Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentPrognosisCopingFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prognosis
Coping
Frequently Asked Questions
Hyperkeratosis is a skin condition that causes the outer layer of skin, known as thestratum corneum, to thicken and harden.
The stratum corneum is made up of a protein known askeratin. 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.
Olga Ostapenko / Getty Images
Types of Hyperkeratosis
Hereditary Types of Hyperkeratosis
Some types of hyperkeratosis develop due to a hereditary component. Examples include:
7 Rare Skin Diseases
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:
Acquired vs. Hereditary
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 experienceredness in the affected skin area.
Common symptoms of hyperkeratosis include:
RecapAll types of hyperkeratosis present differently depending on the type, cause, and area of the body affected.
Recap
All types of hyperkeratosis present differently depending on the type, cause, and area of the body affected.
16 Causes of Red Spots on Skin
There are two types of hyperkeratosis depending on how they develop, which are:
Pressure-related hyperkeratosis occurs when the skin is irritated orinflamed. 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.
RecapThe causes of hyperkeratosis are either pressure related or nonpressure related.
The causes of hyperkeratosis are either pressure related or nonpressure related.
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.
Askin biopsyis 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.
RecapGetting the correct diagnosis is vital before beginning treatment so that your healthcare provider offers the right one.
Getting the correct diagnosis is vital before beginning treatment so that your healthcare provider offers the right one.
The 3 Skin Signs for Evaluating Patients
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:
That said, each type will have its own treatments. They can include:
Hyperkeratosis TreatmentsEpidermolytic hyperkeratosisGene therapy, sea salt baths, oral retinoidsMultiple minute digitate hyperkeratosis (MMDH)Retinoids, keratolytics, surgical removal of lesions, avoiding glutenFocal acral hyperkeratosisKeratolytics, no treatment at allLamellar ichthyosisMoisturizers, retinoidsKeratosis pilarisExfoliation and moisturizing daily, sun exposure to minimize the appearanceX-linked ichthyosis (XLI)Moisturizers and exfoliants, oral retinoids, creams containing lactic acid (a keratolytic)Plantar hyperkeratosisKeratolytics, removal of horn-like skin accumulation to provide relief to the areaHyperkeratosis of the nipple and areolaRetinoids, no treatment at allLichen planusNo treatment if symptoms are mild, corticosteroid creams, mouthwashes, or ointments, oral corticosteroids, ultraviolet A (UVA) light therapy, antihistamines, emollientsSeborrheic keratosisCryotherapy (the use of freezing temperatures), surgical removal of affected plaques and lesions, alpha hydroxy acidsCorns and callusesRemoval using a trimmer or scalpel, changing shoes to reduce foot friction, the use of insoles to cushion the feet to reduce pressure, surgery in recurring casesHyperkeratosis lenticularis perstans (HLP)Antimetabolites designed to reduce excess skin cell growth, surgical removal of the lesions, dermabrasion, oral retinoidsActinic keratosisEmollients, antimetabolites, immunoregulating medications to help moderate the immune system response, cryotherapy, phototherapy, laser therapy, burning off the lesions using electricityWartsCryotherapy, salicylic acid designed to encourage faster shedding of dead skin cellsWhen to Call a Healthcare ProviderMake an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss symptoms and treatment. Your provider will investigate your condition and advise you on which treatment will work best for you. In some cases, treatment is unnecessary.Best Moisturizers for Eczema and Scaly SkinPrognosisMany forms of hyperkeratosis are non-life-threatening and manageable. In fact, most types are simply cosmetically unpleasing. That said, rare hyperkeratosis conditions can have severe health consequences.For example, actinic hyperkeratosis is a precancer and has the potential to develop into skin cancer.What to Do If You Have Seborrheic or Actinic HyperkeratosisSince both seborrheic and actinic hyperkeratosis can develop into skin cancer, it is essential to get regular checkups to monitor your condition professionally. Even if you are managing it effectively, be sure to have skin cancer screenings and watch for any abnormal changes.CopingCoping 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 VerywellA 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.Frequently Asked QuestionsThe cause of hyperkeratosis depends on the type. Some are genetically inherited, while others are acquired later on in life. The cause of hyperkeratosis is not always known.The treatment for hyperkeratosis will depend entirely on its type and the underlying cause. Treatment isn’t always necessary because some forms of hyperkeratosis are either asymptomatic or present with mild cosmetic symptoms. The most common forms of treatment include keratolytics, moisturizers, emollients, and retinoids.Learn MoreHow to Remove Seborrheic KeratosisNot all types of hyperkeratosis can be removed surgically, although it is a promising treatment option for certain types. If you wish to have your lesions or thick skin addressed surgically, speak to your healthcare provider about your options.
