Acquired palmoplantar keratoderma

A Cross-Sectional Study of Dermoscopy and Clinical and Histopathological Study of Acquired Palmoplantar Keratodermas: A Research Protocol

Background Acquired palmoplantar keratodermas (PPKs) pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to their varied clinical presentations and overlapping features. This study aims to elucidate diagnostic criteria; assess correlations between clinical, dermoscopic, and histopathological features; and evaluate treatment outcomes for acquired PPKs, particularly palmoplantar psoriasis. Methods A prospective, cross-sectional study will be conducted at the Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy, Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital (AVBRH), Wardha, Maharashtra. Patients with acquired PPKs will undergo comprehensive clinical, dermoscopic, and histopathological evaluations. Treatment outcomes for palmoplantar psoriasis will be assessed following standard therapy. Statistical analysis will include descriptive statistics, diagnostic accuracy assessments, correlation analyses, and treatment outcome evaluations. Results The study is anticipated to establish reliable diagnostic criteria for acquired PPKs, identify correlations between features, and demonstrate the effectiveness of standard therapies for palmoplantar psoriasis. The findings are expected to inform evidence-based guidelines and protocols for diagnosing and managing acquired PPKs. Conclusion This study aims to advance the understanding and management of acquired PPKs by providing insights into diagnostic accuracy, correlations between features, and treatment outcomes. The study seeks to enhance patient care and outcomes for individuals affected by acquired PPKs by improving diagnostic precision and guiding therapeutic interventions.

Pressure and Skin: A Review of Disease Entities Driven or Influenced by Mechanical Pressure

Skin perceives and reacts to external mechanical forces to create resistance against the external environment. Excessive or inappropriate stimuli of pressure may lead to cellular alterations of the skin and the development of both benign and malignant skin disorders. We conducted a comprehensive literature review to delve into the pressure-induced and aggravated skin disorders and their underlying pressure-related mechanisms. Dysregulated mechanical responses of the skin give rise to local inflammation, ischemia, necrosis, proliferation, hyperkeratosis, impaired regeneration, atrophy, or other injurious reactions, resulting in various disease entities. The use of personal devices, activities, occupations, weight bearing, and even unintentional object contact and postures are potential scenarios that account for the development of pressure-related skin disorders. The spectrum of these skin disorders may involve the epidermis (keratinocytes and melanocytes), hair follicles, eccrine glands, nail apparatuses, dermis (fibroblasts, mast cells, and vasculature), subcutis, and fascia. Clarifying the clinical context of each patient and recognizing how pressure at the cellular and tissue levels leads to skin lesions can enhance our comprehension of pressure-related skin disorders to attain better management.

A Rare Case on Capecitabine Induced Acquired Palmoplantar Keratoderma

Acquired palmoplantar keratoderma (PPK) is a non-hereditary hyperkeratosis of the palms and soles that is caused by various factors, including chemotherapeutic agents. The purpose of this case report is to present a rare case of acquired PPK caused by the chemotherapeutic agent capecitabine. A 54-year-old female complained of painful erythematous plaques on her palms and soles with history of consuming capecitabine. Physical examination revealed scaly erythematous plaques on the palmoplantar surface and knuckle pads on both hands. Histopathological features showed hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, vasodilatation, and perivascular lymphocytic infiltration. Therefore, the patient was diagnosed with acquired PPK due to capecitabine. The dose of capecitabine was reduced and the patient was administered topical corticosteroid and emollient. Improvement of skin lesions was strongly observed after discontinuation of capecitabine. The underlying cause of PPK should be identified to determine the appropriate treatment. Dose reduction or drug discontinuation is the mainstay therapy for patients with acquired PPK caused by chemotherapeutic agents.

Discovery of WD-890: A novel allosteric TYK2 inhibitor for the treatment of multiple autoimmune diseases

Tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) as a member of Janus kinase (JAK) family, mainly mediates the signaling of type I interferons (IFN), interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interleukin-23 (IL-23), which has become an attractive target for treatment of immune and inflammatory diseases. However, the development of selective TYK2 inhibitors is challenging due to the high homology of the catalytic kinase domain among the JAK family members. Here, we report a novel and potent allosteric inhibitor, WD-890, which binds to the pseudokinase domain of TYK2 with high selectivity and inhibits its function. We accomplished a series of preclinical studies to demonstrate the therapeutic efficacy of WD-890 in four animal models: systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The pharmacokinetic and toxicology results further indicate that WD-890 has favorable absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) properties and tolerable toxicity. In conclusion, our study shows that WD-890 could be a promising oral TYK2 inhibitor for future treatment of autoimmune diseases.

