Diffuse Non-epidermolytic Palmoplantar Keratoderma

  • Heterogeneous group
  • Multiple associated gene mutations described: aquaporin 5, keratin 1, serine peptidase inhibitor, clade B member 7 SERPINB7, secreted leukocyte antigen-6/urokinase-type plasminogen activator related protein 1 SLURP1
  • Gene mutations lead respectively to: 
    • increased keratinocyte water retention 
    • Altered skin protease(s)
    • Altered epidermal differentiation
  • Comparable to epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma
    • Variable hyperkeratosis, hyperhidrosis
  • Dermatophyte infections and pitted keratolysis
  • Mal de Meleda
    • early progressive transgredient hyperkeratosis leads to restricted hand range of motion, hyperhidrotic maceration, malodor, fissures
    • pseudoainhum, koilonychia, subungual hyperkeratosis, angular cheilitis
    • melanoma, Bowen disease

Pathology: 

  • Orthohyperkeratosis, hypergranulosis / normogranulosis, acanthosis
    • May also see mild lymphocytic infiltrate (perivascular)
  • Rule out dermatophyte infection with Periodic Acid Schiff staining
  • papillomatosis in Mal de Meleda

Differential:

  • Exfoliative ichthyosis
  • Aquagenic palmoplantar keratoderma
  • More potent anti-keratolytics (5-10% salicylic acid)
  • Mechanical debridement
  • Low-dose acitretin (0.2–0.5 mg / kg daily)
  • Oral erythromycin and topical tacrolimus
  • Anti-fungals / antibacterials as needed for superinfection
  • Skin excision and split-thickness skin graft (to improve ability to perform activities of daily living)