Hyperkeratosis of the fingers treatment. Hyperkeratosis - causes in children and adults, symptoms, localization and treatment methods

It's no secret that a woman's age is most revealed not by her face or body, but by her hands. Well-groomed hands with soft skin and a neat manicure are the calling card of any person, and women in particular. However, it is extremely difficult to keep the skin of your hands soft and velvety throughout your life. Over the years, under the influence of housework and an aggressive external environment, the skin of the palms and fingers becomes rough, dry, and cracks and areas of hyperkeratosis often appear.

This situation does not mean that you need to give up on yourself. There are many tools and methods that can help cope with this problem. But, as with any pathology, it is much easier to prevent than to treat.

Prevention of rough skin on hands

Prevention is aimed, first of all, at eliminating the cause of roughening of the skin. To prevent the development of hyperkeratosis on the palms and fingers, it is enough to constantly adhere to the following recommendations:

Regular hand baths help prevent rough skin

• Receipt of all necessary vitamins and microelements into the body in the proper quantities and at the right time. For the beauty of the skin, one should not so much influence it with external means, but rather ensure the presence of building blocks for its renewal. These building blocks are proteins, amino acids, vitamins and minerals.
• Protection of hand skin from external aggressive influences. There are many factors that worsen skin condition. Among them, solar radiation, wind, cold in winter and chemicals are especially dangerous. They make the skin rough. You should wear warm gloves in winter and rubber gloves when doing housework. Hands should be periodically lubricated with moisturizing creams with UV filters.
• It is advisable not to wash your hands with hard soaps; it is better to change them to natural or liquid ones with the addition of moisturizing ingredients and natural oils. After washing your hands, you should wipe them dry with a towel using blotting movements; you should absolutely not go outside with wet hands.
• You need to get a manicure and various beauty treatments regularly. You don't have to do this in a salon. There are many tools that allow you to take care of your hands at home and prevent roughness. These are compresses, hand baths, masks.

Treatment

The following masks, compresses and procedures help to soften the skin on the fingers and palms:

1. Masks based on natural oils, honey and lemon. It is better to take cold-pressed oils. Excellent results are obtained from grape seed oil, almond oil, flaxseed oil, and burdock oil. Honey has also long been famous for its magical effect on rough skin. Lemon softens, whitens and improves the permeability of the dermis. Mix all ingredients in equal parts, heat slightly and apply to hands. Leave for twenty minutes, then rinse and apply moisturizer to your hands.
2. Baths and compresses from decoctions and infusions of herbs. Herbs such as calendula, chamomile, mint, and string have a good effect. The herbs should be poured with boiling water and allowed to brew for about fifteen minutes, then dip your hands into the infusion and hold for the same amount of time. Then the skin should be lubricated with cream. If the skin of your hands is dry, you should carry out such procedures at least two to three times a week. An excellent result will not take long to arrive.
3. Massage is also beneficial for the hands and skin of the fingers. When applying the cream several times a day, you should devote just a few minutes to a light massage. First you should stretch your fingers, then move on to your palms. The movements should resemble putting on gloves.

There is no need to treat the rough skin of your hands as a trifle, because it is with this phenomenon that many pathological processes begin. Rough skin can become cracked, peel, and cause not only physical discomfort, but also mental suffering.

There is nothing good in a situation where a woman is ashamed of her hands and hides them in her pockets or behind the long sleeves of her clothes. You can and should be proud of your own hands. And to have such an opportunity, it will not take much time and money. Literally ten to fifteen minutes a day and the simplest ingredients are enough to forever forget about such an unpleasant problem as hyperkeratosis of the hands.

Normally, the epidermal layer of the skin is constantly renewed: young cells are located in a deeper layer, and older ones appear on the surface. Subsequently, the old cells slough off and leave their replacements on the surface. But it also happens differently. Therefore, today we will talk about the causes and signs of skin hyperkeratosis, consider ointments and other remedies against it, and give you useful tips for treatment.

What is skin thickening

When exposed to certain environmental factors (external or internal), young cells do not lose the speed and frequency of division, and old cells exfoliate much more slowly than under normal conditions. In this case, they talk about thickening of the skin, which in medical practice is called hyperkeratosis.

Thickening of the skin can be of varying depth: from several 5-6 mm to 4 cm. The symptom does not disappear on its own, so the unpleasant pathology must be eliminated in a timely manner with the help of treatment. Typically, thickening of the skin indicates a violation of metabolic processes in the body and the occurrence of other pathologies.

