperkeratosis is left untreated, pigment disorders can occur, which in turn can lead to skin cancer. Any skin changes should therefore be clarified in any case. If the keratosis causes psychological complaints, a therapist must be spoken to. Even after a successful treatment, skin changes can remain and in extreme cases degenerate. For this reason, after completing therapy, patients should regularly see their family doctor or a dermatologist. If a relapse is suspected, it is best to inform the responsible doctor immediately.
Doctors & therapists in your area
Treatment & Therapy
Of course, the treatment method depends on the type and cause of the keratosis. If the person concerned has calluses on their feet, appropriate footwear should be used; insoles or plasters also help in this case.
The thickened areas of the skin should primarily be relieved. Under no circumstances should a treatment be carried out yourself, an expert should always take a look at it and decide what to do. Warts must also be treated by a doctor. There are several methods for doing this. By freezing it with a special liquid, or destroying it with a laser or removing the calluses or warts, there are various treatment options.
If the treatment doesn't work, new warts will form. It then needs to be repeated. These can also be dealt with through guidance, but this process is very tedious. A combination of medical and personal treatment makes the most sense, e.g. B. by plasters or creams. Cortisone ointments are usually used for chronic eczema.
Outlook & forecast
Hyperkeratosis can be treated in a number of ways. The prospect of a cure is there, but not achieved in every patient. In some cases, a few steps taken on the patient's own initiative are sufficient for a favorable prognosis to achieve relief or freedom from symptoms.
Patients with a thickened epidermis have a good prognosis if they consult a doctor at an early stage and independently pursue various approaches to therapy. These include intensive care of the feet, adequate hydration, the selection of the right footwear and less stress on the feet. Resting phases and rest are necessary so that the skin has a chance to regenerate. In addition, drug treatment can be used to alleviate the symptoms. In some patients, medication and ointments give healing.
If the hyperkeratosis is well developed and if the living conditions are not optimized according to the needs of the organism, the prognosis worsens. Blemishes or warts are treated or removed in a surgical procedure. Nevertheless, the skin changes can develop again at any time if the cause has not been changed. Warts in particular are more likely to develop again. The process of permanent healing is tedious, but still possible.
prevention
Home remedies ↵ for warts There are forms of hyperkeratosis that can be avoided very easily. This includes calluses on the feet. By carefully selecting shoes, the person affected can ensure that they do not form again. To prevent warts from showing up, you should never go barefoot in bathrooms or showers. Targeted contact should be avoided with allergens. Actinic keratosis can also be prevented with adequate UV protection.
Aftercare
In the case of hyperkeratosis, a rapid diagnosis and subsequent treatment must first and foremost be made so that there are no further complications or complaints with this disease. In the case of hyperkeratosis, independent healing cannot occur either, so that the person affected is always dependent on medical treatment by a doctor. In most cases, however, the disease can be treated relatively easily and through self-help measures.
Simple plasters or wearing proper footwear can significantly alleviate the symptoms of hyperkeratosis and even make them disappear completely. However, professional insoles may also be necessary to alleviate the symptoms of hyperkeratosis. Warts can also be removed relatively easily, with no further aftercare required. In rare cases, those affected are dependent on the application of creams.
It is important to ensure the correct dosage and regular application so that the discomfort on the skin completely disappears. Since this illness can also lead to psychological upset or depression, psychological treatment is also necessary in some cases. However, the life expectancy of the person affected is not negatively affected by the hyperkeratosis.
You can do that yourself
Some forms of hyperkeratosis can be avoided directly and also limited with self-help measures. However, this does not generally apply to the disease.
As a rule, wearing comfortable footwear can have a positive effect on the disease and directly prevent the appearance of calluses on the feet. Likewise, the person concerned should always pay attention to proper hygiene and thus not step barefoot on the floor in public areas of bathrooms or showers. Simple slippers can prevent the transmission of the infection. If the symptoms arise due to an allergy, contact with the allergen should be avoided. Furthermore, sufficient sun protection should always be applied in direct contact with the sun. The disease significantly increases the risk of skin cancer. Those affected should therefore undergo regular examinations by a dermatologist in order to identify and remove possible tumors at an early stage.This can avoid further complications.
In the case of psychological complaints, self-confidence can be significantly increased by talking to friends or family members. As a rule, however, the infections can always be treated with medication.
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