Arsenical Keratosis - Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
By ScanSkinAI Editorial Team✓ Reviewed for medical safetyLast updated June 2026
Thickened, rough patches of skin caused by chronic arsenic exposure, typically on palms and soles. They're precancerous and indicate arsenic poisoning.
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Quick Answer
Arsenical keratoses are thick, rough, corn-like bumps that usually appear on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. They are caused by long-term exposure to arsenic, often through contaminated drinking water, agricultural work, or mining. These growths are precancerous, meaning they have a significant risk of turning into squamous cell carcinoma over time. If you know you have been exposed to arsenic and notice changes in your skin, it is important to see a doctor for a thorough evaluation and regular skin cancer screenings.
Clinical Context
Arsenical keratoses are a hallmark of chronic arsenic toxicity and are precancerous, with risk of progression to SCC. Arsenic exposure occurs through contaminated water, pesticides, or occupational exposure.
Symptoms
- Corn-like growths on palms and soles
- Hyperpigmentation
- Mees lines on nails
- May develop into skin cancer
Severity & Progression
Causes & Risk Factors
- Chronic arsenic exposure
- Contaminated drinking water
- Occupational exposure
- Certain medications (historically)
Treatment & Management
- Remove arsenic source
- Regular skin cancer screening
- Cryotherapy
- Topical treatments
- Surgical excision if cancerous
When to See a Doctor
If you have known arsenic exposure and develop skin changes
Frequently Asked Questions
What do arsenical keratoses look and feel like?
They look like hard, yellow, corn-like bumps or thick and rough skin patches. You will most commonly find them on the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet. Sometimes, people also notice changes in their skin colour, such as dark spots, or see faint white bands across their fingernails, known as Mees lines.
How long does it take for these bumps to appear after being near arsenic?
Skin changes related to arsenic poisoning do not happen overnight. It typically takes 10 to 20 years of chronic, ongoing exposure for these thick spots and skin colour changes to appear. The exposure usually happens slowly over time through contaminated drinking water or ongoing occupational hazards in farming and mining.
Are these spots actually skin cancer?
They are not skin cancer yet, but they are precancerous. This means they carry a very real risk of turning into a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) later on. Because of this high risk of progression, anyone with these spots needs lifelong medical monitoring and regular skin cancer checks to catch any changes early.
How does a doctor treat these rough patches?
The most critical first step is identifying and completely removing the source of the arsenic exposure. After that, your doctor might remove the bumps using cryotherapy, which freezes them off, or by prescribing specific topical creams. If any spot shows signs of turning into cancer, surgical removal is necessary to ensure the dangerous cells are completely gone.
What can I do to stop more of these spots from forming?
The only true way to prevent more lesions from forming is to stop all exposure to arsenic. This might mean testing your local drinking water supply, changing your water source, or using appropriate safety gear if you work in agriculture or mining. While you cannot undo past exposure, stopping it now limits further damage to your skin and body.
Are these bumps just regular warts or calluses from hard work?
While they can strongly resemble everyday calluses, corns, or warts, arsenical keratoses are different. Regular calluses form from physical friction and pressure, whereas these growths are a direct toxic reaction to systemic arsenic poisoning. If you have multiple hard bumps on your palms and soles, especially with a history of well water use or farming, a doctor should assess them.
When should I urgently see a doctor about these spots?
You should see a doctor as soon as you notice any new or changing skin growths on your palms or soles, especially if you know you have been exposed to arsenic. You need urgent medical attention if an existing spot starts bleeding, grows rapidly, becomes painful, or turns into an open sore, as these are clear red flags for skin cancer.
How can ScanSkinAI help me keep track of these precancerous spots?
ScanSkinAI is a helpful screening aid that allows you to closely monitor any changes to the rough patches on your palms and soles over time. While the AI can help flag unusual changes that warrant attention, it is not a diagnostic tool. You strictly need a doctor for a formal diagnosis and routine physical skin cancer screenings due to the severe cancer risks.
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Medical References
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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content on this page should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for proper medical evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of your condition.