Parakeratosis is a mode of keratinization characterized by the retention of nuclei in the stratum corneum

Stratum corneum

The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the epidermis, consisting of dead cells that lack nuclei and organelles. The purpose of the stratum corneum is to form a barrier to protect underlying tissue from infection, dehydration, chemicals and mechanical stress...

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Parakeratosis: The orderly but abnormal keratinisation of cells so that the keratin layer consists of plump nucleated keratinised cells instead of annular squames. It is associated with the thinning or loss of the granular layer and is usually seen in diseases of increased cell turnover, whether inflammatory or neoplastic.Granular parakeratosis (originally termed axillary granular parakeratosis) is an idiopathic, benign, nondisabling cutaneous disease that manifests with intertriginous erythematous, brown or red, scaly or keratotic papules and plaques. It presents in all age groups and has no established clinical associations.