Palmoplantar keratoderma, pseudo-ainhum and knuckle pads in an African patient: A case report

Hereditary palmoplantar keratoderma is a rare heterogenous group of genodermatoses characterised by hyperkeratosis of the palms and soles. Genetic alterations affecting proteins of the keratin cytoskeleton, cornified cell envelope, desmosomes and gap junction proteins have been implicated in the pathogenesis of inherited palmoplantar keratoderma. Reports of palmoplantar keratoderma in the African population are scarce. Herein, we report a case of a 29-year-old HIV-infected African female, who presented to a tertiary hospital with complaints of a painful left fourth toe, secondary to a constriction band. Her background history is significant for prior constriction bands involving her toes, some of which progressed to auto-amputations and childhood-onset thickening of the palmoplantar skin. Examination revealed diffuse transgrediens palmoplantar keratoderma with associated clinical findings of pseudo-ainhum and knuckle pads. A systemic workup was non-contributory. Next-generation sequencing genetic testing detected two variants of undetermined significance in gap junction protein beta 4, a connexin-encoding gene, and in the rhomboid 5 homolog 2 gene. Her phenotype remains discordant with our genetic findings. Her clinical features are instead consistent with overlapping phenotypes of gap junction protein beta 2-related connexin disorders: Vohwinkel syndrome and Bart-Pumphrey syndrome. Our case underlines the genetic heterogeneity of palmoplantar keratoderma and the diagnostic challenges it presents. Our patient required surgical amputation of the affected toe and is receiving ongoing dermatological management. Early recognition, appropriate referral and management are required to avert the debilitating consequences of mutilating keratoderma and improve the quality of life.

Oral Supplementation with Algal Sulphated Polysaccharide in Subjects with Inflammatory Skin Conditions: A Randomised Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial and Baseline Dietary Differences

We examined the effect of a dietary seaweed extract-sulfated xylorhamnoglucuronan (SXRG84)-on individuals with inflammatory skin conditions. A subgroup analysis of a larger trial was undertaken, where 44 participants with skin conditions were enrolled in a double-blind placebo-controlled crossover design. Subjects ingested either SXRG84 extract (2 g/day) for six weeks and placebo for six weeks, or vice versa. At baseline, six- and twelve-weeks inflammatory markers and the gut microbiota were assessed, as well as skin assessments using the dermatology quality of life index (DQLI), psoriasis area severity index (PASI) and visual analogue scales (VAS). There were significant differences at weeks six and twelve for pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ (p = 0.041), IL-1β (p = 0.030), TNF-α (p = 0.008) and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 (p = 0.026), determined by ANCOVA. These cytokines were all significantly higher at six weeks post placebo compared to twelve weeks post placebo followed by SXRG84 treatment. A total of 23% of participants reported skin improvements, as measured by VAS (mean difference 3.1, p = 0.0005) and the DQLI score (mean difference -2.0, p = 0.049), compared to the 'non-responders'. Thus, the ingestion of SXRG84 for 6 weeks reduced inflammatory cytokines, and a subset of participants saw improvements.

Dermatologic manifestations of thyroid disease: a literature review

Introduction

Thyroid hormone is considered one of the key regulatory hormones for skin homeostasis. Multiple organs are affected by the release of peripheral thyroid hormones (T4 and T3) further regulating various functions at a cellular level. Specifically, skin is considered an important target organ in which the thyroid hormone has a significant impact. Multiple skin diseases are associated with thyroid hormone dysregulation. However, other striking dermatologic manifestations are seen in nails and hair as well. Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid cancer can have an array of cutaneous manifestations, and we present the recent updates in this field.

Methods

A PubMed search was performed for updates in any new skin disease findings and treatments between 2010 and 2022. Research published in the past decade and previously known foundational skin findings associated with thyroid disease were presented in this review.

Conclusion

Cutaneous manifestations of thyroid disease is one of the first notable signs of thyroid hormone dysregulation. This article reviews the recent updates on the thyroid and skin interplay, and it further discusses overt visible findings and various available treatment modalities.

