Palmoplantar keratoderma

Información en español Title

Other Names:

Keratoderma, Palmoplantar

Categories:

Skin Diseases

Summary Summary

Palmoplantar keratoderma (PPK) is a group of conditions characterized by thickening of the palms and soles of the feet. PPK can also be an associated feature of different syndromes.^[1] In rare forms of palmoplantar keratoderma, other organs in the body may be affected in addition to the skin. PPK can either be inherited or acquired. Acquired palmoplantar keratodermas may arise as a result of infections, internal disease or cancer, inflammatory skin conditions, or medications.^[2] The hereditary palmoplantar keratodermas are caused by a gene abnormality that results in abnormal skin protein (keratin). They can be inherited in an autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive patterns.^[1]^[2]

Last updated: 4/29/2011

Treatment Treatment

Treatment of both hereditary and nonhereditary palmoplantar keratodermas is difficult. Treatment usually only results in short-term improvement and often has adverse side effects.^[1] The goal of treatment is usually to soften the thickened skin and makes it less noticeable.^[2] Treatment may include simple measures such as saltwater soaks, emollients, and paring. More aggressive treatment includes topical keratolytics, topical retinoids, systemic retinoids (acitretin), topical vitamin D ointment (calcipotriol), or surgery to removed the skin, following by skin grafting.^[1]^[2]

Last updated: 4/29/2011

Research Research

Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Clinical Research Resources

ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are studying or have studied Palmoplantar keratoderma. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

Organizations Organizations

Nonprofit support and advocacy groups bring together patients, families, medical professionals, and researchers. These groups often raise awareness, provide support, and develop patient-centered information. Many are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct people to research, resources, and services. Many groups also have experts who serve as medical advisors. Visit their website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD. Suggest an organization to add.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin Types (FIRST)
2616 North Broad Street
Colmar, PA 18915
Toll-free: 800-545-3286
Telephone: 215-997-9400
E-mail: info@firstskinfoundation.org
Website: http://www.firstskinfoundation.org/

Learn More Learn More

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

DermNet NZ is an online resource about skin diseases developed by the New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated. DermNet NZ provides information about this condition.
The Foundation for Ichthyosis Related Skin Types has a fact sheet on Palmoplantar Keratodermas (PPK). To view this page, click on the link.

In-Depth Information

Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Palmoplantar keratoderma. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

Related Diseases Related Diseases

The following diseases are related to Palmoplantar keratoderma. If you have a question about any of these diseases, you can contact GARD.

GARD Answers GARD Answers

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My brother has been suffering from palmoplantar keratoderma since childhood. Please provide me with information about treatment for this disease. See answer