Hyperkeratosis – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Herbal Remedies

Abstract

Skin is the largest organ of the body, and its disorders are rising day by day due to the toxic environmental conditions, sedentary lifestyle habits, stress, and altered climatic conditions. Many people struggle with issues such as acne, pimples, psoriasis, dermatitis, fungal infection, and eczema. Amongst all these conditions, one such condition is hyperkeratosis, which is the thickening of the outermost layer of the skin, which is the epidermis, which further results in hard, rough, and variable skin texture. In this article, we will discuss Hyperkeratosis in detail.

Introduction

Hyperkeratosis is a skin condition that is recognized by thickening of the outermost layer of the skin, called as stratum corneum. Hyperkeratosis is caused by excessive keratin accumulation on the outer surface of the skin. Keratin protects the skin, but when it is produced in larger amounts, it results in rough, damaged, hard, and pigmented patchy skin. It can occur at various body parts such as knees, elbows, scalp, face, hands, and feet. It can also occur from skin-related issues or from disturbances in various body systems. Long-term hyperkeratosis can lead to pain, discomfort, and cosmetic disfigurement.

Causes

• Autoimmune disorder
• Chronic irritation
• Chronic inflammation
• Chronic pressure
• Genetic disorders
• Occupational disorders
• Exposure to chemicals
• Deficiency of vitamins and nutrients
• Overuse of medications

Pathogenesis

Hyperkeratosis is a condition that is due to increased keratin production and thickening of the outermost layer of the skin. Factors that cause hyperkeratosis, such as irritation, inflammation, chemical exposure, genetic changes, or radiation exposure, result in multiplication of skin cells and prevent the shielding of the skin, which leads to dry, rough skin. Hyperkeratosis may occur in patches or in a continuous pattern, which mainly depends on the area affected.

Types Of Hyperkeratosis

According To The Causes, It Has Two Types

1. Pressure-Related (Acquired):- It occurs when skin thickening occurs due to irritation, damage, friction, or due to rubbing from footwear or tight clothing, which results in warts, corns, or radiation-induced keratosis.
2. Non-Pressure Related (Heredity):- In this, skin thickening occurs due to genetic causes or any autoimmune disorder.

Symptoms

• Thickened skin
• Discolouration
• Itching
• Irritation
• Pain
• Patchy skin
• Cracks
• Corns
• Slow skin shedding

Diagnosis

• Medical history of the patient
• Physical examination of the patient
• Skin biopsy
• Dermoscopy
• Histopathological studies
• Laboratory test, if needed

Treatment

• Application of salicylic acid
• Use of moisturizer
• Use of topical retinoids
• Laser treatment
• Treatment of the underlying cause

Ayurvedic Overview Of Hyperkeratosis

In ayurveda hyperkeratosis is described under twak vikara (skin disorders). It mainly occurs due to sedentary lifestyle and improper dietary habits. Mainly vata dosha is involved in this. When vata dosha gets aggravated it disturbs the equilibrium of kapha dosha which enters the minute bodily channels and causes obstruction. Due to obstruction, nourishment of dhatus got affected which causes abnormal overgrowth of mamsa (muscle) and meda dhatu (fat tissues). At the same time there is vitiation in dhatu balance; it leads to dry, rough, thick, discolouration of skin and may cause itching over the skin.

Ayurveda mainly emphasizes on balancing the doshas, dhatu, clearing the minute body channels and removing the thickened skin through some external ayurveda therapies. Treatment focuses on involving the use of classical formulations such as arogyavardhini vati, panchtikitghrit guggul, Punarnava mandoor and many more. Along with this detoxification therapies can be advised such as Udvartana (herbal powder massage) and raktmokshan (blood letting therapy) which helps in clearing the skin and improving its texture.