The most affected areas, according to medical practice, are the outer surface of the knee, soles and outer bend of the elbow.

This video will tell you what skin hyperkeratosis is:

Classification of hyperkeratoses

Forms

Keratoses vary in form:

• Follicular. Thickening of the skin in this form is considered as a separate disease or as a sign indicating other pathologies in dermatology. When dead cell structures are shed, dry scales are formed, causing obstruction of the follicular ducts. The disease more often manifests itself in people with a hereditary predisposition to the pathology. Provoking factors are also hypovitaminosis A and C and neglect of body care. In absolutely healthy people, follicular hyperkeratosis may be a reaction to cold and other physical environmental factors. When exposure to provoking factors ceases, thickening of the skin in a healthy person disappears.
• Lenticular form It is more typical for mature or elderly men. In rare cases, patients with lenticular hyperkeratosis are boys and young adults. The etiogenesis of the pathology is under study. The pathology is chronic. There have been no cases of spontaneous recovery from this form of skin thickening. An intensification of the clinical picture follows after prolonged exposure to the skin. Papules are found in the affected areas, after removal of which a concavity with hemorrhagic bleeding remains on the skin. Painful sensations from the appearance of papules are usually not to be expected. Papules have different shades of color for the skin of each organism. The main palette varies from red-brown to yellow and orange shades. In places where papules appear, the appearance of . Papules do not unite into large lesions; when a separate papule appears, it remains single for a long time. Favorite places for the appearance of papules are the arms, legs, torso, ears, and less commonly, the surface of the skin of the face and mucous membranes of the lips.
• Disseminated hyperkeratosis. It is characterized by the appearance of formations on the skin, similar in shape to hair, but visually different from it in shorter length and greater thickness. The etiogenesis of disseminated hyperkeratosis is not fully understood. Frequent places where affected skin lesions are found are the limbs. The formations do not merge into foci, being isolated for a long time from each other. Due to the great similarity with warts and papillomas, as well as with signs of ichthyosis, the pathological tissue is sent for histological examination to differentiate the diagnosis.
• An independent manifestation of cosmetic defects should include plantar hyperkeratosis, indicating a violation of metabolic reactions in the body.

Hyperkeratosis of the facial skin (photo)

Varieties

There are also a number of types of hyperkeratosis, which are quite common:

Thickening of the skin should be distinguished by the size of the formed stratum corneum. If the thickening is less than 1 cm and does not cause problems for the patient, a visit to the doctor can be postponed. If there is significant hyperkeratosis or the appearance of additional skin problems, it is advisable not to delay consulting a doctor in order to promptly prevent a chronic pathology process.

• Acute hyperkeratosis It can be treated by a cosmetologist who will select the necessary cosmetic hypoallergenic skin care products.
• Hyperkeratosis on the scalp accompanied by signs of hair loss. The skin becomes dry and hair breaks due to trophic deficiency. Air access to the hair follicles is limited by the presence of yellowish scales. Symptoms are supplemented by moderate itching. Patients tend to use aggressive hair care products, which aggravates the progression of hyperkeratosis. Both “overprotection” of hair and neglect of care can cause skin pathology. If the hair and scalp are different, it is advisable to rub vegetable oils into the skin daily; the electric hair dryer will have to be put off until better times. Hyperkeratosis in the form of large scales is often detected on the scalp of infants. You can save your baby from this unpleasant phenomenon by lubricating with vegetable hypoallergenic oils or baby cream.
• At follicular hyperkeratosis Numerous pimples and red convex tubercles appear around the follicles. Most often, signs of the disease are observed in the driest areas of the skin: the outer surface of the thighs, the outer part of the elbows and knees, and the surface of the buttocks. Exposure to provoking environmental factors for a long time on the affected area of ​​the skin contributes to an increase in the area of ​​affected skin. “Goose bumps” can eventually turn into “toad skin” if the affected areas are also subjected to wearing tight shoes and clothing. When pimples are squeezed out, secondary infection with infectious agents occurs, which progresses the progression of hyperkeratosis. Follicular hyperkeratosis does not pose a threat to life and health, but advanced forms cause psychological complexes, which worsens a person’s social adaptation.
• At disseminated and lenticular hyperkeratosis lesions on the follicles reach a size of 0.5 cm and appear reddish or orange. In contrast to follicular hyperkeratosis, lesions tend to be located on the thighs and legs, ears and feet.
• Thickening on the skin of the face can be felt on the face. They are dry, denser than other areas. Over time, the affected areas lose shape, sag and cause facial asymmetry. Since the face looks old during this process, the person concludes that it is premature aging.
• Thickening of the skin on the soles of the feet usually exists in the form of a cosmetic effect of a natural nature. With significant thickening, the skin becomes rough, cracks, and bleeding wounds may appear, which are the gateway to infection. During motor reactions, the risk of cracks increases. In young people under 25 years of age, such reactions are not detected; the likelihood of detecting hyperkeratosis occurs in adulthood, when the skin becomes dry. When cracks appear, pain and burning are felt at the crack sites.

