Which skin condition is likely to form from a build-up of keratin in the epidermis and may resemble a wart?

• A. Dermatofibroma
• B. Keratoacanthoma
• C. Basal cell carcinoma
• D. Albinism

Answer: (B)

Keratoacanthoma is a skin condition characterized by the rapid growth of a dome-shaped nodule that can appear similar to a wart. This condition arises from a build-up of keratin in the epidermis, leading to hyperkeratosis, which is commonly associated with the development of a keratoacanthoma. These nodules are often found on sun-exposed areas of the skin, such as the face, and typically exhibit a central crater filled with keratin.

While dermatofibromas and basal cell carcinoma are significant skin conditions, they do not share the characteristic keratin build-up leading to wart-like features present in keratoacanthomas. Dermatofibromas are benign tumors usually composed of fibrous tissue, and basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that typically does not resemble a wart but rather presents as a translucent nodule. Albinism, on the other hand, is a genetic condition characterized by a lack of pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes, and is unrelated to keratin build-up.