Overview
Genetic acrokeratoderma is a rare inherited skin condition that primarily affects the hands and feet. The term 'acrokeratoderma' comes from Greek words meaning thickening of the skin at the extremities. In this condition, the skin on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet becomes abnormally thick, tough, and sometimes painful. This thickening is called keratoderma or hyperkeratosis, and it happens because the outer layer of skin (the epidermis) produces too much of a tough protein called keratin. People with genetic acrokeratoderma may notice that the skin on their palms and soles looks different from an early age. The thickened skin can crack, peel, or become uncomfortable, especially with physical activity or in dry weather. In some cases, the thickening may also extend to the tops of the hands and feet or to other areas of the body. There is currently no cure for genetic acrokeratoderma. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving skin comfort. This typically includes regular use of moisturizers, keratolytic agents (creams that help soften and remove thickened skin), and sometimes retinoid medications. With proper skin care, many people with this condition can manage their symptoms effectively and maintain a good quality of life.
Key symptoms:
Thickened skin on the palms of the handsThickened skin on the soles of the feetCracking or peeling of thickened skinRough or tough texture of skin on hands and feetPain or discomfort when walking or gripping objectsYellowish or waxy appearance of affected skinCallus-like patches on the hands and feetDry skin on the extremitiesBlistering in some casesDifficulty with fine hand movements due to skin stiffness
Variable
Can be inherited in different ways depending on the underlying gene
Variable
Can begin at different ages, from infancy through adulthood
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Genetic acrokeratoderma.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Genetic acrokeratoderma.
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 Genetic acrokeratoderma.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
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 genetic acrokeratoderma do I or my child have, and is genetic testing recommended?,What is the best daily skin care routine to manage the thickened skin?,Are there prescription medications like retinoids that might help, and what are the risks?,How can I tell if the cracked skin has become infected, and when should I seek urgent care?,Is this condition likely to get better or worse over time?,Should other family members be tested or evaluated?,Are there any clinical trials or new treatments being studied for this condition?
Common questions about Genetic acrokeratoderma
What is Genetic acrokeratoderma?
Genetic acrokeratoderma is a rare inherited skin condition that primarily affects the hands and feet. The term 'acrokeratoderma' comes from Greek words meaning thickening of the skin at the extremities. In this condition, the skin on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet becomes abnormally thick, tough, and sometimes painful. This thickening is called keratoderma or hyperkeratosis, and it happens because the outer layer of skin (the epidermis) produces too much of a tough protein called keratin. People with genetic acrokeratoderma may notice that the skin on their palms and soles looks