This video will tell you what skin diseases he talks about and how to treat skin hyperkeratosis in adults and children:

Possible pathologies

Hyperkeratosis as a symptom appears in the following diseases:

• Symptom treatment

  If hyperkeratosis is not a sign of a serious dermatological disease, then the effect of the symptom can be eliminated or weakened by cosmetic and medicinal methods.

  • Cosmetological measures are aimed at softening the roughened layer.
  • In the use of medications, the main direction is followed: the treatment regimen will depend on the cause of the pathology.
  • Consultations with an endocrinologist, therapist and other doctors will not be excluded.

  Pumice stones and scrubs are contraindicated for hyperkeratosis.

  For external products, ointments containing fruit (lactic) acids are more suitable. For lenticular and disseminating hyperkeratosis, it is possible to use ointments with glucocorticoids and retinoids with a pleasant odor.

  This video will tell you about the treatment of hyperkeratosis of the feet:

Hyperkeratosis is a skin pathology that is characterized by an excessive rate of division of cells in the stratum corneum and at the same time a violation of their desquamation. The term itself is a symbiosis of two Greek words – hyper (“many”) and keratosis (“keratin”).

Causes of the disease

The causes of hyperkeratosis are divided into two large groups - external or exogenous and endogenous or internal.

Internal reasons include:

1. Systemic pathologies of the body - diabetes, psoriasis, ichthyosis.
2. Poor circulation in various parts of the body (most often in the lower extremities) - varicose veins, obliterating atherosclerosis.
3. Hypo- or vitamin deficiency.

External causes are especially relevant for the occurrence of hyperkeratosis of the feet. The main trigger for this form of pathology is too long or excessive load on the lower limbs:

1. Long walk.
2. Tight and/or uncomfortable shoes.
3. Large body weight.
4. Foot deformities: clubfoot, flat feet, improperly fused metatarsal bones.
5. Hereditary factors.

Whatever the initial cause, the development of the disease occurs due to a violation of trophism in the upper layer of the skin - the epidermis, as well as its innervation. The result is not long in coming - the cells of the stratum corneum continue to divide in a normal or accelerated manner, but the desquamation processes are inhibited, which leads to a thickening of the epidermis.

Classification of the disease

Hyperkeratosis is divided into several subtypes:

1. By origin:

- acquired;

- hereditary.

1. According to clinical symptoms:

- diffuse;

- follicular;

- warty;

- keratoderma.

Clinical picture

This form of pathology occurs with a lack of vitamins A and C, as well as with non-compliance with personal hygiene rules. Genetic predisposition also plays a significant role in the development of this pathology.

Due to a violation of the detachment of keratinized epithelium, the ducts of the hair follicles become clogged and take on the appearance of tubercles or pimples. Most often, those areas of the skin that are prone to dryness are affected - these are the area of ​​the elbows, knees, buttocks and outer thighs.

If the disease is not treated and the influence of unfavorable factors (low temperatures, uncomfortable clothing) is not eliminated, hyperkeratosis covers an increasingly larger area. Gradually, a rim of hyperemic skin forms around the follicles, which can become inflamed.

Constant mechanical impact provokes a violation of the integrity of the epithelial layer and leads to infection of the follicles and the development of large areas of pyoderma.

Lenticular and disseminated hyperkeratosis

This disease is more common in older men; in women, the pathology is very rare. The cause of this type of hyperkeratosis is still not clear, but most experts agree with the version of a genetic mutation, as a result of which excess keratin is formed in epithelial cells.

