Overview
Focal palmoplantar keratoderma (also called focal keratoderma of the palms and soles) is a rare inherited skin condition in which thick, hard patches of skin develop on specific pressure points of the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. Unlike diffuse forms of palmoplantar keratoderma that affect the entire palm or sole, the focal type causes thickened skin (calluses or callus-like plaques) mainly in areas that experience the most friction or pressure, such as the balls of the feet, the heels, and the fingertips or areas of the palms used for gripping. These thickened patches can be painful, may crack or fissure, and can make walking or using the hands uncomfortable. The condition is usually caused by mutations in genes that produce keratin proteins, which are essential building blocks of the outer layer of skin. Symptoms typically begin in childhood or adolescence and tend to worsen with physical activity or manual labor. In some forms, the nails may also be affected, becoming thickened or abnormally shaped. The condition is lifelong, but it is not life-threatening. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving comfort. This includes regular use of moisturizers, keratolytic creams (which help soften and remove thickened skin), careful trimming of calluses by a dermatologist or podiatrist, and wearing well-cushioned footwear. In more severe cases, oral retinoids may be prescribed to help reduce skin thickening. There is currently no cure, but with consistent care, most people can manage their symptoms effectively.
Key symptoms:
Thick, hard patches of skin on the palmsThick, hard patches of skin on the soles of the feetPainful calluses at pressure points on the feetCracking or fissuring of thickened skinDiscomfort or pain when walkingDifficulty gripping objects due to thickened palm skinCalluses that keep coming back after removalThickened or abnormal toenails or fingernailsBlisters that may form under thickened skinRedness around thickened skin areasWorsening of symptoms with physical activity or manual work
Autosomal dominant
Passed on from just one parent; each child has about a 50% chance of inheriting it
Childhood
Begins in childhood, roughly ages 1 to 12
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Focal palmoplantar keratoderma.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Focal palmoplantar keratoderma.
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 Focal palmoplantar keratoderma.
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Caregiver Resources
NORD 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.What specific type of palmoplantar keratoderma do I have, and which gene is involved?,What is the best daily skin care routine to manage my symptoms?,Should I see a podiatrist regularly for callus management?,Are oral retinoids appropriate for my case, and what are the risks?,Is genetic testing recommended for my family members?,Are there any clinical trials or new treatments being studied for this condition?,What types of shoes or insoles do you recommend to reduce pain?
Common questions about Focal palmoplantar keratoderma
What is Focal palmoplantar keratoderma?
Focal palmoplantar keratoderma (also called focal keratoderma of the palms and soles) is a rare inherited skin condition in which thick, hard patches of skin develop on specific pressure points of the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. Unlike diffuse forms of palmoplantar keratoderma that affect the entire palm or sole, the focal type causes thickened skin (calluses or callus-like plaques) mainly in areas that experience the most friction or pressure, such as the balls of the feet, the heels, and the fingertips or areas of the palms used for gripping. These thickened patches can be
How is Focal palmoplantar keratoderma inherited?
Focal palmoplantar keratoderma follows a autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Focal palmoplantar keratoderma typically begin?
Typical onset of Focal palmoplantar keratoderma is childhood. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.