Overview
Diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma with painful fissures is a rare inherited skin condition that causes the skin on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet to become abnormally thick, hard, and tough. The word "palmoplantar" refers to the palms and soles, while "keratoderma" means thickened skin. In this particular form of the condition, the thickened skin develops deep, painful cracks called fissures. These fissures can be very uncomfortable and may bleed, making everyday activities like walking, gripping objects, or standing for long periods quite difficult. The thickening of the skin typically develops early in life and tends to be diffuse, meaning it covers most or all of the palms and soles rather than appearing in small patches. The painful fissures are a hallmark feature that distinguishes this condition from other types of palmoplantar keratoderma. The cracks can become worse in dry or cold weather and may sometimes become infected if not properly cared for. There is currently no cure for this condition. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life. This includes regular use of moisturizers and emollients, keratolytic agents (creams that help soften and remove thickened skin), and careful wound care for fissures. In some cases, oral retinoids may be prescribed to help reduce skin thickening. Proper foot care and protective measures for the hands are important parts of daily management.
Key symptoms:
Thick, hardened skin on the palms of the handsThick, hardened skin on the soles of the feetPainful deep cracks (fissures) in the thickened skinBleeding from skin cracksPain when walking or standingDifficulty gripping objectsDry, rough skin on hands and feetWorsening of symptoms in cold or dry weatherSkin infections in cracked areasYellowish or waxy appearance of thickened skinReduced flexibility of the hands and feetDiscomfort wearing shoes
Variable
Can be inherited in different ways depending on the underlying gene
Childhood
Begins in childhood, roughly ages 1 to 12
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma with painful fissures.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma with painful fissures.
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 Diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma with painful fissures.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
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Mental Health Support
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Family & Caregiver Grants
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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.What specific type of palmoplantar keratoderma do I or my child have, and is genetic testing recommended?,What is the best daily skin care routine to prevent fissures?,Are there prescription creams or medications that could help reduce the skin thickening?,Would oral retinoids be appropriate in my case, and what are the risks?,How can I protect my hands and feet during work or physical activity?,Is there a risk that my children will inherit this condition?,Are there any clinical trials or new treatments being studied for this condition?
Common questions about Diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma with painful fissures
What is Diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma with painful fissures?
Diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma with painful fissures is a rare inherited skin condition that causes the skin on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet to become abnormally thick, hard, and tough. The word "palmoplantar" refers to the palms and soles, while "keratoderma" means thickened skin. In this particular form of the condition, the thickened skin develops deep, painful cracks called fissures. These fissures can be very uncomfortable and may bleed, making everyday activities like walking, gripping objects, or standing for long periods quite difficult. The thickening of the skin ty
At what age does Diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma with painful fissures typically begin?
Typical onset of Diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma with painful fissures is childhood. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.