Living with Dermatopathia pigmentosa reticularis
A rare genetic skin condition with widespread net-like dark skin patches, thin hair, and nail changes.
Understanding Dermatopathia pigmentosa reticularis
It causes widespread net-like darkening of the skin starting early in life that persists throughout life, mild hair loss, and nail changes. There are no dental problems. Some people have no fingerprints, thickened skin on palms and soles, blistering, and changes in sweating.
Signs & symptoms
GARD doesn't list a symptom list. Its summary describes these features:
- Net-like dark skin patches
- Mild hair loss
- Nail changes
- No fingerprints (adermatoglyphia)
- Thickened skin on palms and soles
- Blistering on the backs of hands and feet
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 KRT14 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
National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias 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: National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias
- 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 National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias 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 KRT14 gene cause this condition. It is autosomal dominant, so a changed copy of the gene from one parent can be enough.
Also known as: dpr; dpr - dermatopathia pigmentosa reticularis
Patient organizations
- National Foundation for Ectodermal DysplasiasEctodermal dysplasias · United States
- Children's Skin Disease FoundationSkin diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Dermatopathia pigmentosa reticularis.
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- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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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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