Skip to content
knowrare
HealthSignal
Your condition community

Living with Diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma with painful fissures

A rare genetic skin condition with thick skin on the palms and soles that tends to crack painfully.

Understanding Diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma with painful fissures

Diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma with painful fissures is a rare genetic skin condition with thick skin on both the palms and the soles.

The thick skin tends to split into painful cracks (fissures). GARD lists onset in the newborn or infant period.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list a symptom list. Based on its summary, features include:

  • Thick skin on the palms and soles
  • Painful cracks in the skin (fissures)

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include genetic specialists and skin, hair, and nail specialists.

  3. Consider genetic testing

    Changes in DSG1 are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.

  4. Connect 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
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Can genetic testing of the DSG1 gene confirm the diagnosis?
How can painful cracks be treated or prevented?
Which dermatology care do I need?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn and as an Infant
InheritanceAutosomal Dominant
GenesDSG1

Changes in the DSG1 gene cause this condition. It is autosomal dominant, so a changed copy of the gene from one parent can be enough.

GeneticSkin

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma with painful fissuresGARD ID 17595 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma with painful fissures.

Explore the Diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma with painful fissures blog

Explore research for Diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma with painful fissures

Explore actively recruiting Diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma with painful fissures studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma with painful fissures with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper

I can help you find recruiting Diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma with painful fissures studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

Get Signals for Diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma with painful fissures

Stay in the loop with community stories and updates from medical researchers.

HealthStoryfor Diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma with painful fissures

Create a living journal that talks back

HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your Diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma with painful fissures experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.

Start your journal

Your journal is private. Sharing your story publicly is a separate choice, made with Share your story above.