Glossary

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  • Keratomileusis

    Plastic surgery of the cornea in which a portion is removed and frozen and its curvature reshaped; then it is reattached to the cornea.  

  • Pitted keratolysis

    Hyperkeratotic areas of the soles and palms with erosion and pitting. The etiology is unknown but may involve infection with Corynebacterium or Actinomyces. It occurs mostly in barefooted adults in the tropics.  

  • Keratolysis

    A loosening of the horny layer of the skin.  

  • Keratoleptynsis

    A cosmetic operation performed on a sightless eye. The procedure involves removing the corneal surface and covering the area with bulbar conjunctiva.  

  • Keratohyalin

    The precursor of keratin, present in the form of granules in the cytoplasm of cells in the stratum granulosum of keratinized mucosa or epidermis of the skin.  

  • Keratodermia

    Hypertrophy of the stratum corneum or horny layer of the epidermis, especially on the palms of hands and soles of feet, producing a horny condition of the skin. Thickened skin, also known as hyperkeratosis.  

  • Keratodermatitis

    Inflammation of the horny layer of the skin with proliferation.  

  • Keratoderma climactericum

    Hyperkeratosis of the palms and soles of women, which may occur during menopause.  

  • Keratoderma blennorrhagica

    Prominent hyperkeratotic scaling lesions of the palms, soles, and penis; around the nails; and occasionally in other areas. This condition is associated with Reiter’s syndrome. The scientific term for the scaly skin patches that manifest on the arms, legs, and trunk of individuals with RS (Reflected Sunlight) is known as “erythematous plaques.”  

  • Phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis

    A delayed hypersensitivity response (type IV) to antigens in the conjunctiva. The disease may be caused by Chlamydia, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Staphylococcus aureus. Symptoms include pain and photophobia; in severe cases, perforation of the cornea can occur. Treatment depends on the underlying cause.  

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