Dermatological manifestations, management, and care in RASopathies

RASopathies are rare genetic disorders caused by germline pathogenic variants in genes belonging to the RAS/MAPK pathway, which signals cell proliferation, differentiation, survival and death. The dysfunction of such signaling pathway causes syndromes with overlapping clinical manifestations. Skin and adnexal lesions are the cardinal clinical signs of RASopathies, such as cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome, Noonan syndrome with multiple lentigines, formerly known as LEOPARD syndrome, Costello syndrome, neurofibromatosis (NF1), Legius syndrome, Noonan-like syndrome with loose anagen hair (NSLH) and Noonan syndrome. As NF1, one of the most common RASopathies, described in 1882, has its clinical features well delineated, we will focus on the dermatological diagnosis, management and care of non-NF1 RASopathies, which are less known and more recently described. Dermatological manifestations are important clinical diagnostic elements that can aid differential diagnosis among RASopathies. They can affect dermis and epidermis, causing pigmented lesions (melanocytic nevi, café-au-lait spots, and lentigines), hyperkeratosis (keratosis pilaris, ulerythema ophryogenes, and palmoplantar keratosis) or hyperplasia. To date there are rare known links to malignancy, but oftentimes skin lesions require close attention because they can highly affect quality of life.

Keratoderma in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: An Unusual Cutaneous Manifestation of Disease?

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multi-organ autoimmune disease, with the skin being the second most affected organ after the joints. We present a unique case of a 44-year-old female who presented with an acute flare of SLE and the concurrent onset of keratoderma on both lower limbs. She presented with high-grade fever, arthralgia, and generalized edema of four months duration. A general physical examination revealed pallor and scaly hyperpigmented plaques on both lower limbs, which was confirmed to be keratoderma on histopathological examination. Blood investigations revealed pancytopenia, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C- reactive protein (CRP), and positive titers for anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) and anti-Po ribosomal P proteins (RPP) antibodies. Immunosuppressive medications and topical keratolytics were used to treat her successfully. Post medical management, she showed significant improvement in her symptoms. On follow-up, the patient had a complete resolution of the symptoms and remained well. This case demonstrates keratoderma as a rare incidental finding in a patient with SLE flare. Understanding SLE's various cutaneous manifestations are critical for holistically diagnosing and treating the disease.

Influences of methotrexate iontophoresis on functional lifestyle disabilities, functional capacity, and pain in patients with plantar psoriasis

Objectives

This study was aimed to evaluating the influences of methotrexate iontophoresis on functional lifestyle disabilities, functional capacity, and pain after a 6-min walking distance (6MWD) test in patients with plantar psoriasis (PP).

Patients and methods

Forty‑five patients (29 females, 16 males; mean age 33.9±6.6 years; range, 20 to 45 years) with hyperkeratotic PP were enrolled in the randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-groups, double-blinded study. They were assigned randomly into the active methotrexate iontophoresis (MI) group (n=23) and the placebo iontophoresis group (n=22). The patients in both groups were assessed before starting the treatment intervention and after completing eight sessions of the treatment intervention through functional lifestyle disabilities measured on the Arabic version of psoriasis disability index, functional capacity using the 6MWD test, and pain after the 6MWD test.

Results

The pre-treatment measurements of the three variables among the two groups did not reveal statistically significant differences (p>0.05). However, there were statistically significant differences in the post-treatment results between the two groups (p<0.05). Additionally, the pre-and post-treatment values of the three outcome measures revealed statistically significant differences within the MI group (p<0.05). In contrast, there were no significant differences within the placebo group (p>0.05).

Conclusion

Methotrexate iontophoresis is effective in improving functional lifestyle disabilities, enhancing functional capacity, and decreasing pain in patients with PP.

Acquired palmoplantar keratoderma associated with primary biliary cholangitis: Complete and persistent resolution after ursodeoxycholic acid treatment

A 57-year-old woman presenting an acquired and persisting palmoplantar keratoderma associated with primary biliary cholangitis is reported. Treatment with oral ursodeoxycholic acid was prescribed, and a complete and persistent resolution of skin lesions was noted. This observation seems to support that acquired palmoplantar keratoderma is an uncommon cutaneous manifestation of primary biliary cholangitis.

Palmo-plantar hyperkeratosis associated with HTLV-1 infection: a case report

Background

Palmoplantar hyperkeratosis is a cutaneous manifestation that had not been clearly associated with infection by the human T-cell lymphotropic virus, which is a retrovirus that in most cases does not develop clinical pathologies and its symptoms may be undetected. The skin is one of the most affected organs, however until now only seborrheic dermatitis, xerosis/ichthyosis and infective dermatitis associated with HTLV-1 have been described as cutaneous clinical manifestations of this disease.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 36-year-old male patient with serologically documented HTLV-1 infection, who presented symptoms of diarrhea, malabsorption due to Strongyloides stercoralis, and in whom a physical examination revealed an association with generalized xerosis and palmoplantar keratoderma confirmed by skin biopsy. Other infectious etiologies and malignancy were ruled out. This clinical manifestation was managed with dermal hydration, and skin care which improved the thickened skin and make it less noticeable.

