Overview
Isolated focal non-epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma is a rare skin condition that causes thick, hardened patches of skin on specific areas of the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. The word 'focal' means the thickening does not cover the entire palm or sole but instead appears in distinct spots, usually in areas that experience the most pressure or friction, such as the balls of the feet or the base of the fingers. The term 'non-epidermolytic' refers to the type of skin changes seen under a microscope — in this form, the skin cells thicken without the blistering or cell breakdown seen in some other types of palmoplantar keratoderma. People with this condition often notice painful callus-like patches that can crack or fissure, making walking or gripping objects uncomfortable. The thickened skin may appear yellowish and waxy. Unlike some related conditions, this form is 'isolated,' meaning it affects only the palms and soles without involvement of other organs or body systems. There is currently no cure for this condition. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving comfort. This typically includes regular use of moisturizers, keratolytic creams (which help soften and remove thickened skin), and careful trimming or filing of calluses by a dermatologist or podiatrist. In more severe cases, oral retinoids may be prescribed to help reduce skin thickening. With consistent care, most people can manage their symptoms effectively and maintain a good quality of life.
Key symptoms:
Thick, hardened patches of skin on the palmsThick, hardened patches of skin on the soles of the feetPainful calluses in pressure-bearing areasCracking or fissuring of thickened skinYellowish or waxy appearance of affected skinDiscomfort or pain when walkingDifficulty gripping objects due to thickened palm skinSkin that peels or flakes in affected areasTenderness at pressure points on hands and feet
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 focal non-epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Isolated focal non-epidermolytic 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 focal non-epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
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 type of palmoplantar keratoderma do I have, and how was it diagnosed?,Should I have genetic testing, and would it help my family members?,What is the best daily skin care routine for managing my symptoms?,Are there prescription creams or medications that could help reduce the thickened skin?,How often should I see a dermatologist or podiatrist for skin maintenance?,Are there any activities I should avoid to prevent worsening of my symptoms?,Are there any clinical trials or new treatments being studied for this condition?
Common questions about Isolated focal non-epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma
What is Isolated focal non-epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma?
Isolated focal non-epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma is a rare skin condition that causes thick, hardened patches of skin on specific areas of the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. The word 'focal' means the thickening does not cover the entire palm or sole but instead appears in distinct spots, usually in areas that experience the most pressure or friction, such as the balls of the feet or the base of the fingers. The term 'non-epidermolytic' refers to the type of skin changes seen under a microscope — in this form, the skin cells thicken without the blistering or cell breakdown