When to Call a Healthcare ProviderMake an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss symptoms and treatment. Your provider will investigate your condition and advise you on which treatment will work best for you. In some cases, treatment is unnecessary.
When to Call a Healthcare Provider
Make an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss symptoms and treatment. Your provider will investigate your condition and advise you on which treatment will work best for you. In some cases, treatment is unnecessary.
Best Moisturizers for Eczema and Scaly Skin
Many forms of hyperkeratosis are non-life-threatening and manageable. In fact, most types are simply cosmetically unpleasing. That said, rare hyperkeratosis conditions can have severe health consequences.
For example, actinic hyperkeratosis is a precancer and has the potential to develop into skin cancer.
What to Do If You Have Seborrheic or Actinic HyperkeratosisSince both seborrheic and actinic hyperkeratosis can develop into skin cancer, it is essential to get regular checkups to monitor your condition professionally. Even if you are managing it effectively, be sure to have skin cancer screenings and watch for any abnormal changes.
What to Do If You Have Seborrheic or Actinic Hyperkeratosis
Since both seborrheic and actinic hyperkeratosis can develop into skin cancer, it is essential to get regular checkups to monitor your condition professionally. Even if you are managing it effectively, be sure to have skin cancer screenings and watch for any abnormal changes.
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.
Frequently Asked QuestionsThe cause of hyperkeratosis depends on the type. Some are genetically inherited, while others are acquired later on in life. The cause of hyperkeratosis is not always known.The treatment for hyperkeratosis will depend entirely on its type and the underlying cause. Treatment isn’t always necessary because some forms of hyperkeratosis are either asymptomatic or present with mild cosmetic symptoms. The most common forms of treatment include keratolytics, moisturizers, emollients, and retinoids.Learn MoreHow to Remove Seborrheic KeratosisNot all types of hyperkeratosis can be removed surgically, although it is a promising treatment option for certain types. If you wish to have your lesions or thick skin addressed surgically, speak to your healthcare provider about your options.
The cause of hyperkeratosis depends on the type. Some are genetically inherited, while others are acquired later on in life. The cause of hyperkeratosis is not always known.
The treatment for hyperkeratosis will depend entirely on its type and the underlying cause. Treatment isn’t always necessary because some forms of hyperkeratosis are either asymptomatic or present with mild cosmetic symptoms. The most common forms of treatment include keratolytics, moisturizers, emollients, and retinoids.Learn MoreHow to Remove Seborrheic Keratosis
The treatment for hyperkeratosis will depend entirely on its type and the underlying cause. Treatment isn’t always necessary because some forms of hyperkeratosis are either asymptomatic or present with mild cosmetic symptoms. The most common forms of treatment include keratolytics, moisturizers, emollients, and retinoids.
Learn MoreHow to Remove Seborrheic Keratosis
Not all types of hyperkeratosis can be removed surgically, although it is a promising treatment option for certain types. If you wish to have your lesions or thick skin addressed surgically, speak to your healthcare provider about your options.
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Jakeman A.The effective management of hyperkeratosis.Wounds Int.2012;1:65-73.
National Human Genome Research Institute.Genetic disorders.
Harvard Health Publishing Harvard Medical School.Hyperkeratosis.
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Lamellar Ichthyosis.
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