hyperkeratosis
Meaning of hyperkeratosis: Hyperkeratosis is a thickening of the skin's outer keratin layer that can result from friction, chronic inflammation, or an inherited skin disorder.
Definition of hyperkeratosis
Hyperkeratosis is a condition marked by thickening of the outer layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, which is made up largely of keratin, a tough, protective protein. The thickened area can feel rough, hardened, or scaly compared with the surrounding skin.
Hyperkeratosis can develop for several different reasons. Repeated friction or pressure produces the thickened, localized patches known as corns and calluses, while chronic skin inflammation, such as eczema or psoriasis, can produce a more widespread pattern of thickened, scaly skin.
Hyperkeratosis can also result from inherited skin disorders, including certain forms of ichthyosis, in which thickened, dry, scaling skin is a lifelong feature rather than a response to an outside irritant. Identifying which of these causes is responsible generally guides how the finding is further evaluated.
Used in a sentence
Examination revealed hyperkeratosis over the pressure bearing areas of the foot.
Good to know
Hyperkeratosis from ordinary friction, such as a callus, is distinguished from hyperkeratosis caused by chronic inflammation or an inherited skin disorder mainly by its location, pattern, and history rather than its appearance alone.
Word origin
Where “hyperkeratosis” comes from
Formed from Greek hyper-, meaning excessive, and keras, meaning horn, combined with the suffix -osis, denoting a condition or process.