Conclusions

According to our experience, this is the first reported case of palmoplantar keratoderma associated with a human lymphotropic virus infection. This is a skin manifestation that has not been confirmed in conjunction with HTLV-I before. This implies that palmoplantar keratoderma is a new clinical manifestation of this infection, that should be considered in the initial approach of patients in endemic areas with these dermatological characteristics.

Hereditary palmoplantar keratoderma - phenotypes and mutations in 64 patients

BACKGROUND

Hereditary palmoplantar keratodermas (PPK) represent a heterogeneous group of rare skin disorders with epidermal hyperkeratosis of the palms and soles, with occasional additional manifestations in other tissues. Mutations in at least 69 genes have been implicated in PPK, but further novel candidate genes and mutations are still to be found.

OBJECTIVES

To identify mutations underlying PPK in a cohort of 64 patients.

METHODS

DNA of 48 patients was analysed on a custom-designed in-house panel for 35 PPK genes, and 16 patients were investigated by a diagnostic genetic laboratory either by whole-exome sequencing, gene panels or targeted single-gene sequencing.

RESULTS

Of the 64 PPK patients, 32 had diffuse (50%), 19 focal (30%) and 13 punctate (20%) PPK. None had striate PPK. Pathogenic mutations in altogether five genes were identified in 31 of 64 (48%) patients, the majority (22/31) with diffuse PPK. Of them, 11 had a mutation in AQP5, five in SERPINB7, four in KRT9 and two in SLURP1. AAGAB mutations were found in nine punctate PPK patients. New mutations were identified in KRT9 and AAGAB. No pathogenic mutations were detected in focal PPK. Variants of uncertain significance (VUS) in PPK-associated and other genes were observed in 21 patients that might explain their PPK. No suggestive pathogenic variants were found for 12 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Diffuse PPK was the most common (50%) and striate PPK was not observed. We identified pathogenic mutations in 48% of our PPK patients, mainly in five genes: AQP5, AAGAB, KRT9, SERPINB7 and SLURP1.

Added body mass alters plantar shear stresses, postural control, and gait kinetics: Implications for obesity

Context

Obesity is a growing global health concern. The increased body mass and altered mass distribution associated with obesity may be related to increases in plantar shear that putatively leads to physical functional deficits. Therefore, measurement of plantar shear may provide unique insights on the effects of body mass and body distribution on physical function or performance.

Purpose

1) To investigate the effects of body mass and distribution on plantar shear. 2) To examine how altered plantar shear influences postural control and gait kinetics.

Hypothesis

1) a weighted vest forward distributed (FV) would shift the center of pressure (CoP) location forward during standing compared with a weighted vest evenly distributed (EV), 2) FV would increase plantar shear spreading forces more than EV during standing, 3) FV would increase postural sway during standing while EV would not, and 4) FV would elicit greater compensatory changes during walking than EV.

Methods

Twenty healthy young males participated in four different tests: 1) static test (for measuring plantar shear and CoP location without acceleration, 2) bilateral-foot standing postural control test, 3) single-foot standing postural test, and 4) walking test. All tests were executed in three different weight conditions: 1) unweighted (NV), 2) EV with 20% added body mass, and 3) FV, also with 20% added body mass. Plantar shear stresses were measured using a pressure/shear device, and several shear and postural control metrics were extracted. Repeated measures ANOVAs with Holms post hoc test were used to compare each metric among the three conditions (α = 0.05).

Results

FV and EV increased both AP and ML plantar shear forces compared to NV. FV shifted CoP forward in single-foot trials. FV and EV showed decreased CoP range and velocity and increased Time-to-Boundary (TTB) during postural control compared to NV. EV and FV showed increased breaking impulse and propulsive impulse compared to NV. In addition, EV showed even greater impulses than FV. While EV increased ML plantar shear spreading force, FV increased AP plantar shear spreading force during walking.

Conclusion

Added body mass increases plantar shear spreading forces. Body mass distribution had greater effects during dynamic tasks. In addition, healthy young individuals seem to quickly adapt to external stimuli to control postural stability. However, as this is a first step study, follow-up studies are necessary to further support the clinical role of plantar shear in other populations such as elderly and individuals with obesity or diabetes.

