What term describes the hypertrophy of thickened skin cells?

The term that describes the hypertrophy of thickened skin cells is keratosis. Keratosis refers specifically to a condition characterized by an overgrowth or thickening of the outer layer of the skin, known as the stratum corneum. This condition can occur in various forms, such as solar keratosis (due to sun exposure) or seborrheic keratosis (a benign growth).

In contrast, dermatitis refers to inflammation of the skin, which can lead to redness, swelling, and irritation, but does not specifically indicate thickening of the skin cells. Keratolysis describes the process of breaking down or dissolving keratin, usually to help remove excess layers of keratinized cells, while epidermolysis involves the blistering or separation of the epidermis from the underlying tissue, which also does not relate to thickening. Understanding these distinctions is key in the field of esthetics and skin care, as they highlight how different conditions can impact the skin's health and appearance.