Overview
Isolated focal palmoplantar keratoderma is a rare skin condition where thick, hard patches of skin develop on specific pressure points of the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. Unlike other forms of palmoplantar keratoderma that affect the entire palm or sole, this focal type causes thickened skin mainly in areas that experience the most friction or pressure, such as the balls of the feet, the heels, and the fingertips or base of the fingers. The condition is sometimes called focal nonepidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma. The thickened skin patches, called calluses or keratoses, can be painful and may crack or fissure, making walking and manual tasks uncomfortable. The condition typically worsens with physical activity and repeated pressure on the affected areas. It usually appears during childhood or adolescence, often becoming more noticeable when a child begins walking more or engaging in sports. There is currently no cure for this condition. 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 cushioned or custom-fitted footwear. In some cases, oral retinoids may be prescribed for more severe thickening. With proper skin care and management, most people with this condition can lead active, normal lives.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Thick, hard patches of skin on the palms of the handsThick, hard patches of skin on the soles of the feetPainful calluses on pressure points of the feetCalluses on the balls of the feet and heelsThickened skin at the base of the fingersCracking or fissuring of thickened skinPain when walking or standing for long periodsWorsening of calluses with physical activityDiscomfort when gripping objectsYellowish or waxy appearance of thickened skin patches
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 Isolated focal palmoplantar keratoderma.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Isolated 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 Isolated focal palmoplantar keratoderma.
Community
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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 type of palmoplantar keratoderma does my child have, and how was it confirmed?,Should we pursue genetic testing to identify the specific gene involved?,What is the best daily skin care routine to manage the thickened skin?,Are there prescription creams or medications that could help reduce the calluses?,What type of footwear or insoles do you recommend?,How often should we schedule follow-up visits for callus management?,Are there any new treatments or clinical trials we should know about?
Common questions about Isolated focal palmoplantar keratoderma
What is Isolated focal palmoplantar keratoderma?
Isolated focal palmoplantar keratoderma is a rare skin condition where thick, hard patches of skin develop on specific pressure points of the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. Unlike other forms of palmoplantar keratoderma that affect the entire palm or sole, this focal type causes thickened skin mainly in areas that experience the most friction or pressure, such as the balls of the feet, the heels, and the fingertips or base of the fingers. The condition is sometimes called focal nonepidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma. The thickened skin patches, called calluses or keratoses,
How is Isolated focal palmoplantar keratoderma inherited?
Isolated focal palmoplantar keratoderma follows a autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Isolated focal palmoplantar keratoderma typically begin?
Typical onset of Isolated focal palmoplantar keratoderma is childhood. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.