Living with Acroerythrokeratoderma
A condition, also called mal de Meleda, in which the skin of the palms and soles becomes thick, hard, and callused.
Understanding Acroerythrokeratoderma
The skin of the palms and soles becomes thick, hard, and callused, and the thickening can spread to the back of the hands and feet, wrists, and ankles. Rough pads can form on the joints. Some people have repeated fungal infections that cause a strong odor. Other features include short fingers and toes, nail changes, red skin around the mouth, and heavy sweating. GARD lists onset as infant and child.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Thick, hard skin on palms and soles
- Redness of the skin
- Excessive sweating
- Rough pads on joints
- Joints that cannot straighten
- Fungal infections in thickened skin
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 SLURP1 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 SLURP1 gene cause this condition. It is autosomal recessive, so a child inherits a changed copy of the gene from each parent.
Also known as: keratosis palmoplantaris transgrediens of siemens; mal de meleda; mdm; meleda disease; palmoplantar keratoderma, gamborg nielsen type; palmoplantar keratoderma, norrbotten recessive type
Patient organizations
- Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin TypesAcroerythrokeratoderma · United States
- Children's Skin Disease FoundationSkin diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Acroerythrokeratoderma.
Explore research for Acroerythrokeratoderma
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