Lenticular hyperkeratosis of the skin has a chronic course, exacerbations occur after prolonged sun exposure. In the area where the follicles are located, horny papules with a diameter of 1 to 5 mm, yellow-orange or reddish-brown, are formed. Most often, the skin is affected in the area of ​​​​the back of the feet, legs, thighs, and rarely - areas of the torso, arms or ears. There are known cases of localization of this pathology on the oral mucosa.

If you remove the scale, you will find a small, moist depression underneath with a drop of blood in the center. The papules do not merge and there is no pain when pressed.

Disseminated hyperkeratosis looks like short and thick hairs, which are localized mainly on the skin of the limbs and torso. The elements do not tend to merge, but are sometimes arranged in groups in the form of tassels.

This type of disease is often classified as a cosmetic defect and not given due attention to the treatment of the pathology. But if you let the disease take its course, the patient will soon experience all the delights of complications, which include bleeding fissures, pain when walking, and a feeling of stiffness.

The causes of foot hyperkeratosis are quite common - uncomfortable shoes, lack of foot care, excess weight, lack of vitamins, various vascular pathologies. The onset of the disease occurs at a young age - 20-30 years, with age the manifestations become more pronounced and are less amenable to therapy.

If the stratum corneum is evenly thickened over the entire surface of the heel, it is worth suspecting the fungal nature of the disease or a disorder in the endocrine system. Hyperkeratosis in the area of ​​the outer edge of the foot indicates flaws in a person’s gait.

Subungual hyperkeratosis

This type of hyperkeratosis is detected in onychomycosis - damage to the nail plate by various filamentous fungi. The main clinical symptom of the disease is thickening of the nail plate, changes in its structure (compaction or, conversely, looseness) and color.

There are 2 degrees of severity of subungual hyperkeratosis:

1. Moderate – nail thickness 1-2 mm.
2. Pronounced - the nail is thicker than 2 mm.

Hyperkeratosis of the scalp and face

The main complaints of patients with hyperkeratosis of the scalp:

1. Dry, rough and uneven skin.
2. Dull and brittle hair.
3. Dandruff.
4. The tubercles are burgundy in color.
5. Hair loss.

If the disease is not diagnosed in time, the patient experiences partial or complete baldness. Often this pathology is combined with hyperkeratosis in other parts of the body.

On the face, the disease manifests itself quite clearly - the skin becomes dry and uneven, tubercles, scales and even formations in the form of thorns form on it. In severe cases, the patient’s face is covered with a kind of crust.

Treatment of hyperkeratosis

This pathology is treated only by a dermatologist, in some cases - hyperkeratosis of the feet - he can be replaced by a cosmetologist.

If the patient's facial skin is affected, complex therapy is performed. The patient is prescribed tretionin preparations, vitamin A, ascorbic acid, and sometimes topical corticosteroids. To reduce the external manifestations of the disease, the patient is recommended to undergo a course of mild peeling and use emollient creams.

People suffering from scalp hyperkeratosis are recommended to use substances that have a softening effect - petroleum jelly, glycerin, fish oil, castor oil, lotions with lactic acid. In severe cases of the pathology, hormone-containing ointments are prescribed. Mechanical or chemical stress can trigger the activation of the process.

There are no drugs that can completely cure follicular hyperkeratosis. Therefore, therapy for this pathology is aimed at correcting systemic disorders in the body and eliminating local symptoms. The composition of ointments and creams for the treatment of hyperkeratosis includes certain acids - lactic and fruit. With their help they carry out and. Scrubs or pumice cannot be used - you can start the generalization of the process.

Lenticular and disseminated hyperkeratoses are treated with glucocorticosteroids and aromatic retinoids, and agents that have a chemical peeling effect are used topically. Mechanical impact on the affected skin is prohibited.

Treatment of foot hyperkeratosis is carried out comprehensively. The podiatrist eliminates the external manifestations of the disease: makes applications with synthomycin ointment, applies a retinol solution to soften the skin, and performs... An orthopedist helps the patient correct flat feet or club feet and gives recommendations on the correct selection of shoes.

Treatment of hyperkeratosis with medical pedicure

But no matter how effective the means to eliminate the external manifestations of the disease are, you need to remember that until the true cause of hyperkeratosis is eliminated, the disease cannot be stopped.

Sometimes a seal of varying degrees of hardness and size appears under the skin on the fingers. This is an uncomfortable phenomenon that interferes with everyday life, can cause pain and cause reasonable concern.

