Hyperkeratosis causes patches of thick, rough skin. There are many types of this condition, including corns and calluses, warts, eczema and psoriasis. Causes include allergies, autoimmune diseases, medications and sun exposure. Providers diagnose hyperkeratosis with a skin exam and biopsy. Treatments vary based on the type but often include medications.
Hyperkeratosis is a condition that causes your skin to thicken in certain places. The thickening occurs when your body produces too much keratin, a protein found in your skin’s outer layer. Hyperkeratosis also can affect any area of your body, including your hands, feet, mouth, nose and nails.
Anyone can get hyperkeratosis. Some people have it at birth. Other people develop this condition as children or adults.
There are two main types of hyperkeratosis:
Various forms of hyperkeratosis include:
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Several factors may cause hyperkeratosis, including:
The main symptom of hyperkeratosis is rough patches of skin from excess keratin. Other symptoms are specific to the types of hyperkeratosis.
Hyperkeratosis usually doesn’t cause pain, except for:
Hyperkeratosis can look different for each person, depending on the type and location. But there’s one thing all cases have in common — an area of rough skin that feels different from the surrounding tissue.
If you think you might have hyperkeratosis, talk to a healthcare provider. They can give you a diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment.
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Your healthcare provider will ask about your:
Your provider will do a physical examination and take a close look at your skin. They may examine your skin with a handheld device that gives off light (dermatoscope). Your provider will specifically look for signs of scaling of your skin.
If they suspect hyperkeratosis, they may do a skin biopsy. Your provider may also suggest allergy testing to help determine the underlying cause.
Treatment depends on the type of hyperkeratosis you have.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications like:
They may prescribe treatments that include:
Keratosis pilaris may stop on its own, without treatment. There’s no cure for epidermolytic hyperkeratosis, though medications can help treat symptoms.
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Results will depend on the type of hyperkeratosis you have, the severity of your condition and the treatment you use. You may see results immediately or it could take several months.
Your provider will monitor your progress during follow-up visits. That way, if one treatment isn’t working, they can suggest other options.
You can reduce your risk of some forms of hyperkeratosis:
You can’t reduce your risk of epidermolytic hyperkeratosis because it’s an inherited form of hyperkeratosis.
You can manage most forms of hyperkeratosis with proper treatment. Without treatment, hyperkeratosis may worsen over time. For instance, actinic keratosis may develop into squamous cell carcinoma without proper monitoring and treatment.
Hyperkeratosis can affect your sense of well-being, especially if you have visible scaly patches on your face, neck or scalp. Talking to your provider or a therapist about your concerns can help.
Here are some other things you can do to take care of yourself:
See your provider if you notice any other skin changes during treatment, like:
You should let your provider know if you have concerns about side effects, or if you don’t notice results. They’ll be able to suggest other treatments that may help.
It depends on location and severity. Healthcare providers can remove certain types of hyperkeratosis (like warts or calluses). Other types (like lichen planus or keratosis pilaris) may require medication, ointments or other treatments.
It’s normal to feel concerned about rough patches of skin, especially if they don’t go away. Getting a proper diagnosis is the first step. If you think you might have hyperkeratosis, schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider. They can help determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend a treatment that works for you.
Last reviewed on 11/17/2023.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy