Definition

Noun: A skin condition characterized by the excessive growth and accumulation of keratin, leading to the formation of hard, rough, or scaly patches on the skin.

Examples

• The dermatologist diagnosed the rough patch on his arm as a keratosis.
• Seborrheic keratosis is a common, benign skin growth that appears in older adults.
• Prolonged sun exposure can lead to the development of actinic keratosis.

Advanced Usage

• "Precancerous keratosis": Often used specifically for actinic keratosis, indicating it has the potential to develop into skin cancer if left untreated.
  • The biopsy confirmed it was a precancerous keratosis.
• In medical terminology, it is frequently modified by an adjective specifying the type (e.g., actinic, seborrheic, follicular).

Variants and Related Words

• Keratotic (adj): Relating to or affected by keratosis.
  • The keratotic plaque was treated with cryotherapy.
• Hyperkeratosis (n): A specific type of keratosis involving abnormal thickening of the outer layer of the skin.

Synonyms

• Skin lesion
• Keratinization disorder

Related Terms (Medical Context)

• Actinic keratosis: A rough, scaly patch caused by sun damage.
• Seborrheic keratosis: A common, noncancerous, waxy growth.
• Keratosis pilaris: A condition causing small, rough bumps, often on the arms and thighs.

Noun

1. a skin condition marked by an overgrowth of layers of horny skin