The place of occurrence with equal frequency is the fingers and toes. Sometimes they are accompanied by redness, in some cases – an increase in temperature.

To determine the causes and prescribe the necessary therapy, you need to contact the following specialists:

• Therapist;
• Dermatologist;
• Surgeon;
• Oncologist.
  Causes

The reasons for the appearance of such tumors are different and can have serious consequences, so in order to make a diagnosis and the etiology of the tumor, it is worth contacting a specialist in the very first days.

Lipoma is one of the most common causes. The second name used in everyday life is wen, because it consists of a dense accumulation of fat cells. This is a benign soft formation, always with clear outlines. Fatty patches are never accompanied by redness. The most common places where lipomas appear are the scalp, armpits, neck, chest and back.

Despite the fact that lipoma is based on fat cells, it does not depend on how thin or fat a person is, so it will not be possible to get rid of it by losing weight. The most common reason for visiting a doctor is aesthetic displeasure.

Diagnosed in several stages:

• Examination by a doctor;
• Puncture to provide a tissue fragment with subsequent study of its nature;
• For a more accurate conclusion, the following are performed: ultrasound, x-ray, electro-roentgen, contrast x-ray, MRI.

Treatment:

1. Classic surgical removal using local anesthesia.
2. Endoscopic surgery.
3. Removal using laser (with the shortest healing period).
4. Electrocoagulation method (directed influence by the ordered movement of electrons).
5. Radio wave surgery.

After removal, relapses are possible if a small piece of fat cells remains fragmented in the cavity during surgery.

Atheroma

Atheroma is very close in its manifestations to the previous diagnosis, but has a number of differences. This cyst is a highly elongated sebaceous gland with a closed excretory duct. Inside the atheroma there is a secretion from the sebaceous gland - sebum; it gradually accumulates without a way out, and the seal on the finger becomes larger and larger.

The atheroma is quite dense to the touch and has clear edges. The main difference from a lipoma is that the skin over this formation cannot be folded. In some cases, the surface acquires a bluish tint, sometimes at the top it is possible to see the point of the sebaceous duct.

When neglected, it enters the stage of suppuration, becomes inflamed, causes fever and pain.

Diagnosis placed after an external examination.

Treatment:

1. Dissection of the skin followed by peeling.
2. Radiosurgical removal.

If you consult a doctor at an early stage, then cosmetic stitches can be used; the incision heals quickly and leaves no marks.

Hygroma

This subcutaneous ball is inactive. It is a collection of serous fluid in the thickness of the dermis, surrounded by a serous bursa. Local hemorrhage may be added to the contents.

Most often it occurs on the wrists. It occurs as a consequence of injuries or prolonged physical activity on certain areas of the body. When visiting a doctor late, as a rule, infections and suppurations are detected.

Diagnostics:

• General blood analysis.
• General urine analysis.
• Glucose level analysis.
• Blood chemistry.
• Testing for the presence of hepatitis, HIV infection and syphilis to exclude these diseases.

Treatment:

1. Warming up.
2. Paraffin therapy.
3. Applications with therapeutic mud.
4. Irradiation with ultraviolet radiation and x-rays.
5. Puncture with aspiration of serous fluid.
6. Bursectomy (surgical intervention) using local anesthesia. The duration of the manipulations is 20 – 30 minutes, depending on the complexity. In difficult cases, evacuation of the serous capsule is performed under general anesthesia.

Rheumatoid arthritis

The size of the nodule is small, its mobility is not observed. Appears due to an inflammatory process in the joint. It can be an independent disease, or it can accompany brucellosis, gout or tuberculosis.

Diagnostics:

• X-ray – a picture of a joint (for small joints – magnifying pictures).
• Tomography.
• Arthrography.
• Thermography.
• Scintigraphy.
• Measuring the range of motion of the affected joint.
• Laboratory analysis of joint fluid.

The final diagnosis must be confirmed by a rheumatologist.

Make an appointment with a mycologist

Treatment:

1. Oral administration of steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and their puncture administration into the joint capsule.
2. Physiotherapy (electrophoresis, ultraviolet irradiation, amplipulse, phonophoresis)
3. Mud applications and balneological procedures.
4. Therapeutic exercise and massage.
5. The use of stem cells with subsequent cartilage regeneration.
6. Surgical intervention.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is caused by dystrophic destructive processes. Accompanied by cracking joints, pain, and decreased ability to be active.

