
Living with Acral peeling skin syndrome
A skin condition in which the top layer of skin peels without pain, mostly on the hands and feet.
Understanding Acral peeling skin syndrome
The peeling is most apparent on the hands and feet, and sometimes the arms and legs. It usually starts soon after birth but can begin later. Heat, humidity, moisture, and friction make it worse. The skin may be red and itchy but typically heals without scarring. It is not linked to any other health problems. GARD lists onset as the newborn and infant period.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Painless skin peeling
- Scaling skin
- Skin blistering
- Redness of the skin
- Eczema
- Severe farsightedness
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include genetic specialists and skin, hair, and nail specialists.
- 3Consider genetic testing
Changes in TGM5 are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin Types may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Genetic specialists (geneticists); Skin, hair, and nail specialists (dermatologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin Types
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin Types and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
Changes in the TGM5 gene cause this condition. It is autosomal recessive, so a child inherits a changed copy of the gene from each parent.
Also known as: acral deciduous skin; acral pss; localised deciduous skin; localised pss; localized deciduous skin; localized pss
Patient organizations
- Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin TypesIchthyosis · United States
- Children's Skin Disease FoundationSkin diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Acral peeling skin syndrome.
Explore research for Acral peeling skin syndrome
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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