acanthosis
n.n. a medical condition where the skin becomes thick and rough, often appearing on the hands and feet. It is usually caused by a lack of a certain hormone.
n. a skin condition characterized by the thickening and roughening of the epidermis, typically associated with a deficiency in vitamin A. Often manifests as a symptom of hypothyroidism or malnutrition.
The doctor diagnosed the patient with acanthosis after examining the thick skin on her hands.
Acanthosis is a common sign of vitamin A deficiency, often appearing as a rough, scaly rash on the palms and soles.
While the patient's primary concern was the aesthetic appearance of the thickened skin, the physician noted that acanthosis could be an early indicator of a more systemic hormonal imbalance.
From acanth- + -osis (“diseased condition”).