keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness syndrome An inherited disorder that is characterized by keratitis (gradual destruction of the cornea of the eye, sometimes leading to blindness), ichthyosis (localized areas of disfiguring reddish thickened skin), and deafness from birth. Abbreviated KID syndrome. Another characteristic feature of KID syndrome is thin or absent scalp hair. Some patients develop cancer of the…
kerato- 1 Prefix referring to the cornea, as in keratitis (inflammation of the cornea) and keratoplasty (corneal transplant). 2 Prefix referring to the nails, hair, or skin tissue, as in keratin (a protein found in the upper layer of the skin, hair, and nails, and in animal horns) and keratosis (a localized horny overgrowth of…
keratoconjunctivitis Inflammation of the eye that involves both the cornea and conjunctiva. Keratoconjunctivitis can occur due to abrasion trauma, infection, and underlying diseases such as Sjogren’s syndrome and lupus.
keratoconus A cone-shaped cornea, with the apex of the cone being forward. Keratoconus causes distorted vision. Also known as conical cornea. Treatment of keratoconus depends on the severity of the condition. Treatment options include eyeglasses, rigid contact lenses, and corneal transplantation, and combinations of these.
keratodermia blennorrhagicum A skin disease that occurs in patients with reactive arthritis (formerly Reiter’s syndrome). Abbreviated KB. Classically, the areas of the skin that are involved are the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet, although other body surfaces may also be affected. The inflammation of the skin can come and go….
keratoplasty Corneal transplant.
keratosis A localized horny overgrowth of the skin, such as a wart or callus. Among the common types of keratosis are actinic keratosis and seborrheic keratosis.
keratosis, actinic A small rough spot on the skin that can give rise to a skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. Actinic keratosis is due to excessive sun exposure and most frequently occurs in fair-skinned people after 40 years of age. Common locations for actinic keratosis are the face, scalp, nape of the neck, upper…
keratosis, seborrheic A common skin disorder that is characterized by benign, painless, often wart-like skin lesions that appear to be “stuck on.” The raised spots are usually yellow or brown. Treatment, if warranted, involves surgical or cryosurgical removal. Also known as seborrheic warts and verruca.
keratosis follicularis A genetic skin disease that is characterized by slowly progressive hardening of the skin (keratosis) around the hair follicles. This disorder is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner and is due to mutation in a gene called ATP2A2 on chromosome 12. Also known as Darier disease.
keratotic scabies See scabies, keratotic.
keratotomy A surgical cut of the cornea.