Diagnostics similar to rheumatoid arthritis.

Treatment:

1. Oral or rectal use of non-steroidal drugs, sometimes with sedatives.
2. Physiotherapy.
3. Intramuscular injections.
4. Puncture synovial administration of chondroprotectors.
5. Endoprosthetics.

Hallux valgus

Hard lump on big toe. It grows gradually, interferes with walking and contributes to the appearance of calluses.

Diagnosis:

• Orthopedic examination.
• X-ray of the foot.
• CT scan.
• Plantography is an impression of the foot.

Treatment:

1. Walking in shoes with custom orthopedic insoles.
2. A set of special exercises.
3. Surgical intervention.

Felon

This type of compaction on the finger is caused by the proliferation of gneroid microbial organisms. Often occurs on the fingers, less often on the toes. Localized near the nail plate or on the nail phalanx.

Diagnosis occurs by palpation with a button probe; in addition, comparative radiography of healthy and affected fingers is used.

Treatment:

1. Darsonvalization.
2. Warming up.
3. Surgical opening and drainage of pus.
4. Antibiotic therapy.
5. In extreme cases, amputation.

Fibroma

It is a benign growth of collagen tissue. The seal is located on the wrist or on the lateral surface of the phalanx of the finger. Does not cause pain. In some cases, the skin above the lump darkens. Caused by a lack of vitamin A, sudden weight loss, hand damage, and constant contact with water.

Establishing diagnosis:

• Examination by a surgeon.
• Scraping from the seal to exclude the presence of malignant cells.

Treatment:

1. Classic surgical removal.
2. Laser removal.
3. Radio wave removal.

Warts

Round, dense growths on the skin of various sizes. The causative agent is papillomavirus. Prone to relapse and spread throughout the body. They are dangerous because they can change from a benign to a malignant form.

Diagnostics:

• Examination by a dermatologist.
• Biopsy of the horny substance.

Treatment:

1. Destruction by local applications of special solutions.
2. Cryodestruction.
3. Destruction by current.
4. Laser removal.
5. Classic surgery.

The tissue sample after removal should be sent for histology.

Malignant tumors

A gradually enlarging nodule that does not hurt, does not itch, and has fuzzy edges. Most often localized near the lymph nodes. Growth is happening at a rapid pace. Upon palpation, it is felt that the compaction has fused with the epidermis.

Diagnostics:

• X-ray.
• Endoscopy.
• Cytology and histology.
• Extensive clinical blood and urine tests.
• Thermography.

Treatment:

1. Surgical removal.
2. Radiation therapy.
3. Chemotherapy.
4. Hormone therapy.
5. Biotherapy.

In order to prevent the development and aggravation of symptoms, it is necessary to seek qualified help immediately after detecting lumps on the hands, since prolonged ignoring of the problem or the use of traditional medicine methods can have negative consequences. Lack of medical care can cause aggravation of some of the listed diseases, even death.

What it is?

Hyperkeratosis is a condition of the surface layer of the skin, expressed in an increase in the number of keratin cells of the stratum corneum of the epidermis without changing their structure, leading to thickening of the skin of the affected area. With hyperkeratosis, the skin loses its elasticity, becomes inextensible (rigid), and its sensitivity to external irritants decreases.

The concept of hyperkeratosis is associated not only with skin changes. With the development of a pathological process in the epithelial cells lining the cervix, they also speak of the presence of hyperkeratosis.

Almost any person with age or under the influence of unfavorable factors may experience increased physiological keratinization of the skin of the feet and palms. People suffering from internal metabolic diseases, and especially, are at higher risk of developing hyperkeratosis.

skin hyperkeratosis photo

Hyperkeratosis is widespread in the most common skin disease - and nail fungus, which affects every fifth person on Earth.

Hyperkeratosis of the epithelium of the genital organs occurs, according to various authors, from 5 to 12.5% ​​of all diseases of the cervix.

Kinds

photo of a diffuse form of hyperkeratosis

According to the mechanism of formation, hyperkeratosis occurs:

• Excessive formation of keratin – proliferative hyperkeratosis;
• Delayed rejection of horn cells - retention hyperkeratosis.

By prevalence:

• Limited – calluses, keratomas, warts;
• Widespread or diffuse - large surfaces are affected, such as the skin of the feet, back, limbs or the entire body, which is observed with ichthyosis.

