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Wyprysk z hiperkeratozą - Objawy, Diagnoza i Leczenie
Pathophysiology
The skin is composed of three layers: the epidermis, the dermis (composed of the superficial papillary and deeper reticular dermis), and the hypodermis. The skin has structural differences among the different areas of the body in terms of epidermal and dermal thickness, distribution of appendages, and pigmentation. The epidermis is composed of multiple layers of maturing keratinocytes: the basal layer (stratum basale), the squamous layer (stratum spinosum), the granular layer (stratum granulosum), and the cornified layer (stratum corneum). This stratified epithelium is in a constant process of self-renewing and exfoliation that takes 20-40 days to complete. The cells in the outer layer are the most differentiated in the keratinocyte line, composed almost entirely of keratin lamels of high molecular weight, and those are the ones that undergo desquamation, completing the maturation cycle.
When the epidermis is exposed to repetitive injury, it usually elicits an increased proliferative rate of the keratinocytes and accelerates their maturation. Keratinocytes also tend to produce more keratin, thus increasing the stratum corneum's thickness.
Genetic mutations resulting in hyperkeratosis is seen in ichthyoses and keratoderma. There are several damages in keratin-encoding genes such as KRT1 and KRT10, which cause defects in keratin structure. Defective keratin causes irregular aggregates of intermediate filaments, which leads to cellular collapse and blistering. The barrier function is then compromised, and the skin reacts with compensatory hyperproliferation, which leads to hyperkeratosis.
Types of Hyperkeratosis
"Hyperkeratosis" is an umbrella term for skin conditions that develop from excess amounts of keratin. There are various types of hyperkeratosis, each marked by its cause.
Hereditary Types of Hyperkeratosis
Some types of hyperkeratosis develop due to a hereditary component. Examples include:
- Epidermolytic hyperkeratosis
- Multiple minute digitate hyperkeratosis (MMDH)
- Focal acral hyperkeratosis
- Lamellar ichthyosis
- X-linked ichthyosis (XLI)
- Keratosis pilaris, otherwise known as follicular hyperkeratosis
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
Hereditary conditions are passed down through families. Often if a person is related by blood to someone with a genetic disorder, their risk of getting it is a lot higher. Acquired conditions, on the other hand, develop for many reasons unrelated to genetics.
Treatment
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:
- Keratolytics are designed to break down the outer layer of thick skin.
- Moisturizers help combat dry and rough skin.
- Corticosteroids can reduce inflammation.
- Retinoids are designed to encourage a more regulated level of skin cell growth.
That said, each type will have its own treatments. They can include:
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.
Coping
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.
"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.
History and Physical
Hyperkeratosis is a histopathological term defining a thickened stratum corneum and may be present in many different skin conditions, with many possible overlaps. History and clinical evaluation are key, and the main goal is to collect as much information as possible and discern which cases require a histopathological diagnosis to direct the most appropriate treatment.
The history comprises the age of the patient, family history, exposure to toxic substances, drugs, occupational duties, anamnesis of the current lesion, concomitant pathologies, and treatments. In those patients where the diagnosis was already established, it is appropriate to reevaluate it, monitor progression and complications following the treatment.
The physical examination must be thorough to exactly understand the extent of the disease. Except for localized disease, it is important to inspect the entire skin surface, including scalp, eyelids, ears, perineum and genital mucosa, hair, and nails. The lesion should be described in terms of color, texture, shape, and distribution. Surrounding skin should be examined as well to detect the presence of generalized xerosis (dryness), seborrhea, hyper or hypohidrosis (sweating), texture, photoaging such as lentigines, actinic purpura, rhytides.
Small folliculocentric keratotic nodules can be found in cases of keratosis pilaris, where papules are centered on small hair follicles, and it can be associated with erythema. On close examination, it is possible to recognize a small coiled hair beneath the papule formed by a keratin plug.
Scaling is an important finding in cases of hyperkeratosis. Scales may be described as soft, rough, greyish, bran-like, and so on. Crusts should not be confused with scale as it is the result of dried fluid on the epidermis (serum, blood, pus, or a combination of those) and not thickening of the epidermis. Lichenification is a thickening of the skin and results from chronic injuries such as repetitive scratching. It is present in most chronic eczematous or neurogenic processes.