Parakeratosis

This alteration is characterized, in particular, by an excessive thickening of the stratum corneum. The cells that make up this part of the epidermis retain their nucleus, unlike what normally happens in the more superficial layers of the skin. In parakeratosis, this phenomenon results in a scaly, shiny and keratinized appearance of the skin and mucous membranes.

Parakeratosis is a condition that mainly affects the dermatological field, being a typical manifestation of psoriasis and various forms of dermatitis. Usually, the presence of this anomaly indicates that the epidermis has been repeatedly exposed to an inflammatory stimulus and / or irritative.

Treatment of parakeratosis varies depending on the underlying disease.

Note. The keratinocytes are the most superficial cells of the epidermis, whose name derives from the protein they contain: keratin. The keratinocytes arise from the germinative layer and gradually rise to the surface; along the way, these elements undergo a degeneration that ends with terminal differentiation (ie with cell death) and peeling of the skin.

In parakeratosis, the cells of the stratum corneum thus retain their nucleus, while the granular layer appears reduced or even disappears. This results in the "thickening of the skin and in the" increased tendency of the same to peel.