Arsenical keratosis: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Arsenical keratosis | |||
| image = [[File:Arsenic_Poisoning.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = Arsenical keratosis on the palms | |||
| field = [[Dermatology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Hyperkeratosis]] on palms and soles | |||
| complications = [[Skin cancer]] | |||
| onset = Months to years after exposure | |||
| duration = Chronic | |||
| causes = [[Arsenic]] exposure | |||
| risks = [[Occupational exposure]], [[contaminated water]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Clinical diagnosis]], [[biopsy]] | |||
| differential = [[Callus]], [[psoriasis]], [[eczema]] | |||
| prevention = Avoidance of arsenic exposure | |||
| treatment = [[Topical treatments]], [[cryotherapy]], [[laser therapy]] | |||
| prognosis = Variable, risk of malignancy | |||
| frequency = Common in areas with high arsenic exposure | |||
}} | |||
{{Short description|A skin condition caused by chronic arsenic exposure}} | {{Short description|A skin condition caused by chronic arsenic exposure}} | ||
==Arsenical keratosis== | ==Arsenical keratosis== | ||
[[File:Arsenic_Poisoning.jpg|thumb | [[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. | '''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== | ==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. | 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== | ==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. | 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== | ==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. | 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== | ==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. | 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== | ==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. | 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]] | ||
* [[Hyperkeratosis]] | * [[Hyperkeratosis]] | ||
* [[Squamous cell carcinoma]] | * [[Squamous cell carcinoma]] | ||
[[Category:Dermatology]] | [[Category:Dermatology]] | ||
[[Category:Skin conditions resulting from physical factors]] | [[Category:Skin conditions resulting from physical factors]] | ||
[[Category:Arsenic]] | [[Category:Arsenic]] | ||
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 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.
