Overview
Circumscribed palmoplantar hypokeratosis (CPH) is a rare skin condition that affects the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. The name describes exactly what happens: 'hypokeratosis' means there is less of the tough, protective outer layer of skin (called keratin) than normal in certain well-defined areas. This creates patches of thinner, slightly sunken skin on the palms or soles that look and feel different from the surrounding skin. The edges of these patches are usually sharp and clearly defined, almost like a pit or depression in the skin surface. Most people with this condition notice one or more oval or round patches where the skin looks thinner, paler, or slightly translucent compared to the rest of the palm or sole. The patches are usually not painful, though some people may feel mild discomfort or sensitivity in those areas. The condition is generally stable and does not tend to spread aggressively over time. Treatment is mainly focused on managing symptoms and protecting the affected skin. There is no cure, but moisturizers, protective footwear, and careful skin care can help. Because this condition is so rare, it is often misdiagnosed as other skin disorders, so seeing a dermatologist or clinical geneticist with experience in rare skin diseases is important for getting the right diagnosis.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Well-defined patches of thinner skin on the palms or solesSlightly sunken or pitted areas on the hands or feetPaler or more translucent skin within the affected patchesSharp, clear borders between the thin patches and normal surrounding skinMild skin fragility or sensitivity in the affected areasPossible mild discomfort when pressure is applied to the patchesNo significant pain in most casesPatches that remain stable or change very slowly over time
Clinical phenotype terms (5)— hover any for plain English
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Circumscribed palmoplantar hypokeratosis.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Circumscribed palmoplantar hypokeratosis.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Circumscribed palmoplantar hypokeratosis.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
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Mental Health Support
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Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.How certain are you that this is circumscribed palmoplantar hypokeratosis, and what tests confirm the diagnosis?,Should I have a skin biopsy or genetic testing to confirm the cause?,Are there any treatments that can improve the appearance or comfort of the affected skin patches?,Is this condition likely to stay the same, get better, or get worse over time?,Could other family members be at risk, and should they be checked?,Are there any activities or types of footwear or gloves I should avoid to protect my skin?,Are there any clinical trials or research studies I could participate in?
Common questions about Circumscribed palmoplantar hypokeratosis
What is Circumscribed palmoplantar hypokeratosis?
Circumscribed palmoplantar hypokeratosis (CPH) is a rare skin condition that affects the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. The name describes exactly what happens: 'hypokeratosis' means there is less of the tough, protective outer layer of skin (called keratin) than normal in certain well-defined areas. This creates patches of thinner, slightly sunken skin on the palms or soles that look and feel different from the surrounding skin. The edges of these patches are usually sharp and clearly defined, almost like a pit or depression in the skin surface. Most people with this condition
How is Circumscribed palmoplantar hypokeratosis inherited?
Circumscribed palmoplantar hypokeratosis follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Circumscribed palmoplantar hypokeratosis typically begin?
Typical onset of Circumscribed palmoplantar hypokeratosis is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.