Keratosis Palmaris

Overview
Familial keratosis palmaris et plantaris (KPPF) is characterized by extreme keratinization and desquamation of the skin of the palmar and plantar surfaces of the hands and feet.

Some people with familial hyperkeratosis of the palms and soles have co−inherited diseases such as congenital malformations and some types of cancer.

Palmoplantar Keratoderma (Keratosis Palmaris et Plantaris)

Group of mostly hereditary skin disorders characterized by thickening of the palms and soles as a result of excessive keratin formation leading to hypertrophy of the stratum corneum (hyperkeratosis).

Also Known As: Keratosis Palmaris et Plantaris; Keratosis, Palmoplantar; Meleda Disease; Keratoderma, Palmoplantar; Disease, Meleda; Keratodermas, Palmoplantar; Keratoses, Palmoplantar; Palmoplantar Keratodermas; Palmoplantar Keratoses; Palmoplantar Keratosis; Hyperkeratosis Palmaris et Plantaris.

Palmoplantar keratoderma (PPK) constitutes a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by thickening of the palms and the soles of individuals who are affected.

The PPKs can initially be divided based on whether they are inherited or acquired. Focusing on the inherited PPKs, initial classification is into 3 distinct clinical patterns of epidermal involvement.

The first is diffuse PPK, which is uniform involvement of the palmoplantar surface. This pattern is usually evident within the first few months of life.

The second is focal PPK, which consists of localized areas of hyperkeratosis located mainly on pressure points and sites of recurrent friction.

The third is punctate keratoderma, which features multiple small, hyperkeratotic papules, spicules, or nodules on the palms and soles. These tiny keratoses may involve the entire palmoplantar surface or may be restricted to certain locations (eg, palmar creases).

The keratodermas can then be further subdivided based on whether only an isolated keratoderma is present or whether other skin findings are present and/or other organs are involved.

The first subclassification is simple keratoderma, which is isolated PPK. The second is keratodermas with associated features such as lesions of nonvolar skin, hair, teeth, nails, or sweat glands and/or with abnormalities of other organs.

Acquired forms are divided into keratoderma climactericum, keratoderma associated with internal malignancy, PPK due to inflammatory and reactive dermatoses, PPK caused by infections, drug-related PPK, and systemic disease–associated PPK.