Arsenical keratosis: Difference between revisions

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'''Arsenical Keratosis''' is a skin condition that is often associated with chronic exposure to arsenic. It is characterized by the development of multiple keratotic lesions, particularly on the palms and soles.
{{SI}}
 
{{Infobox medical condition
== Symptoms ==
| name            = Arsenical keratosis
The primary symptom of arsenical keratosis is the appearance of multiple, small, corn-like elevations on the skin. These are typically found on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet, but can also occur on other parts of the body. The lesions may be of varying sizes and are often accompanied by hyperpigmentation and hyperkeratosis.  
| image          = [[File:Arsenic_Poisoning.jpg|250px]]
 
| caption        = Arsenical keratosis on the palms
== Causes ==
| field          = [[Dermatology]]
[[Arsenic]] is the primary cause of arsenical keratosis. Chronic exposure to this element, whether through the environment or through occupational exposure, can lead to the development of this condition.  
| symptoms        = [[Hyperkeratosis]] on palms and soles
 
| complications  = [[Skin cancer]]
== Diagnosis ==
| onset          = Months to years after exposure
Diagnosis of arsenical keratosis is typically made through a combination of clinical examination and patient history. A skin biopsy may also be performed to confirm the diagnosis.  
| duration        = Chronic
 
| causes          = [[Arsenic]] exposure
== Treatment ==
| risks          = [[Occupational exposure]], [[contaminated water]]
Treatment for arsenical keratosis primarily involves reducing or eliminating exposure to arsenic. Topical treatments may also be used to manage the symptoms of the condition. In some cases, surgical removal of the lesions may be necessary.  
| diagnosis      = [[Clinical diagnosis]], [[biopsy]]
 
| differential    = [[Callus]], [[psoriasis]], [[eczema]]
== Prognosis ==
| prevention      = Avoidance of arsenic exposure
The prognosis for arsenical keratosis is generally good, particularly if exposure to arsenic can be reduced or eliminated. However, there is a risk of malignant transformation, so regular monitoring is recommended.  
| treatment      = [[Topical treatments]], [[cryotherapy]], [[laser therapy]]
 
| prognosis      = Variable, risk of malignancy
== See Also ==
| frequency      = Common in areas with high arsenic exposure
* [[Keratosis]]
}}
{{Short description|A skin condition caused by chronic arsenic exposure}}
==Arsenical keratosis==
[[File:Arsenic_Poisoning.jpg|left|thumb|Arsenical keratosis on the palms of a patient]]
'''Arsenical keratosis''' is a dermatological condition characterized by the development of small, corn-like growths on the skin, primarily on the palms and soles. These lesions are a result of chronic exposure to [[arsenic]], a toxic metalloid that can be found in contaminated water, certain pesticides, and industrial processes.
==Pathophysiology==
Arsenical keratosis occurs due to the accumulation of arsenic in the skin over time. Arsenic interferes with cellular processes, leading to hyperkeratosis, which is the thickening of the outer layer of the skin. This condition is often associated with long-term exposure to arsenic, which can occur through ingestion, inhalation, or dermal contact.
==Clinical presentation==
Patients with arsenical keratosis typically present with multiple, small, hard, and scaly lesions on the palms and soles. These lesions may be skin-colored or slightly pigmented. Over time, they can become more pronounced and may coalesce into larger plaques. In some cases, arsenical keratosis can progress to [[squamous cell carcinoma]], a type of skin cancer.
==Diagnosis==
The diagnosis of arsenical keratosis is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic appearance of the lesions and a history of arsenic exposure. A skin biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out malignancy. Laboratory tests can also be conducted to measure arsenic levels in the body.
==Treatment==
The primary treatment for arsenical keratosis involves the removal of the source of arsenic exposure. Topical treatments, such as keratolytic agents, can be used to reduce the thickness of the lesions. In some cases, surgical removal or laser therapy may be necessary. Regular monitoring is important to detect any malignant transformation early.
==Prevention==
Preventing arsenical keratosis involves reducing exposure to arsenic. This can be achieved by ensuring access to clean drinking water, using protective equipment in industrial settings, and avoiding the use of arsenic-containing pesticides.
==See also==
* [[Arsenic poisoning]]
* [[Arsenic poisoning]]
* [[Skin biopsy]]
* [[Hyperkeratosis]]
 
* [[Squamous cell carcinoma]]
[[Category:Dermatology]]
[[Category:Dermatology]]
[[Category:Skin conditions]]
[[Category:Skin conditions resulting from physical factors]]
[[Category:Occupational diseases]]
[[Category:Arsenic]]
 
{{stub}}

Latest revision as of 17:12, 4 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Arsenical keratosis
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Hyperkeratosis on palms and soles
Complications Skin cancer
Onset Months to years after exposure
Duration Chronic
Types N/A
Causes Arsenic exposure
Risks Occupational exposure, contaminated water
Diagnosis Clinical diagnosis, biopsy
Differential diagnosis Callus, psoriasis, eczema
Prevention Avoidance of arsenic exposure
Treatment Topical treatments, cryotherapy, laser therapy
Medication N/A
Prognosis Variable, risk of malignancy
Frequency Common in areas with high arsenic exposure
Deaths N/A


A skin condition caused by chronic arsenic exposure


Arsenical keratosis[edit]

Arsenical keratosis on the palms of a patient

Arsenical keratosis is a dermatological condition characterized by the development of small, corn-like growths on the skin, primarily on the palms and soles. These lesions are a result of chronic exposure to arsenic, a toxic metalloid that can be found in contaminated water, certain pesticides, and industrial processes.

Pathophysiology[edit]

Arsenical keratosis occurs due to the accumulation of arsenic in the skin over time. Arsenic interferes with cellular processes, leading to hyperkeratosis, which is the thickening of the outer layer of the skin. This condition is often associated with long-term exposure to arsenic, which can occur through ingestion, inhalation, or dermal contact.

Clinical presentation[edit]

Patients with arsenical keratosis typically present with multiple, small, hard, and scaly lesions on the palms and soles. These lesions may be skin-colored or slightly pigmented. Over time, they can become more pronounced and may coalesce into larger plaques. In some cases, arsenical keratosis can progress to squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer.

Diagnosis[edit]

The diagnosis of arsenical keratosis is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic appearance of the lesions and a history of arsenic exposure. A skin biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out malignancy. Laboratory tests can also be conducted to measure arsenic levels in the body.

Treatment[edit]

The primary treatment for arsenical keratosis involves the removal of the source of arsenic exposure. Topical treatments, such as keratolytic agents, can be used to reduce the thickness of the lesions. In some cases, surgical removal or laser therapy may be necessary. Regular monitoring is important to detect any malignant transformation early.

Prevention[edit]

Preventing arsenical keratosis involves reducing exposure to arsenic. This can be achieved by ensuring access to clean drinking water, using protective equipment in industrial settings, and avoiding the use of arsenic-containing pesticides.

See also[edit]

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