Hyperkeratosis vs. Acanthosis

Hyperkeratosisnoun

(pathology) Excess keratin formation on the skin surface, as can be seen in a number of dermatologic conditions.

Hyperkeratosis

Hyperkeratosis is thickening of the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the epidermis, or skin), often associated with the presence of an abnormal quantity of keratin, and also usually accompanied by an increase in the granular layer. As the corneum layer normally varies greatly in thickness in different sites, some experience is needed to assess minor degrees of hyperkeratosis.

Acanthosisnoun

(medicine) A benign abnormal thickening of the stratum spinosum, or prickle cell, layer of the epidermis.

Acanthosisnoun

an abnormal but benign thickening of the prickle-cell layer of the skin (as in psoriasis)