Focal Palmoplantar Keraoderma without Associated Features
Punctate Palmoplantar Keratoderma with Associated Features Syndromic
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Diffuse Epidermolytic Palmoplantar Keratoderma (Unna–Thost disease)

  • Most common type of diffuse keratoderma
  • Associated with keratin 1 and 9 gene mutations 
    • Keratin 9 only expressed in suprabasal layers
  • Keratin 1 and 10 gene mutations associated with epidermolytic ichthyosis
  • Keratin 1 gene mutations associated with focal palmoplantar keratoderma
  • Keratin 9 gene mutations disrupt keratin filament association, promoting cell lysis and tonofilament aggregation
  • Palmoplantar skin progresses from red to yellow with hyperkeratosis by age 3-4 years 
  • Confluent hyperkeratosis with sharply defined waxy erythematous borders by adulthood
    • Dorsal-sparing
    • Possible knuckle pads, thickened nails
  • Rare blistering and fissuring (childhood or later secondary to oral retinoid use)
  • Severe pain with Tonotubular variant
  • Transgredient lesions with Greither variant

Pathology: 

  • Epidermolytic hyperkeratosis (vacuolated suprabasal keratinocytes)
    • May also see coarse keratohyalin granules, acanthosis, orthohyperkeratosis
  • Multiple biopsies usually required before a diagnosis can be made

Differential:

  • Epidermolytic ichthyosis
  • Non-epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma
  • Mechanical debridement
  • Topical keratolytic to prevent fissures (50% propylene glycol, lactic acid, urea, 4-6% salicylic acid)
  • Oral retinoids (risk of significant peeling and compromise of volar skin)
  • Topical calcipotriene