Parakeratosis
Pronunciation: par-uh-ker-uh-TOH-sis
A histological finding characterised by retention of nuclei in the stratum corneum, indicating abnormal keratinisation.
Full Definition
In normal keratinisation, cells lose their nuclei as they migrate to the stratum corneum; parakeratosis denotes a failure of this process, with nucleated cells persisting in the cornified layer. It is a key diagnostic feature in conditions such as psoriasis and seborrhoeic dermatitis and is reported routinely in skin biopsy summaries. Editors should understand that parakeratosis is a histological descriptor—it cannot be observed clinically with the naked eye—and must not be equated with clinical desquamation. In histopathology reports, it commonly appears alongside terms such as hyperkeratosis and spongiosis to build a composite microscopic picture.
Usage
Usage note: Strictly a histopathological term; avoid using it in clinical summary letters where a lay-readable description of scale or flaking is more appropriate.
In Context
- "Sections showed confluent parakeratosis with a neutrophilic infiltrate, supporting a diagnosis of psoriasis." — Histopathology report
- "The proofreader queried whether 'parakeratosis' had been confused with 'hyperkeratosis' in the methods section." — Journal manuscript review