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Living with Hereditary palmoplantar keratoderma, Gamborg-Nielsen type

A rare inherited skin condition with thick skin on the palms and soles and no other symptoms.

Understanding Hereditary palmoplantar keratoderma, Gamborg-Nielsen type

Hereditary palmoplantar keratoderma, Gamborg-Nielsen type, is a rare inherited skin condition with thick skin on the palms and soles.

The thickening is widespread over the palms and soles and comes without other symptoms. GARD says it is milder than Mal de Meleda but more severe than Thost-Unna palmoplantar keratoderma.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list specific symptoms for this condition yet. Based on the summary, the main feature is:

  • Thick skin on the palms and soles

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

    Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

  4. Connect with expert centers

    Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin Types may keep lists of experts for this condition.

Care & treatment

Care team
A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
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
  • 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
Which skin care can help soften thick skin on my palms and soles?
Could genetic testing confirm the diagnosis?
How is this different from other types of palmoplantar keratoderma?

Quick facts

GARD says it is passed on in an autosomal recessive pattern, so a child inherits a changed copy of the gene from each parent. It doesn't name a gene.

Also known as: hereditary palmoplantar hyperkeratosis, gamborg-nielsen type; ppk, gamborg-nielsen type

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Hereditary palmoplantar keratoderma, Gamborg-Nielsen typeGARD ID 16767 · 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 Hereditary palmoplantar keratoderma, Gamborg-Nielsen type.

Explore the Hereditary palmoplantar keratoderma, Gamborg-Nielsen type blog

Explore research for Hereditary palmoplantar keratoderma, Gamborg-Nielsen type

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  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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