Hyperkeratosis – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Herbal Remedies for Healthy Skin

Abstract

Skin conditions are becoming increasingly common these days due to changing lifestyles, stress, pollution and climate factors. People frequently experience acne, eczema, dermatitis, fungal infections and pigmentation issues, while chronic problems like psoriasis and rosacea are also rising. Among these, is a condition involving thickening of the skin’s outer layer and it has gained attention due to its visible effects on skin texture.

Introduction

Skin conditions are becoming increasingly common these days due to changing lifestyles, stress, pollution and climate factors. People frequently experience acne, eczema, dermatitis, fungal infections and pigmentation issues, while chronic problems like psoriasis and rosacea are also rising. Among these, hyperkeratosis is a condition involving thickening of the skin’s outer layer and it has gained attention due to its visible effects on skin texture.

Causes

Causes and risk factors

1. Chronic friction or pressure
2. Chronic inflammation
3. Infections
4. Chemical and occupational exposure
5. Genetic disorders
6. Vitamin and nutritional deficiencies

Pathophysiology

It occurs due to an abnormal increase in keratin production and thickening of the stratum corneum. Factors such as chronic friction, pressure, inflammation, UV exposure, genetic mutations in keratin or filaggrin genes and certain infections or autoimmune conditions trigger abnormal keratinocyte proliferation and impaired desquamation. The result is thickened, roughened skin, which may present as calluses, corns, plaques or follicular keratin plugs and that depends  on the underlying cause and location.

Types

There are two types of Hyperkeratosis

1. Pressure related hyperkeratosis: This occurs when there is damage to the skin that may be due to any irritation or pressure like tight clothing or rubbing from footwear or there may be constant irritation to a healed injury.
2. Non – pressure related hyperkeratosis: It happens when the skin thickens due to some underlying medical conditions which may be inflammatory, auto-immune or genetic.

Symptoms

1. Thick, rough or hardened skin
2. Dryness or scaling
3. Itching
4. Discoloration
5. Small raised bumps
6. Pain when pressure is applied

Diagnosis

1. Clinical examination
2. Dermoscopy
3. Biopsy

Treatment

Its management includes softening and exfoliating the keratinized part.

1. Keratolytic agents like Salicylic Acid, Lactic acid
2. Moisturizer
3. Topical retinoids
4. Mechanical debridement
5. Laser treatment

Ayurvedic Overview

Hyperkeratosis is a twak vikara (skin disorder) that mainly occurs due to excessive intake of dry, cold, irritating food items and excessive walking on uneven places, lack of oiling on feet, etc. can lead to aggravation of vata.  Aggravated vata can vitiate kapha dosha which then lodges in srotas (channels) cause obstruction in it and then vitiates  rasa (nutrient rich fluid), rakta (Blood), mansa (muscle)  and meda (fat) dhatu and causes hypertrophy in mansa (muscle)  and meda dhatu (fat tissue). Vitiation of rasa (nutrient rich fluid) and rakta (blood) dhatu (tissue) leads to poor nutrition due to which dryness, roughness, discoloration and itching may occur. And due to hypertrophy, thickening of skin is there.

For its management, Ayurveda focuses on balancing the Doshas and nourishing the Dhatus, Srotas purification and external application to gently exfoliate the hyperkeratinized part. Shaman Chikitsa (pacifying treatment) includes use of mahamanjisthadi kashaya, arogyavardhini vati, panchtiktaghrit guggulu, punarnava mandoor, etc. and shodhana chikitsa (purification treatment) include raktamokshana (blood letting), udvartana (massage with powder or paste), etc.

Herbal Remedies for Hyperkeratosis by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a trusted Ayurvedic company based in India, specializing in herbal formulations and natural health products. Founded with the aim of promoting authentic Ayurveda, it offers a wide range of products including herbal capsules, powders, tablets, syrups, oils and skincare products. The company emphasizes natural, pure and chemical free ingredients, adhering to classical Ayurvedic principles. It has various formulations that are widely being used in skin disorders and here are a few among them:

Navkarshik Churna

It is a powder formulation of Planet Ayurveda which consists of neem (Azadirachta indica), manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa), Amla (Emblica officinalis), etc.  It contains active compounds like berberine, azadirachtin, rubiadin, etc. that enhance keratinocyte health, reduce skin thickening and restore healthier cell shedding.

Dosage: 1/2 to1 tsp twice daily

2. Vranrakshas oil

It is a classical oil preparation prepared by  Planet Ayurveda which consists of sarson tail (mustard oil), Parad (purified mercury), Gandhak (purified sulphur), Lashuna (Allium sativum), etc. It has strong anti-microbial and anti-septic properties and accelerates granulation tissue formation thus helps in wound healing.

Directions For Use: It is applied locally over affected areas for 3 – 4 times in a day.

3. Gandhak Rasayan

It is a classical ayurvedic formulation that is prepared by Planet Ayurveda which contains Gandhak (Purified Sulphur). It exerts keratolytic, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and Rasayana effects, helping restore smooth, healthy, and well-structured skin. It reduces excessive thickening, detoxifies Aam (Toxins), calming inflammation  and prevents microbial infections.

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

4. Kaishore Guggul

It is a classical ayurvedic formulation which is prepared by Planet Ayurveda and contains Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Amla (Emblica officinalis), haritaki (Terminalia chebula), etc. Its active compounds like guggulsterones, tinosporaside, etc. helps to calm cytokine driven keratinocyte hyperactivity, shrink excessive keratin layers, reduce roughness and rebuild a smoother, pliable, healthier skin texture.

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

5. Sarivadyasav

It is a fermented tonic prepared by Planet Ayurveda and it includes patha (Cissampelos pareira), Krishna sariva (Ichnocarpus frutescens), nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus), anantmool (Hemidesmus indicus), etc. It helps to pacify vata and pitta dosha and has raktashodhak (blood purifying) and twak prasadaka (skin rejuvenating) actions. Thus it also helps in proper functioning of further dhatus (tissues) like mamsa (muscle) and meda dhatu (fat tissue).

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

6. Plant Ayurveda Aloe Vera Gel with Tea Tree oil

It is a product of Planet Ayurveda which contains aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) and tea tree oil. It provides hydration and tissue repair along with anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory action and helps to reduce scaling, roughness, redness, and microbial irritation.

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

Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing/ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or Call at 0172-521-4030 (India), +91-172-521-4030 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 9915-593-604.

Conclusion

Hyperkeratosis is a common yet multifactorial skin condition resulting from abnormal thickening of the stratum corneum. It reflects the skin’s protective response to friction, inflammation, infection or genetic abnormalities. Early identification of the cause prevents complications such as fissures or chronic discomfort. Modern treatment focuses on keratolytic agents, moisturizers, retinoids and managing underlying conditions. Ayurveda offers a holistic framework through concepts of Twak Vikara, Dosha imbalance, and Dhatu involvement, and needs detoxification, herbal therapies and lifestyle correction. Treatment emphasizes Rakta shodhana (blood purification), Aam pachana (digestive detoxification), Vata and Pitta pacification and tissue nourishment.