• Follicular;
• Hyperkeratosis of the feet;
• Subungual;
• Seborrheic;
• Hyperkeratosis of the cervix.

Causes of hyperkeratosis

Endogenous factors, that is, those that originate within the body, contribute to changes in the functioning of the cells of the surface layer of the skin. This process can only be influenced by treating the causative disease, which will slow down the rate of formation of keratinizing cells and improve their exfoliation.

Internal reasons There may be the following diseases and conditions:

• Hereditary, genetic tendency;
• Diabetes;
• Atherosclerosis of leg vessels;
• Flat feet, (“bumps” of the big toes), diseases of the ligamentous apparatus and deformations of the bones of the legs;
• Fungal infections of the skin and nails;
• Ichthyosis, keratoderma, psoriasis, Devergie's disease (lichen pilaris);
• Insufficient production of thyroid hormones ();
• Hypovitaminosis A.

Exogenous factors, that is, located outside the body and independent of it, are the most common. The most common cause is excess pressure on skin cells, which stimulates the growth of keratin cells and leads to thickening of the skin.

When this effect is eliminated, the normal process of cell formation and desquamation is restored.

External reasons include:

• Tight, uncomfortable shoes;
• High heel;
• Excessive pressure on the foot due to excess weight;
• Friction of clothes;
• Excessive tanning, leading to accelerated cell aging;
• Reducing the natural pH level of the skin when using aggressive detergents;
• Smoking acts on the skin from the inside, but is initiated by a person from the outside.

The development of hyperkeratosis is especially actively provoked by a combination of exogenous and endogenous causes. For example, wearing uncomfortable shoes for patients suffering from diabetes and obesity.

Causes of cervical hyperkeratosis:

• Menstrual cycle disorders: oligomenorrhea, insufficiency of the 2nd phase of the cycle, dysfunction of the pituitary-ovarian system;
• Previously suffered inflammatory diseases of the genital organs;
• Recurrent pseudo-erosions, as well as their excessive treatment, diathermocoagulation, especially without taking into account indications.

The appearance of symptoms in this type of hyperkeratosis is caused by clogging of the mouths of the hair follicles with keratinized scales, which leads to the formation of characteristic dry cones-spines, which, when palpated, create a “grater syndrome” due to the uneven surface and pointed spines.

The size of these formations is small and they are hardly noticeable to the eye. The usual location for follicular hyperkeratosis is the skin of the back of the shoulders, subgluteal folds, knees, outer thighs, elbows, that is, areas of the skin that are initially prone to dryness.

Usually the lesions are painless and do not cause significant discomfort. With widespread damage, follicular hyperkeratosis of the skin can cause aesthetic discomfort.

Injury to horny formations is dangerous due to infection and the development of inflammation at the mouth of the follicle. In this case, there is the appearance of spotty redness, pustules and pain in the affected area.

Hyperkeratosis of the foot or plantar hyperkeratosis

Signs of foot hyperkeratosis:

Dry callus– most often located in places that are the supporting points of the bones: the heels, the space under the toes in the area of ​​the metatarsophalangeal joints (where the foot connects to the toes).

The skin in these places experiences increased pressure, being squeezed between the supporting surface and the bone. As a result, a formation with a clear boundary is formed, consisting of compressed keratinized scales.

Calluses are characterized by uniform thickness and yellow color, and may be accompanied by painful sensations, especially when pressure on the affected area increases and cracks form.

Callus- is a dry callus, in the center of which a translucent dense rod is formed, consisting of horny masses.

The edges of the callus are smooth, the boundaries are clear. It is characterized by sharp pain when pressed vertically, which is caused by the impact of the horny rod on the nerve endings inside the skin.

The areas of the sole in the area of ​​the metatarsophalangeal joints, the so-called “ball of the foot”, the lateral areas of 1-5 toes, the skin of the toes on the back of the foot above the joints between the phalanges, especially with a “hammer-shaped” deformity of these toes, are susceptible to the formation of core calluses.

Soft callus It is localized between the fingers, where there is increased humidity, so areas of ulceration (maceration) appear on it, causing constant severe pain and burning.

It is often complicated by the addition of infection and the development of inflammation.

Cracks are a complication of widespread hyperkeratosis of the foot, usually developing around the heel. Cracks can bleed, become wet, become infected, and cause significant pain and discomfort.

