Hyperkeratosis is a skin condition that causes the outer layer of skin, known as the stratum corneum, to thicken and harden.

The stratum corneum is made up of a protein known as keratin. 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.

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:

  • Plantar hyperkeratosis
  • Hyperkeratosis of the nipple and areola
  • Lichen planus
  • Seborrheic keratosis
  • Corns and calluses
  • Hyperkeratosis lenticularis perstans (HLP)
  • Warts
  • Actinic keratosis

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.

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.

For example, if a person has keratosis pilaris, a hereditary type of hyperkeratosis, they may also experience redness in the affected skin area.

Common symptoms of hyperkeratosis include:

Causes

There are two types of hyperkeratosis depending on how they develop, which are:

Recap

All types of hyperkeratosis present differently depending on the type, cause, and area of the body affected. 

  • Pressure relatedNonpressure related

Pressure-related hyperkeratosis occurs when the skin is irritated or inflamed. 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. 

Nonpressure-related types of hyperkeratosis are caused by genetics. Inherited hyperkeratosis develops when changes to a specific gene occur in families, and those changed genes are passed down. Different genes play a role in each type of hyperkeratosis.

Diagnosis

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.

The causes of hyperkeratosis are either pressure related or nonpressure related.

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. 

A skin biopsy is 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.

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:

Getting the correct diagnosis is vital before beginning treatment so that your healthcare provider offers the right one.

  • 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:

Prognosis

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.

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.

For example, actinic hyperkeratosis is a precancer and has the potential to develop into skin cancer.

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.

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. 

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 Questions

  • What causes hyperkeratosis?
  • 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.
  • How to treat hyperkeratosis?
  • 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.
  • Should you get your hyperkeratosis removed?
  • 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.

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.

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.

  • Jakeman A. The effective management of hyperkeratosis. Wounds Int. 2012;1:65-73.
  • National Human Genome Research Institute. Genetic disorders.
  • Tian Y, Li XX, Zhang JJ, Yun Q, Zhang S, Yu JY, Feng XJ, Xia AT, Kang Y, Huang F, Wan F. Clinical outcomes and 5-year follow-up results of keratosis pilaris treated by a high concentration of glycolic acid. World J Clin Cases. 2021 Jun 26;9(18):4681-4689. doi:10.12998/wjcc.v9.i18.4681
  • Harvard Health Publishing Harvard Medical School. Hyperkeratosis.
  • National Organization for Rare Disorders. Lamellar Ichthyosis.

By Angelica Bottaro

Angelica Bottaro is a professional freelance writer with over 5 years of experience. She has been educated in both psychology and journalism, and her dual education has given her the research and writing skills needed to deliver sound and engaging content in the health space.

  • Meet Our Medical Expert Board
  • About Us
  • Editorial Process
  • Diversity Pledge
  • Privacy Policy
  • In the News
  • Advertise
  • Terms of Use
  • Careers
  • Contact
  • EU Privacy

Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.

There was an error. Please try again.

  • Health A-Z

  • Prevention & Treatment

  • Drugs A-Z

  • Health Care

  • News

  • instagram

  • twitter

  • facebook

  • pinterest

  • flipboard