What is dead tissue built up by the body in an area of pressure or friction called?

The buildup of dead tissue in an area of pressure or friction is referred to as hyperkeratosis. This condition occurs when the skin thickens in response to repeated irritation or pressure, leading to an accumulation of keratin, a protein that makes up the outer layer of skin. Hyperkeratosis is the body’s protective response to prevent damage in areas subjected to constant friction or pressure.

While necrosis refers to cell death due to a lack of blood supply or injury, and ulceration describes a sore on the skin or mucous membrane that often occurs as a result of tissue loss, neither directly addresses the specific buildup of tissue in response to pressure. Edema, on the other hand, pertains to the accumulation of fluid in tissues, which differs from the accumulation of dead tissue seen in hyperkeratosis.

Understanding hyperkeratosis is crucial in contexts like fitting for mastectomy garments, as individuals may experience irritation from prosthetics or compression garments, leading to areas of thickened skin that may need to be managed.