Name of the Condition

• Hyperkeratosis of Yaws
• ICD Code: A66.3

Summary

Hyperkeratosis of yaws is a skin condition characterized by thickening of the outer layer of the skin associated with an infection known as yaws, a chronic tropical disease caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum pertenue. It primarily affects the skin, bone, and cartilage.

Causes

Hyperkeratosis in yaws is caused by the infection of Treponema pallidum pertenue. This bacterium spreads primarily through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.

Risk Factors

• Living in or traveling to tropical areas where yaws is prevalent.
• Poor hygiene and sanitation.
• Close physical contact with infected individuals.
• Lack of access to medical care.

Symptoms

• Thickened, rough skin patches, often in areas subject to friction.
• Initial red and papillomatous lesions that progress to hyperkeratotic plaques.
• Other yaws-related symptoms may include bone pain and deformities.

Diagnosis

• Clinical examination of skin lesions.
• Serological tests to detect antibodies against Treponema pallidum.
• Dark-field microscopy or PCR tests to identify the bacteria in lesions.

Treatment Options

• Antibiotics, primarily Azithromycin or Benzathine Penicillin G, which cure the infection and help resolve skin lesions.
• Supportive skin care to manage symptoms and promote healing.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• With appropriate treatment, the prognosis is excellent, with most patients recovering fully.
• Regular follow-up is essential to ensure treatment effectiveness and manage any recurrence.

Complications

• If untreated, can lead to disfigurement and disability due to skin and bone involvement.
• Risk of secondary bacterial infections of skin lesions.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Maintain proper hygiene and sanitation practices.
• Avoid direct contact with infected individuals.
• Community health initiatives including mass treatment campaigns in endemic areas.

When to Seek Professional Help

• If you develop unexplained skin lesions, particularly after being in endemic regions.
• Symptoms persist or worsen despite initial treatment.

Additional Resources

• World Health Organization (WHO) on neglected tropical diseases.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) information on yaws.
• Local health departments for guidelines on yaws management.

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure correct coding by confirming the infection's presence and specific diagnosis of hyperkeratosis related to yaws.
• Be aware of similar conditions to avoid misclassification, such as differentiating from other types of hyperkeratosis not caused by yaws.