Parakeratosis ICD-10, Definition, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Skin related disorders and disease are common in the world. Depending on the severity of inflammation, skin experts categorize the infections and diseases. Parakeratosis is a disorder which causes the inflammation of keratinization.

Parakeratosis is characterized as retention of nuclei while present in the stratum corneum. This disorder has certain conditions or stages. Checking the severity of this disorder normally depends on the location or where it happens. It is believed that Parakeratosis is normal if it is present within the limits of mucous membrane. However, the disorder will be considered dangerous if it is spread outside the walls of mucous membrane.

Studying the level of infection is very important to identify the basic information. Most of the skin disorders and infections damage the cells present in the layers. As a matter of fact, there are several types of layers and cells present in the skin. These layers and cells are combined to create a structure which maintains the appearance of skin. It is widely known that level of keratin determines the skin color and appearance. High level of keratin usually creates problems while deficiency is also dangerous.

On the other hand, it has been observed that presence of Parakeratosis in the skin creates thinning. This thinning targets the granular layer as mentioned above. Experts believe that unexpected turnover of the skin cells is a big reason behind the thinning of this layer. Patients with this disorder usually have reddish brown appearance . Some reports filed by the dermatologists also confirm that brown or red scales are developed on the skin in case of parakertosis. It is recommended to contact with the dermatologists as soon as possible if you see these scales on the skin. This will help to cover the disorder with an appropriate treatment.


Parakeratosis ICD-10, Definition, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Parakeratosis Symptoms


While discussing the characters of Parakeratosis, we have mentioned some of the common symptoms of this skin disorder above. It would be great to focus on minor as well as major symptoms as mentioned below.


  • Red or brown scales on the skin.
  • Swelling of the skin due to keratinization. 
  • Localized swelling on the skin. 
  • Inflammation which results in disorder progress. 
  • Pain in the epithelial cells. 
  • Softening of the upper skin layer. 


Parakeratosis Causes


As a matter of fact, there is not a specific cause of Parakeratosis in general. This disorder is considered a result of combined attack of various inflammations and infections. Following causes are considered important to study.

  • CHILD syndrome.
  • Genetic transmission or ARCI type 6.
  • Ectodermal dysplasia.
  • Howel-Evans syndrome.
  • Keratosis linearis.
  • Ichthyosis congenita.
  • Scleroing keratoderma.


These are some important causes of this disorder. It is no necessary that a patient would see all these things. The development of Parakeratosis depends on different factors as well as combinations of the above mentioned things in general.

Parakeratosis Treatment


Parakeratosis treatment mainly depends upon topical application of antibiotics and steroids or systemic therapy of antibiotics in case of larger infected area. Therapy should continue for 5-6 days to eradicate it completely. Duration of antibiotic therapy may extend  in case of secondary infection or involvement of other complications.

Parakeratosis ICD-10


R23.4--Changes in skin texture--Billable
Parakeratosis ICD-10, Definition, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment Parakeratosis ICD-10, Definition, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment Reviewed by Simon Albert on January 26, 2017 Rating: 5
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