Herbal Remedies For Hyperkeratosis By Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a well-known Ayurvedic healthcare brand dedicated to promoting natural healing through authentic, plant-based formulations. The company follows classical Ayurvedic principles while integrating modern quality standards to ensure purity, safety, and effectiveness. All products are prepared using standardized herbal extracts, free from chemicals, preservatives, steroids, and artificial additives. Planet Ayurveda focuses on addressing the root cause of health conditions rather than just managing symptoms. With a wide range of herbal supplements for chronic and lifestyle disorders, the brand emphasizes holistic wellness by balancing doshas, strengthening immunity, and supporting overall health naturally. Remedies by Planet Ayurveda are:-

Product List

1. Navkarshik Churna
2. Vranrakshas Oil
3. Gandhak Rasayan
4. Kaishore Guggul
5. Sarivadyasav
6. Planet Ayurveda’s Aloe Vera Gel With Tea Tree Oil

Product Description

1. Navkarshik Churna

It is a powder formulation of Planet Ayurveda which contains neem (Azadirachta indica), katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa), Amla (Emblica officinalis), manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), and many more. Its active compounds, such as azadirachtin, rubiadin, berberine, and other active compounds of other ingredients, help in reducing thickening of skin, and help in restoring the shedding of cells which are healthy.

Dosage: Half or one tablespoon twice daily with water after meals.

2. Vranrakshas Oil

It is a classical oil preparation of Planet Ayurveda which contains sarson tail (mustard oil), gandhak (purified sulphur), lashuna (Allium sativum), Shuddha Parad (purified mercury), etc. It is useful for wound healing and is helpful in treating various skin issues such as eczema, and skin disorders with inflammation as well as itching.

Directions For Use: Local application over affected areas 3 – 4 times a day.

3. Gandhak Rasayan

It is a classical ayurvedic formulation by Planet Ayurveda which is prepared using Gandhak (Purified Sulphur). It is helpful in chronic skin disorders and also helpful in skin thickening due to keratinization. It has anti microbial and anti itching action. It helps to maintain healthy, smooth and firm skin. It helps in reducing thickening of skin, helps in eliminating toxins and also soothes inflammation and prevents infections.

Dosage: 2 tablets twice or thrice daily with lukewarm water after meals.

4. Kaishore Guggul

It is a classical ayurvedic formulation by Planet Ayurveda which is prepared using Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Amla (Emblica officinalis), haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), and more herbs. It helps in purification of blood, and has anti microbial and antiinflammatory properties. It helps in eliminating toxins from blood and also helps in improving skin disorders and cell health. It reduces oxidative stress and helps in promoting healthy regeneration of skin.

Dosage: 2 tablets twice daily with lukewarm water after meals.

5. Sarivadyasav

It is a tonic prepared by Planet Ayurveda which contains Krishna sariva (Ichnocarpus frutescens), nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus), anantmool (Hemidesmus indicus), patha (Cissampelos pareira), and many more. It helps to maintain equilibrium of vata and pitta dosha. It acts as a blood purifier and improves skin health. It reduces itching and improves nutrient content of skin tissues.

Dosage: 2 tablespoon twice daily with equal amount of water after food.

6. Planet Ayurveda’s Aloe Vera Gel With Tea Tree Oil

It is a product of Planet Ayurveda which is made using aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) and tea tree oil. It provides hydration to the skin tissues and helps in repairing tissues. It helps in reducing dryness, skin burns, itching, scaling roughness and also helps in managing bacterial and fungal skin infections.

Dosage: Take a small amount and apply it locally on clean and dry skin.

Conclusion

Hyperkeratosis is considered as a skin condition which is identified when the outermost layer of the skin becomes rough and thick which happens due to excessive keratin formation. When identified with time it can be easily managed and treated further its complication can be managed. Modern treatment mainly focuses by giving retinoids, by use of keratolytic agents, by guiding for regular moisturization and treating the underline cause. Ayurveda considers hyperkeratosis under twak vikara (skin disorders) which is due to imbalance of doshas and dhatus. Ayurveda mainly emphasizes on eliminating toxins from the body, helps in purification of blood and balancing doshas and also by detoxifying the body along with modification in daily routine habits.