Skip to content
knowrare
HealthSignal
Your condition community

Living with Epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma, 1

A rare genetic skin condition that thickens the skin on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

Understanding Epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma, 1

Epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma 1 is a rare genetic condition that mainly affects the skin of the palms and soles.

The outer layer of skin on the palms and soles becomes abnormally thick (hyperkeratosis). The thick skin can feel hard, rough, or uncomfortable.

Signs & symptoms

GARD describes this feature in its summary:

  • Thick, hard skin on the palms and soles
  • Rough skin that can be uncomfortable

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 KRT9 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 for the KRT9 gene confirm this diagnosis?
What can soften or reduce the thick skin?
Could my children inherit this condition?

Quick facts

InheritanceAutosomal Dominant
GenesKRT9

Changes in the KRT9 gene cause this condition. It is autosomal dominant, which means a change in one copy of the gene can cause it.

GeneticSkin

Also known as: diffuse erythrodermic palmoplantar keratoderma, voerner type; diffuse erythrodermic palmoplantar keratoderma, vörner type; epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma of voerner; epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma of vörner; eppk; eppk1

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma, 1GARD ID 2826 · 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 Epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma, 1.

Explore the Epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma, 1 blog

Explore research for Epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma, 1

Explore actively recruiting Epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma, 1 studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma, 1 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 Epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma, 1 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 Epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma, 1

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

HealthStoryfor Epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma, 1

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 Epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma, 1 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.