1. In physiological situations the proliferation of epidermal cells (keratinocytes) in the skin is a tightly controlled process. 2. However, in many common skin diseases, such as in psoriasis, the control mechanisms go awry resulting in pathological epidermal hyperplasia (thickening). 3. In those situations the keratinocytes enter the alternative pathway of proliferation characterized by excessive growth rate, aberrant responses to growth factors, faulty differentiation, and increased migratory capacity. 4. The participation of different growth factors in enhancing or inhibiting keratinocyte growth, both in physiological and pathological conditions, has been reviewed. 5. The regulatory processes governing epidermal growth have relevance for the understanding of the mechanism of action of the drugs used in the treatment of skin diseases associated with epidermal hyperplasia.