Living with Focal acral hyperkeratosis
A rare skin condition with small thick patches on the palms and soles, usually without symptoms, starting in the 20s or 30s.
Understanding Focal acral hyperkeratosis
The bumps and plaques are yellowish to skin-colored and usually cause no symptoms. They tend to be at the edges of the palms and soles. They appear in the second or third decade of life and slowly increase in number over several years. It may occur by chance or run in families.
Signs & symptoms
GARD doesn't list a separate symptom list. Its summary describes:
- Small, thick bumps and plaques
- On the palms and soles
- Yellowish or skin-colored patches
- Usually no symptoms
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.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Genetic specialists (geneticists); Skin, hair, and nail specialists (dermatologists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- 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 Children's Skin Disease Foundation
- 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 genes cause it. It may occur by chance (sporadic) or run in families. GARD doesn't name a gene.
Also known as: ppkp3 without elastoidosis; pppk3 without elastoidosis; punctate palmoplantar hyperkeratosis type 3 without elastoidosis; punctate palmoplantar keratoderma type 3 without elastoidosis
Patient organizations
- Children's Skin Disease FoundationSkin diseases · United States
Broader rare-disease groups
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Focal acral hyperkeratosis.
Explore research for Focal acral hyperkeratosis
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