Hyperkeratosis of the skin is a very strong thickening of the stratum corneum, which becomes stiff and unyielding. You can even say that in some situations, the skin becomes like a shell or armor. There are many forms of this disease in which not only the skin, but also the internal organs can suffer.
We can say that follicular hyperkeratosis is the most harmless form of this disease. The pathological process consists in the fact that small horny flakes, clotting, clog up the follicles, which leads to their inflammation. Clinically, it looks like "goosebumps" or the skin of a frozen person.
This process mainly affects areas of the skin that lack nutrition and moisture: shoulders, elbow bends, knee joints, the outer surface of the thighs.
Follicular hyperkeratosis is a harmless disease that does not cause any serious disability of patients. It can be said that this is only a cosmetic defect in the skin. However, with improper care, the process can spread to the entire surface of the skin. In places of trauma, the skin becomes stiff and crack. Secondary pyoderma may form if infection occurs.
If patients unknowingly confuse a small rash with acne and begin to squeeze out the contents of the follicles, infection can also occur and the process will become acute.
Often we have the opportunity to see people suffering from hyperkeratosis in everyday life. This disease is absolutely not contagious and is some feature of the body.
There is an opinion that follicular hyperkeratosis is a consequence of a lack of vitamins of groups B and E. As a result, the skin loses its elasticity and firmness, becoming more susceptible to an external irritant.
Some doctors believe that this disease develops under the influence of stress factors, as well as the negative effects of the environment. So the process is most often diagnosed in working-class men who have little follow on the hygiene of their own skin.
The possibility of the formation of hyperkeratosis as an allergic reaction to a long-acting allergen is not ruled out. Follicular hyperkeratosis can form when wearing clothes made of cheap fabrics treated with low-quality dyes. T-shirts and shirts made of synthetic fabrics can also provoke the process.
In some patients, rash polymorphism can be detected - a combination of several forms of hyperkeratosis. The process is chronic recurring in nature and rarely progresses.
If there are complaints of rashes, and during an objective examination if a small papular rash ("goose skin") is found, patients are diagnosed with follicular hyperkeratosis. Treatment should be comprehensive and aimed, first of all, at normalizing nutrition and daily routine. All patients should understand that skin damage is, first of all, a disease of the internal organs (most often the intestines), therefore, it is necessary to start with treatment of the latter.
Speaking of hyperkeratosis, one cannot ignore the fact of the absence of specific therapy for patients. Typically, patients are told what lifestyle they should lead, how to eat, how to care for the skin. The lesions are recommended to be lubricated with baby cream or oil, emollient ointments can be used.
Effective in the treatment of this disease is the treatment with large doses of vitamin A and lubrication of the affected areas with vitamin E.
General strengthening and immunostimulating therapy can be performed. For this, an extract of aloe in the muscle is prescribed for 1 ml, vitamin C 1 capsule 3 times a day, multivitamin preparations.