Parakeratosis

Early actinic keratosis with parakeratosis, with black arrows indicating one of multiple retained nuclei in the stratum corneum

Parakeratosis is a mode of keratinization characterized by the retention of nuclei in the stratum corneum.[1] In mucous membranes, parakeratosis is normal.[2] In the skin, this process leads to the abnormal replacement of annular squames with nucleated cells. Parakeratosis is associated with the thinning or loss of the granular layer and is usually seen in diseases of increased cell turnover, whether inflammatory or neoplastic. Parakeratosis is seen in the plaques of psoriasis and in dandruff.

Granular parakeratosis (originally termed axillary granular parakeratosis) is an idiopathic, benign, nondisabling cutaneous disease that manifests with intertriginous erythematous, brown or red, scaly or keratotic papules and plaques. It presents in all age groups and has no established clinical associations.[3]

  • In contrast, hyperkeratosis (pictured) may also show a heterogeneous stratum corneum, but a preserved granular layer is seen.
    In contrast, hyperkeratosis (pictured) may also show a heterogeneous stratum corneum, but a preserved granular layer is seen.

See also

References

  1. ^ Brady, Stephen P (2004). "Parakeratosis". Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 50 (1): 77–84. doi:10.1016/S0190-9622(03)02801-9. ISSN 0190-9622.
  2. ^ Kumar, Vinay; Fausto, Nelson; Abbas, Abul (2010) Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease (8th ed.). Saunders. Page 1170. ISBN 978-1-4160-3121-5.
  3. ^ Scheinfeld, NS; Mones, J (May 2005). "Granular parakeratosis: pathologic and clinical correlation of 18 cases of granular parakeratosis". Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 52 (5): 863–7. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2004.12.031. PMID 15858479.