How To Handle Hyperkeratosis

Is your skin thicker than usual in unusual places? You might have hyperkeratosis in one of its forms. Generally, it is either pressure related from excessive inflammation, irritation, or pressure to the skin; or non-pressure related which occurs on skin that isn’t irritated, likely the cause of genetics.

While the term “hyperkeratosis” may be new to you, you might recognize it in some of its forms. Calluses, corns, eczema, psoriasis, and warts are just a few examples of this condition.

Pressure-related or not, you might notice some of these conditions on your skin. Depending on the type, you might have different symptoms. For example, calluses are quite common on the hands and feet, a thickened area of skin usually brought on by pressure.

Corns usually form on or between your toes, and unlike calluses, aren’t uniform in nature, while eczema causes itchy red patches. If you have any symptoms of hyperkeratosis, it’s usually not cause for alarm. Most of the time, it’s not painful unless you have a callus or corn in an inconvenient area.

What To Do About Hyperkeratosis

Most of the time, there is nothing to worry about with any form of hyperkeratosis. You can manage things on your own for the most part, however, if you experience pain or discomfort, or your skin looks infected, you should make an appointment with your doctor immediately.

For those not in pain, you can simply follow these tips to help you:

Wear shoes that fit right

If you have a callus or corn on your foot, make sure to choose shoes that are comfortable and fit properly. Add padding over the lesion to keep from irritating it when you walk.

Don’t go barefoot in public areas

While you’re certainly not going to walk into the supermarket sans shoes, you might not think anything is wrong with going barefoot at the pool, gym, or in the locker room. Keep some sandals with you when you visit these places to avoid picking up any fungi.

Protect your skin

Particularly with eczema and psoriasis, you should always wear SPF at a minimum of 30 when you go outside. Watch out for dry air, harsh chemicals, extreme temperatures, and fragrances too.

Additionally, if you have warts, which aren’t painful or serious, you can use OTC treatments. But failing that, your doctor can use laser treatments to remove it. Other forms of hyperkeratosis can be treated with corticosteroid creams prescribed by your doctor.

Hyperkeratosis happens to many people. If it’s not painful, you don’t need to worry, but if you aren’t happy with the aesthetics, you can also consult your doctor for safe and effective removal.

Looking for 100% chemical-free, all-natural nourishing face and body oils? Check out Earth & Elm Nourishing Face Oil and Earth & Elm Nourishing Body Oil. Subscribe to our Trusted Health Club newsletter for more information about natural living tips, natural health, oral health and skincare. If you are looking for more health resources make sure to check out the Trusted Health Resources list. 

Written By:

Jennifer Raskin is a freelance writer, wife and mom that loves cold weather despite her location in Florida, cooking, reading, watching ‘80s movies, weight-lifting, and wine tasting.

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.

Photo by Billie on Unsplash