An Elusive Case of Mycosis Fungoides: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Erythroderma refers to a spectrum of skin diseases resulting in diffuse erythema and scaling encompassing ≥ 90% of the body surface area. The differential diagnosis ranges from primary dermatologic diseases such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis to potentially deadly causes such as staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and malignancy. Cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) is an uncommon but highly morbid cause of erythroderma. This non-Hodgkin lymphoma remains a diagnostic challenge due to its variable clinical presentation and varied histologic features. Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common form of CTCL. Making a timely diagnosis is challenging as it may mimic inflammatory diseases of the skin including eczema, psoriasis, lichen planus, and cutaneous lupus. We present a case of a 58-year-old man who presented with 5 years of cutaneous symptoms and several months of fevers and night sweats, ultimately diagnosed as MF. Owing to diffuse CD30 positivity, he was a candidate for brentuximab vedotin, an antibody-drug conjugate medication that selectively targets the CD30 antigen. This resulted in an excellent therapeutic response.

Novel nonsense variants in SLURP1 and DSG1 cause palmoplantar keratoderma in Pakistani families

Background

Inherited palmoplantar keratodermas (PPKs) are clinically and genetically heterogeneous and phenotypically diverse group of genodermatoses characterized by hyperkeratosis of the palms and soles. More than 20 genes have been reported to be associated with PPKs including desmoglein 1 (DSG1) a key molecular component for epidermal adhesion and differentiation. Mal de Meleda (MDM) is a rare inherited autosomal recessive genodermatosis characterized by transgrediens PPK, associated with mutations in the secreted LY6/PLAUR domain containing 1 (SLURP1) gene.

Methods

This study describes clinical as well as genetic whole exome sequencing (WES) and di-deoxy sequencing investigations in two Pakistani families with a total of 12 individuals affected by PPK.

Results

WES identified a novel homozygous nonsense variant in SLURP1, and a novel heterozygous nonsense variant in DSG1, as likely causes of the conditions in each family.

Conclusions

This study expands knowledge regarding the molecular basis of PPK, providing important information to aid clinical management in families with PPK from Pakistan.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12881-019-0872-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Topical Selenium Sulfide for the Treatment of Hyperkeratosis

Hyperkeratosis presents as thickened skin. It can be congenital or acquired. Typically, it affects the palms and soles; the distribution of epidermal involvement is either diffuse, focal, or punctate. Microscopically, the pathologic signature of hyperkeratosis is marked orthokeratosis of the stratum corneum. Topical treatments provide the mainstay of therapy for hyperkeratosis. These include keratolytics (such as urea, salicylic acid, and lactic acid) and retinoids; physical debridement, topical corticosteroids, and phototherapy (using topical psoralen and ultraviolet A phototherapy) are other local therapeutic modalities. Selenium is a non-metallic essential element; its water-insoluble salt, selenium sulfide, is an active ingredient that is used (in either a foam, lotion, or shampoo) to treat not only seborrheic dermatitis but also tinea versicolor. Three individuals with hyperkeratosis involving their palms and/or soles are described; the hyperkeratosis was successful treated with topical selenium sulfide in either a 2.5% lotion/shampoo or a 2.75% foam. The response to topical selenium sulfide was not only rapid but also complete and sustained; none of the patients experienced any adverse events secondary to the therapy. In conclusion, we recommend that topical selenium sulfide be added to the therapeutic armamentarium for congenital or acquired hyperkeratosis—particularly for those patients with involvement of their palms and soles.

Palmoplantar Keratoderma with Keratoconus

Palmoplantar keratodermas (PPKs) are a rare heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by abnormal thickening of the skin of palms and soles. Ocular manifestations reported with palmer planter keratosis include scleral melanosis, macular deposits, and congenital cataract. We report, for the first time, a case of bilateral keratoconus in a patient with PPK.

Hereditary palmoplantar keratodermas. Part I. Non-syndromic palmoplantar keratodermas: classification, clinical and genetic features

The term palmoplantar keratoderma (PPK) indicates any form of persistent thickening of the epidermis of palms and soles and includes genetic as well as acquired conditions. We review the nosology of hereditary PPKs that comprise an increasing number of entities with different prognoses, and a multitude of associated cutaneous and extracutaneous features. On the basis of the phenotypic consequences of the underlying genetic defect, hereditary PPKs may be divided into the following: (i) non-syndromic, isolated PPKs, which are characterized by a unique or predominant palmoplantar involvement; (ii) non-syndromic PPKs with additional distinctive cutaneous and adnexal manifestations, here named complex PPKs; (iii) syndromic PPKs, in which PPK is associated with specific extracutaneous manifestations. To date, the diagnosis of the different hereditary PPKs is based mainly on clinical history and features combined with histopathological findings. In recent years, the exponentially increasing use of next-generation sequencing technologies has led to the identification of several novel disease genes, and thus substantially contributed to elucidate the molecular basis of such a heterogeneous group of disorders. Here, we focus on hereditary non-syndromic isolated and complex PPKs. Syndromic PPKs are reviewed in the second part of this 2-part article, where other well-defined genetic diseases, which may present PPK among their phenotypic manifestations, are also listed and diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for PPKs are summarized.

