Effective treatment for hyperkeratosis of the epidermis

Hyperkeratosis, i.e. excessive keratosis of the epidermis, is a condition that accompanies numerous skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema and allergic, rheumatic and genetic diseases, as well as diabetes. It manifests itself by local thickening and drying of the skin, which may peel and crack, causing painful wounds, which may in time become a source of infection. Depending on the causes, hyperkeratosis may occur on the feet, hands, knees, heels or buttocks. It may also take various forms, e.g. yellow-gray lumps, peeling lumps or the so-called fish scale. Often during the periods of exacerbation of the condition, these changes are accompanied by bothersome itching, which provokes scratching. Proper care of the affected skin not only improves the comfort of life, but also significantly reduces the risk of unpleasant symptoms and complications.

The drugs of choice for the local treatment of hyperkeratosis of the skin are mainly preparations with keratolytic properties. Their action consists in weakening the bonds between the keratin proteins produced in the skin during keratosis by special cells called keranocytes. Weakening the structure of keratin plaques, binding the layers of the epidermal cells, produces the so-called exfoliating effect, as a result of which the excessive dead skin simply falls off.

Urea is the most commonly used component of keratolytic drugs, but in order to achieve high effectiveness of this preparation against hyperkeratosis, it must contain the right amount of this substance. Products with a urea concentration of 5-10% cause water retention in the dead, corneum stratum of the epidermis, increasing its elasticity, however, they do not cause keratolysis. Only preparations containing urea in a concentration above 10% can be useful in eliminating the excess of keratinized cells. Higher urea concentration also has antibacterial and deeply moisturizing effects. Keratolytic and moisturizing properties of urea can be strengthened even further by the addition of hydroxy acids. The best results are achieved by combining urea with lactic acid and AHA and BHA acids, or their compounds. These are most often compounds of natural origin, with seborrhea-inhibiting, cleansing and rejuvenating properties (e.g. citric, malic, mandelic, salicylic acids, etc.).

The skin, freed from the calloused epidermis, is definitely more susceptible to the action of a variety of substances. Sometimes this effect is additionally strengthened by the improvement of the adsorption capacity of other compounds through the skin. In order to enhance the effect of drugs, in addition to keratolytic components, the preparations also contain substances which, using the synergy effect, enhance the therapeutic effect on the skin, preventing excessive skin keratosis.

Examples of compounds that can be successfully combined with urea include allantoin and d-panthenol. Both of these substances stimulate the healing of minor connective tissue damage, support the repair processes, smoothen the skin and increase its elasticity. Their addition soothes irritations and itching occurring in the periods of exacerbation of the symptoms. These actions are enhanced by vitamin E, which, because of its highly regenerative and antioxidant properties, is also called the vitamin of youth.

An important ingredient in the recipe of effective preparations against excessive keratosis of the skin are unsaturated fatty acids present in vegetable oils, e.g. grape seed oil or macadamia oil. These ingredients not only give the preparations a pleasant, skin-friendly consistency, but also counteract dryness, roughness and stiffness of the skin, preventing it from peeling and soothing the itching. Preparations used to combat hyperkeratosis of the epidermis associated with atopic dermatitis should not contain essential oils and other irritants, as this may worsen the symptoms.

In the case of keratolytic products, their proper use is important. First of all, it is necessary to thoroughly wash and dry both hands and places affected by the disease, which, due to the nature of the disease are particularly vulnerable to infection. Then, a fairly abundant amount of the preparation should be gently patted with fingertips and left to be absorbed without rubbing it in. If the symptoms of hyperkeratosis are accompanied by itching, before application, the drug can be slightly cooled, but not freezed.

The administration of comprehensive keratolytic preparations not only inhibits the overproduction of keratinized epidermis, but also moisturizes and smoothes out the skin of the feet, hands, elbows and knees, giving it a healthy, aesthetic appearance. Multiderm Urea cream containing 30% of urea, together with seven additional substances, can be especially recommended to patients seeking a comprehensive preparation for hyperkeratosis of the epidermis.