What is Induration?

Induration is a deep, thickening of the skin from edema, inflammation, or infiltration, including cancer.

Signs of indurated skin include:

  • Skin that feels firmer to the touch than the surrounding skin
  • Skin that appears thick
  • Skin that looks smooth and shiny

The indurated areas commonly appear on the hands and face, but can also be found on the chest, back, abdomen, breast, or buttocks.

The primary underlying causes of skin induration include:

  • Specific types of skin infection
  • Cutaneous metastatic cancers
  • Panniculitis
  • Hives

The precise physiological process that results in many conditions that cause skin induration includes inflammation and infiltration of the skin by certain types of cancer cells.

Several types of skin infections with symptoms of skin induration include:

  • An abscess
  • An inflamed cyst
  • Insect bites that become infected

The diagnosis of skin induration is made by palpation or the feeling of the area, assessing whether the raised area feels hard and resistant.

Treatment of skin induration varies depending on the underlying cause. Treatment options include:

  • For an abscess, the treatment option may be antibiotics, incision, or drainage
  • For inflammatory disorders, such as scleroderma or lichen sclerosus, immunosuppressants or steroid creams can be used.

Supportive care for skin induration conditions can vary greatly, depending on the underlying cause. Examples of supportive care for skin conditions can include:

  • Warm compresses
  • Analgesia
  • Elevation of the affected extremity to help reduce swelling

If you are experiencing any signs of skin induration, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center, please call (718) 206-7001.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.