Hereditary palmoplantar keratoderma "clinical and genetic differential diagnosis"

Hereditary palmoplantar keratoderma (PPK) is a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by hyperkeratosis of the palm and the sole skin. Hereditary PPK are divided into four groups--diffuse, focal, striate and punctate PPK--according to the clinical patterns of the hyperkeratotic lesions. Each group includes simple PPK, without associated features, and PPK with associated features, such as involvement of nails, teeth and other organs. PPK have been classified by a clinically based descriptive system. In recent years, many causative genes of PPK have been identified, which has confirmed and/or rearranged the traditional classifications. It is now important to diagnose PPK by a combination of the traditional morphological classification and genetic testing. In this review, we focus on PPK without associated features and introduce their morphological features, genetic backgrounds and new findings from the last decade.

Small Cell Variant of T-Cell Prolymphocytic Leukemia with Acquired Palmoplantar Keratoderma and Cutaneous Infiltration

T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL) is a rare and aggressive post-thymic malignancy that is characterized by the proliferation of small- to medium- sized prolymphocytes. The classic clinical features of T-PLL are lymphocytosis, lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, and skin lesions. Skin involvement varies clinically from diffuse infiltrated erythema. Infiltration is localized to the face and ears, nodules, and erythroderma. We present a case of small cell variant of T-PLL in a patient who presented with unusual cutaneous manifestations of acquired palmoplantar keratoderma (PPK) followed by diffuse erythematous infiltrated papules and plaques involving the trunk. When the etiology of acquired PPK is not clear, the physician should consider the possibility of an underlying malignant disease. In this case, the diagnosis of T-PLL was subsequently confirmed by laboratory and cytological findings, as well as by the immunophenotyping of leukemic cells in skin biopsy. Since paraneoplastic acquired PPK may be the initial evident sign of malignancy, the physician's awareness of this manifestation may be crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. Our case emphasizes the importance of accurate evaluation of skin lesions and early skin biopsy in the diagnosis of some hematological malignancies.

Palmoplantar keratoses and Bowen's disease in a Vietnam veteran: Could Agent Blue be implicated?

Agent Blue was an arsenical herbicide used extensively in the Vietnam War. Arsenic is one of the known causes of acquired palmoplantar keratoderma (PPK). The most common manifestation of arsenic exposure in susceptible individuals is bilateral palmoplantar hyperkeratosis. We report a 67-year-old man with no known prior exposure to arsenic in the USA or family history of PPK who developed multiple squamous cell carcinoma in situ (SCCIS) and palmoplantar hyperkeratotic lesions beginning 23 years after service in Vietnam. The SCCIS were located on the trunk and extremities in both sun-exposed and non-sun-exposed sites and his palmoplantar lesions were diagnosed concurrently with his SCCIS. He has continued to develop SCCIS since his first visit to our clinic 25 years ago.

Palmoplantar keratoderma (PPK): acquired and genetic causes of a not so rare disease

Palmoplantar keratodermas (PPK) comprise a heterogeneous group of keratinization disorders with hyperkeratotic thickening of palms and soles. Sporadic or acquired forms of PPKs and genetic or hereditary forms exist. Differentiation between acquired and hereditary forms is essential for adequate treatment and patient counseling. Acquired forms of PPK have many causes. A plethora of mutations in many genes can cause hereditary PPK. In recent years several new causative genes have been identified. Individual PPK may be quite heterogeneous with respect to presentation and associated symptoms. Since the various hereditary PPK - like many other monogenic diseases - exhibit a very low prevalence, making of the correct diagnosis is challenging and often requires a molecular genetic analysis. Knowledge about the large but quite heterogeneous group of hereditary PPK is also important to dissect the molecular mechanisms of epidermal differentiation on palms and soles, ultimately leading to targeted corrective therapies in the future.

