Hyperkeratosis

Hyperkeratosis is a pathological overgrowth of a special, horny layer of the skin, which reaches indicators of 1 or more centimeters. The condition is complicated by the development of spot hemorrhages, the appearance of soft corns, ulcerative defects. In general, they are not a danger to human health, but, at the same time, they bring a lot of inconvenience and are cosmetic defects.

Often ulcerative lesions of the feet haunt patients with diabetes mellitus and, together with the use of special care and specific cosmetics, require control over the underlying disease.

Reasons

The causes of hyperkeratosis are divided into external (exogenous) and endogenous, that is, internal.

Exogenous factors. The main exogenous factor is an increased load on the limbs, provoking increased division of skin growth cells. And this provokes the absence of exfoliation of old skin cells on the feet and, as a result, a general thickening of the stratum corneum of the epidermis. Also, among the exogenous factors causing this condition, uncomfortable shoes are called, as well as features of the constitution: small stature with excess body weight.

Endogenous factors. We are talking about skin and endocrine diseases. The latter can cause a violation of carbohydrate metabolism and change the tactile sensitivity of the lower extremities, pathologically affect the trophism of their tissues and blood circulation. Among the skin diseases that provoke hyperkeratosis can be called ichthyosis, keratodermia, psoriasis, as well as genetic disorders of keratin synthesis.

Types and symptoms

Follicular keratosis is observed as an independent symptom, and in the symptom complexes of some skin diseases. It is characterized as a blockage of the follicle by skin scales as a result of violations of the detachment of the upper layers of the epidermis and excessive keratinization. It is not a life-threatening condition. But at the same time, it requires correction in order to avoid psychological problems for patients against the background of developing skin defects.

Disseminated and lenticular hyperkeratosis. Diseases of unexplained etiology, manifested by increased keratin production. Obviously, they are based on a genetic defect. Lenticular hyperkeratosis is expressed in a chronic course with the formation of brown, yellow and pink papules. The arms, legs, feet, auricles and the surface of the trunk are affected.

Disseminated hyperkeratosis is expressed by the appearance of polymorphic elements in the form of thick and short hairs located in isolation.

Diagnosis of lenticular and disseminated hyperkeratosis requires histological studies to differentiate these ailments from skin conditions such as ichthyosis, pappilomas, warts.

Hyperkeratosis of the feet. Characterizing this condition as a cosmetic defect, some researchers call it evidence of a person’s general condition. In addition to the violation of the regulation of keratin production, uncomfortable shoes, overweight, congenital and acquired foot pathologies are among the causes of hyperkeratosis.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of this condition is based on the analysis of the clinical picture, the collection of complaints and anamnesis, the study of the history of concomitant diseases.

Treatment

Podiatrists are engaged in the therapy of this standing. Their effect on the expanding stratum corneum of the epidermis is only cosmetic and does not eliminate the cause of this ailment at all. Therefore, it is important:

Choose special orthopedic shoes if the cause of hyperkeratosis is flat feet.
Resort to the help of an orthopedist if hyperkeratosis develops against the background of orthopedic defects.
Treat fungal lesions if hyperkeratosis is provoked by mycotic lesions of the feet.
Treat endocrine disorders, in the form of diabetes mellitus.

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