Hyperkeratosis Treatment

There are two types of hyperkeratosis, radial and seborrheic. Both usually occur in older people. Hyperkeratosis refers to the thickening of the most superficial part of the skin, called the stratum corneum.

Their appearance is usually due to exposure to sunlight. The skin becomes rough and cracked, while if there is constant friction in the lesions, the hyperkeratosis takes the form of callus. A common and of course painful phenomenon is the appearance of calluses on the soles due to increased pressure on the skin surface.

Radial hyperkeratosis

Radial hyperkeratosis is essentially a precancerous lesion of the skin and results from excessive sun exposure.

They are also known as solar hyperkeratosis; they are lesions that are superficial or covered with crusts. They usually appear on the bald head, face, lips, neck, ears, on the dorsal surfaces of the hands, shoulders, and can occur in other areas of the body if exposed frequently to the sun. The plural “hyperkeratosis” is used instead of the singular as very rarely there is only one.

In the beginning, radial hyperkeratosis is often so small that it is recognizable by touch rather than by sight. Their surface is rough and dry.

Seborrheic hyperkeratosis

Seborrheic hyperkeratosis is a benign, non-cancerous skin lesion that is often associated with an inherited predisposition. They appear in old age, over 40 years.

Seborrheic hyperkeratosis is circular or oval, brown or black, and reaches up to two centimetres in diameter. Sometimes they are slightly protruding and other bulging lesions with a rough surface and cause itching. They can also be irritated by friction on the clothes or by minor injuries. On palpation their surface is oily, but seborrheic hyperkeratosis is almost always rough with small depths.

The presence of many seborrheic hyperkeratosis that cause itching is likely to be associated with some internal malignancy, and therefore should always be examined by a dermatologist.

Diagnosis of hyperkeratosis

Hyperkeratosis is diagnosed by clinical examination. If the diagnosis is uncertain, the dermatologist will proceed with a digital dermatoscopy or biopsy if necessary.

The treatment of hyperkeratosis is to remove them, and one of the following methods is chosen:

Uth Laser_The Uth Laser is the first and only laser that, thanks to its innovative dual technology, can combine the high standards of 10600 nm and 1540 nm in sequential or simultaneous fractional emission. By emitting CO2 it targets the lesion, and its beam destroys the tissue without causing bleeding. It is an ideal method for lesions in small or narrow areas, and particularly effective for facial hyperkeratosis, as well as for radial cheilitis on the lips. It leaves no scars, nor does it require recovery time. It is performed under local anesthesia if needed, and is indicated for people on anticoagulant therapy, as it is a bloodless procedure. Sublimation of hyperkeratosis with CO2 laser is superior to other methods due to minimal postoperative pain and better aesthetic result.

Scraping: the dermatologist uses a device that scrapes the defective cells, and the operation is performed under local anesthesia.

In Athens Beverly Hills Medical Group, a thorough diagnosis of your skin condition is made so that the invasive plan can be prepared by Dr. Dolly Fatsea and the team of dermatologists.