Suppressing AP1 factor signaling in the suprabasal epidermis produces a keratoderma phenotype

Keratodermas comprise a heterogeneous group of highly debilitating and painful disorders characterized by thickening of the skin with marked hyperkeratosis. Some of these diseases are caused by genetic mutation, whereas other forms are acquired in response to environmental factors. Our understanding of signaling changes that underlie these diseases is limited. In the present study, we describe a keratoderma phenotype in mice in response to suprabasal epidermis-specific inhibition of activator protein 1 transcription factor signaling. These mice develop a severe phenotype characterized by hyperplasia, hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis, and impaired epidermal barrier function. The skin is scaled, constricting bands encircle the tail and digits, the footpads are thickened and scaled, and loricrin staining is markedly reduced in the cornified layers and increased in the nucleus. Features of this phenotype, including nuclear loricrin localization and pseudoainhum (autoamputation), are characteristic of the Vohwinkel syndrome. We confirm that the phenotype develops in a loricrin-null genetic background, indicating that suppressed suprabasal AP1 factor function is sufficient to drive this disease. We also show that the phenotype regresses when suprabasal AP1 factor signaling is restored. Our findings suggest that suppression of AP1 factor signaling in the suprabasal epidermis is a key event in the pathogenesis of keratoderma.

[Palmoplantar dermatoses: when should genes be considered?]

BACKGROUND

Palmoplantar dermatoses are common. They can be both functionally debilitating and markedly stigmatize the patient because they are so visible. Dermatoses on the hands and feet often go along with palmoplantar hyperkeratosis. Such palmoplantar keratoses (PPK) can be classified into acquired (non-hereditary) and hereditary (monogenetic) PPK.

OBJECTIVES

A considerable proportion of PPK develop on the grounds of gene defects. As these diseases constitute a heterogeneous group of quite uncommon single entities, the treating physician must know when to entertain the diagnosis of a hereditary PPK and which causative genes should be considered.

METHODS

We summarize the common causes of acquired and hereditary PPK based on a review of the latest literature.

RESULTS

The most common causes of acquired PPK are inflammatory dermatoses like psoriasis, lichen planus, or hand and feet eczema. Also irritative-toxic (arsenic poisoning, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) and infectious causes of PPK (human papilloma viruses, syphilis, scabies, tuberculosis, mycoses) are not uncommon. Genetically caused PPK may occur isolated, within syndromes or as a paraneoplastic marker. The clinical/histological classification discerns diffuse, focal, or punctuate forms of PPK with and without epidermolysis. A new classification based on the causative gene defect is starting to replace the traditional clinical classification.

CONCLUSIONS

Knowledge about the large, but heterogeneous group of hereditary PPK is important to adequately counsel and treat patients and their families.

Acitretin

Acitretin, a synthetic retinoid, is the pharmacologically active metabolite of etretinate. It is currently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of severe psoriasis in adults and has been established as a second-line therapy for the treatment of psoriasis resistant to the use of topical therapy. It is also an option for generalized pustular psoriasis, palmoplantar pustulosis, exfoliative erythrodermic psoriasis, and severe psoriasis in the setting of acitretin. It also has been shown to have chemo-preventative characteristics. Acitretin is limited by its teratogenicity and therefore considered inappropriate in most female patients of childbearing age. Common side effects include mucocutaneous dryness and elevated triglycerides.

Mycosis fungoides: an important differential diagnosis for acquired palmoplantar keratoderma

Mycosis fungoides is the most common subtype of primary cutaneous lymphoma and has several clinical variants. We report a 74-year-old man presenting with an acquired palmoplantar keratoderma initially diagnosed and treated as psoriasis with suboptimal improvement. Several months later the patient developed patches and plaques that were histologically consistent with mycosis fungoides. These lesions were ameliorated with the treatment of the underlying mycosis fungoides and the palmoplantar keratoderma resolved promptly with radiotherapy. This case highlights the importance of considering mycosis fungoides as an infrequent but serious cause of acquired palmoplantar keratoderma.

Keratin 16 regulates innate immunity in response to epidermal barrier breach

Mutations in the type I keratin 16 (Krt16) and its partner type II keratin 6 (Krt6a, Krt6b) cause pachyonychia congenita (PC), a disorder typified by dystrophic nails, painful hyperkeratotic calluses in glabrous skin, and lesions involving other epithelial appendages. The pathophysiology of these symptoms and its relationship to settings in which Krt16 and Krt6 are induced in response to epidermal barrier stress are poorly understood. We report that hyperkeratotic calluses arising in the glabrous skin of individuals with PC and Krt16 null mice share a gene expression signature enriched in genes involved in inflammation and innate immunity, in particular damage-associated molecular patterns. Transcriptional hyper-activation of damage-associated molecular pattern genes occurs following de novo chemical or mechanical irritation to ear skin and in spontaneously arising skin lesions in Krt16 null mice. Genome-wide expression analysis of normal mouse tail skin and benign proliferative lesions reveals a tight, context-dependent coregulation of Krt16 and Krt6 with genes involved in skin barrier maintenance and innate immunity. Our results uncover a role for Krt16 in regulating epithelial inflammation that is relevant to genodermatoses, psoriasis, and cancer and suggest a avenue for the therapeutic management of PC and related disorders.

