Keratin is a hard protein you find in hair, skin and nail cells. In fact it is the “most abundant structural protein in the cytoplasm of epithelial cells,” according to the Coulombe Laboratory at Johns Hopkins University. Epithelial cells cover the surfaces both inside and outside the body.
Wrinkled Fingers
Ever wonder why your fingers and toes get wrinkled in the bathtub? Everyday Mysteries, a service of the Library of Congress, says many biologists believe “that the tough outer layer of skin made up of dead keratin cells is responsible.” The outermost layer of skin is called the epidermis and it’s the thickest on our hands and feet. The outermost layer of the epidermis, there are four layers, is called the stratum corneum and it is made up of dead keratin cells. Everyday Mysteries explains the dead cells absorb water swelling the surface area of your skin, while the live under layers remain “tightly attached to the living tissue.”
Epidermoid Cysts
Epidermoid cysts, sometimes called keratin cysts, develop as small bumps just beneath the skin. Under normal conditions keratin cycts do not cause health problems or need medical treatment. However, georgiahealthinfo.gov cautions if “they rupture or become infected, they're usually surgically removed.” Keratin is the thick yellowish substance that you, or your dermatologist, can squeeze out of it.
Hyperkeratosis
Hyperkeratosis, an increase in the production of keratin due to mechanical pressure, manifests as corns and calluses according to information provided by Denise B. Freeman, D.P.M from the College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at the Des Moines University–Osteopathic Medical Center. Keratin is the central core of a corn and is the dead skin that forms a callus. Dr. Freeman explains hyperkeratosis is a normal process that protects the skin from injury. Calluses and corns are often the result of ill-fitting footwear and “abnormal foot mechanics” due to a deformity of the foot.
Solvents
Keratin solvents, including soaps and organic solvents, are primary agents of dermatitis. The Montana Department of Labor and Industry warns, “There is virtually no occupation or industry without potential exposure to the many diverse agents that cause dermatitis.” It explains the keratin solvents “bring about water loss, resulting in dry, cracked skin.” Once the skin cracks, your susceptibility to secondary infections increases.
Stimulants
Keratin stimulants are skin irritants that stimulate abnormal skin growths. The Montana Department of Labor and Industry explains these chemicals cause “tumors or cancer formations.” It says the list of keratin stimulants includes, but is not limited to “Certain petroleum products, coal tar based materials, arsenic, and some chlorinated hydrocarbons.”
References
- Everyday Mysteries: Why Do Fingers Wrinkle In the Bathtub?
- Montana Department of Labor and Industry: Dermatitis Prevention, Occupational Skin Disorders
- georgiahealthinfo.gov: Epidermoid Cysts
- AAFP: Corns and Calluses Resulting from Mechanical Hyperkeratosis
- Coulombe Laboratory: Introduction to Keratin Genes and Proteins
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