1. Separation or loosening of the horny layer of the epidermis. 2. Specifically, a disease characterized by a shedding of the epidermis recurring at more or less regular intervals. SYN: deciduous skin. [kerato- + G. lysis, loosening]
- k. exfoliativa [MIM*270300] familial continual noninflammatory skin peeling characterized by a separation of stratum corneum in leaflike flakes occurring everywhere except on the palms and soles; autosomal recessive inheritance. SYN: erythema exfoliativa.
- pitted k. noninflammatory Gram-positive bacterial infection of the plantar surfaces producing small depressions in the stratum corneum, associated frequently with humidity and hyperhidrosis. SYN: k. plantare sulcatum.
- k. plantare sulcatum SYN: pitted k..
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1) the process of breaking down or dissolving keratin
2) a skin disease marked by peeling of the horny layer of the epidermis
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ker·a·tol·y·sis (ker″ə-tolґə-sis) [kerato- + -lysis] softening and dissolution or peeling of the stratum corneum of the epidermis.Medical dictionary. 2011.