Prevalence and treatment of palmoplantar keratoderma and tinea pedis in patients with Sézary syndrome

BACKGROUND

Mycosis fungoides (MF) and the Sézary syndrome (SS) are non-Hodgkin's lymphomas that present with cutaneous lesions. Sézary syndrome is characterized by blood involvement, exfoliative eryrthroderma, lymphadenopathy, pruritus, keratoderma, and immunosuppression. This study was to estimate the prevalence of palmoplantar keratoderma and tinea pedis in Sézary syndrome and to analyze the effectiveness of anti-fungal treatment.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of 1562 prospectively collected patients at the MD Anderson Cancer Center Cutaneous Lymphoma Clinic over sixteen years. All patients' palms and soles were evaluated for clinical evidence of keratoderma (hyperkeratosis) and for dermatophytosis (tinea pedis or unguum) by examining scales under 10% potassium hydroxide by light microscopy for hyphae.

RESULTS

Of 138 Sézary syndrome patients (88 men, 50 women, median age at diagnosis 64 years), 85 (61.6%) had palmoplantar keratoderma; 45 of the 85 Sézary syndrome patients (52.9%) also had coexisting tinea pedis. Only 14 (10.1%) had tinea pedis without keratoderma. Treatment for tinea pedis resulted in microscopy cure of keratoderma in 12 of 45 (26.7%) patients and clinical improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of palmoplantar keratoderma in Sézary syndrome is 61.6%, with co-existing tinea pedis found in 52.9%. Palmoplantar keratoderma with tinea pedis showed clinical improvement with fungicidal therapy suggesting that tinea often contributes to the pathogenesis and severity of Sézary syndrome-related keratoderma.

Obesity and the skin

Obesity is a serious global health problem, perhaps the biggest public health issue of our times. Excess body weight may be a factor in carcinogenesis in general, as well as contributing to the pathogenesis of metabolic, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal disorders. Obesity also has many cutaneous features, which form the basis for this review article. Many of these clinical entities are common to the majority of obese patients, e.g. striae distensae, plantar hyperkeratosis and an increased risk of skin infections. However, it may also be associated with poor wound healing, malignant melanoma and an increased risk of inflammatory dermatoses, such as psoriasis, as well as some rarer disorders. Therapeutic interventions for obesity, whether over-the-counter, prescription medicines or surgical interventions, are increasingly commonplace. All of these treatment modalities potentially have dermatological side-effects too.

Palmoplantar keratoderma: an adverse reaction to influenza vaccination

Acquired palmoplantar keratoderma (PPK) is a rare group of conditions with a number of aetiologies, including adverse reactions to drugs. Herein, we report a case of acquired PPK in association with influenza vaccination, confirmed by rechallenge.

Is acquired symmetrical acrokeratoderma a new dermatosis? Two case reports and Chinese literature review

BACKGROUND

A series of cases characterized by symmetrical acral hyperkeratosis, mainly involving the dorsal surface of the hands, feet, and wrists, but sparing the palmoplantar areas, as well as rapid immersion upon exposure to water have been recently described in China, but similar disorders have not been reported in the English literature.

METHODS

The clinicopathologic features of two cases of acquired symmetrical acrokeratoderma were reported and 27 Chinese patients were reviewed.

RESULTS

The disorder typically occurred in young or middle aged men. Brown to black hyperkeratotic patches were symmetrically distributed particularly on the wrists and dorsum of hands, fingers, and feet, but without involvement of palms and soles. The lesions became whitish with mild swelling immediately after contact with water and improved generally in winter. Histopathologic examination revealed epidermal hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, and papillomatous hyperplasia, as well as superficial perivascular lymphohistiocytic infiltrate. Main ultrastructural features of the immersed lesion were epidermal hyperkeratosis and spongiosis with partial split of the desmosomes.

CONCLUSION

This disorder may be a new dermatosis, and the term "acquired symmetrical acrokeratoderma" could exactly reflect its clinicopathologic characteristics.