Overview
Marginal papular palmoplantar keratoderma is a very rare skin condition that affects the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. In this condition, small raised bumps (papules) develop along the edges (margins) of the palms and soles, as well as along the sides of the fingers and toes. The skin in these areas becomes thickened and hardened, which is what doctors call "keratoderma." Unlike some other forms of palmoplantar keratoderma that affect the entire palm or sole, this type is distinctive because the thickened skin is mainly found at the borders or margins of these areas. The condition is generally not life-threatening and does not affect internal organs. However, the thickened skin can sometimes be uncomfortable, cosmetically bothersome, or cause mild pain with pressure or friction. The papules are typically skin-colored or slightly yellowish and may become more noticeable over time. Some patients also notice that the skin in affected areas can crack or become dry. Treatment is mainly focused on managing symptoms. This includes regular use of moisturizers, keratolytic creams (which help soften and remove thickened skin), and sometimes careful physical removal of excess skin by a dermatologist. There is currently no cure for this condition, but most people manage well with ongoing skin care. Because this is an extremely rare condition, research is limited and treatment approaches are largely based on clinical experience with similar keratoderma conditions.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Small raised bumps along the edges of the palmsSmall raised bumps along the edges of the soles of the feetThickened skin on the borders of the hands and feetBumps along the sides of the fingersBumps along the sides of the toesDry or rough skin on the palms and solesCracking of thickened skinMild discomfort or tenderness when pressing on affected areasYellowish or skin-colored papules on the hands and feet
Autosomal dominant
Passed on from just one parent; each child has about a 50% chance of inheriting it
Variable
Can begin at different ages, from infancy through adulthood
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Marginal papular palmoplantar keratoderma.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Marginal papular 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 Marginal papular palmoplantar keratoderma.
Community
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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 type of palmoplantar keratoderma do I have, and how was the diagnosis confirmed?,Should I or my family members have genetic testing?,What skin care routine do you recommend for managing my symptoms?,Are there prescription creams or medications that could help reduce the thickened skin?,Could this condition be passed on to my children?,How often should I schedule follow-up appointments?,Are there any activities I should avoid to prevent worsening of symptoms?
Common questions about Marginal papular palmoplantar keratoderma
What is Marginal papular palmoplantar keratoderma?
Marginal papular palmoplantar keratoderma is a very rare skin condition that affects the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. In this condition, small raised bumps (papules) develop along the edges (margins) of the palms and soles, as well as along the sides of the fingers and toes. The skin in these areas becomes thickened and hardened, which is what doctors call "keratoderma." Unlike some other forms of palmoplantar keratoderma that affect the entire palm or sole, this type is distinctive because the thickened skin is mainly found at the borders or margins of these areas. The condition
How is Marginal papular palmoplantar keratoderma inherited?
Marginal papular palmoplantar keratoderma follows a autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.