Overview
Isolated diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma (PPK) is a skin condition in which the skin on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet becomes abnormally thick, hard, and sometimes yellowish. The word "diffuse" means the thickening covers most or all of the palms and soles rather than appearing in small patches. "Isolated" means this thickening occurs on its own, without other organ systems being affected. The condition is also sometimes called diffuse hereditary palmoplantar keratoderma or tylosis. The thickened skin develops because the outer layer of skin (the epidermis) produces too much of a tough protein called keratin. This can cause discomfort, cracking, pain when walking or gripping objects, and sometimes a bad odor or increased sweating of the affected areas. In some cases, the thickened skin can extend slightly beyond the palms and soles onto the tops of the hands or feet, which doctors call "transgrediens." There is currently no cure for isolated diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life. This typically includes regular use of moisturizers, keratolytic creams (which help soften and remove thickened skin), and sometimes oral retinoid medications in more severe cases. Mechanical removal of thickened skin by a dermatologist or podiatrist can also help. With consistent care, most people with this condition can lead active and fulfilling lives, though ongoing skin management is usually needed throughout life.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Thick, hard skin on the palms of the handsThick, hard skin on the soles of the feetYellowish discoloration of palms and solesPainful cracking or fissuring of thickened skinPain when walking or standing for long periodsDifficulty gripping objects due to stiff skinExcessive sweating of hands and feetUnpleasant odor from affected skinRedness around the edges of thickened skinSkin thickening that may extend to the backs of hands or feetCallus-like buildup that returns after removalBlistering in some forms (epidermolytic type)
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 Isolated diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Isolated diffuse 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 Isolated diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma.
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Caregiver Resources
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Social Security Disability
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Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What specific type of palmoplantar keratoderma do I (or my child) have, and what gene is involved?,What is the best daily skin care routine to manage the thickened skin?,Would oral retinoid medication be appropriate, and what are the risks and benefits?,How often should I see a dermatologist or podiatrist for skin maintenance?,Is genetic testing recommended for other family members?,Are there any clinical trials or new treatments being studied for this condition?,What should I do if the skin becomes infected or very painful?
Common questions about Isolated diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma
What is Isolated diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma?
Isolated diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma (PPK) is a skin condition in which the skin on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet becomes abnormally thick, hard, and sometimes yellowish. The word "diffuse" means the thickening covers most or all of the palms and soles rather than appearing in small patches. "Isolated" means this thickening occurs on its own, without other organ systems being affected. The condition is also sometimes called diffuse hereditary palmoplantar keratoderma or tylosis. The thickened skin develops because the outer layer of skin (the epidermis) produces too mu