Squamous form mycosis of the feet, observed in diabetes mellitus. With this form, flat, dry plaques and thickened spots (papules) appear on the skin of the arch of the foot, blue-red in color and covered with gray scales.

Along the edge of the plaques, you can identify a kind of “border” of exfoliated cells. These rashes can unite and occupy a large area, and sometimes the entire sole, back and sides of the foot. Along with such manifestations, patients may have dry yellow calluses with cracks.

For subungual hyperkeratosis The most common cause is fungal nail infection. It is also observed with injuries and dystrophy of the nail plate. A sign of a pathological process will be a gradual thickening of the nail, starting from its edge.

In response to the proliferation of fungal flora, keratinocytes begin to rapidly divide and form a mass of horny epithelium of gray-yellow color, which accumulates under the nail plate, lifting the latter and creating a visible thickening of the nail.

Subungual hyperkeratosis can occur not only on the feet, but also on the hands.

Seborrheic hyperkeratosis

It manifests itself by the appearance of spots, plaques and nodules, ranging in size from 2-3 mm to several centimeters, which grow very slowly. The lesions have clear, well-defined boundaries, the surface is uneven and resembles warts.

The color of the formations is brown, from light to dark; on top they are covered with horny plugs and dry keratin.

Hyperkeratosis of the squamous epithelium of the cervix is ​​detected only during a gynecological examination. It usually does not cause any symptoms or discomfort; a small number of patients may have copious clear discharge.

To confirm the diagnosis, a scraping of epithelial cells is taken and sent for cytological examination.

Treatment of skin hyperkeratosis, drugs

What is common in the treatment of different forms of hyperkeratosis is the impact on the cause of its appearance. The patient needs consultations with a dermatologist, endocrinologist, therapist, and in some cases an orthopedist and surgeon.

1. Treatment of follicular hyperkeratosis implies:

• The use of vitamins A and E externally in the form of ointments and internally in the form of oil solutions;
• Peeling with fruit and lactic acids, which exfoliate dead skin cells well;
• Moisturizing lotions and creams.

The use of harsh pumice cleanses and scrubs with solid particles can lead to injury and suppuration of the follicles, so strictly contraindicated.

2. Treatment of foot hyperkeratosis:

• Elimination of excess pressure on the foot;
• Selection of comfortable shoes;
• Regular removal of rough skin yourself using scrubs, files, grinding with a machine, special blades, or in a pedicure room;
• For patients with diabetes mellitus, the use of sharp objects: scissors, blades is contraindicated for treating feet, due to reduced skin sensitivity and a high risk of injury. You can use files, scrubs, softeners, pumice and scrapers yourself.
• The best option would be to visit a podiatrist (who deals exclusively with the treatment of feet) at the “Diabetic Foot” office for hygienic treatment of the feet;
• External treatment with urea preparations: a concentration of 2-10% gives a good moisturizing effect, a concentration of 40% has a pronounced keratolytic and antifungal effect (used in the complex treatment of mycoses). Foretal-plus cream effectively removes rough skin on the heels due to the combination of urea at a concentration of 25% with phospholipids, which makes it effective both for softening stratum corneum and for moisturizing the skin.
• - use of antimycotic drugs orally: introconazole, terbinafine; removal of the affected part of the nail (Mikospor set); local application of medicinal varnishes Lotseril, Batrafen, ointments and creams Lamisil, Exoderil, etc.

3. Treatment of seborrheic hyperkeratosis consists of carrying out various types of coagulations:

• Laser;
• Cryo;
• Chemical;
• Electrocoagulation.

4. Treatment of cervical hyperkeratosis:

• Elimination of the inflammatory process, depending on the type of pathogen, the following are used: antibiotics, antiviral, antifungal, antichlamydial and other drugs;
• Laser coagulation is a painless and most effective method that is recommended to be preferred;
• Cryotherapy is also a painless and very effective method, but it has the disadvantage of a fairly frequent return of the pathological process in patients with disrupted cycles;
• The effectiveness of 74% is the use of solkovagin, which has a local chemical effect. The treatment is painless and completely destroys the focus of hyperkeratosis;
• Surgical treatment is performed for pronounced changes in the cervix.

Widely used, diathermocoagulation is currently considered a possible but undesirable method with many negative consequences.

It is necessary to refrain from using products that stimulate cell growth: rosehip oil, aloe ointments, sea buckthorn oil. The use of these drugs can provoke increased cell division and growth and lead to cervical dysplasia.