Living with Keratolytic winter erythema
A rare skin condition with redness and peeling on the palms and soles that comes back in cold weather.
Understanding Keratolytic winter erythema
Episodes happen in cold weather, and peeling spreads outward from the palms and soles. It can spread to the backs of the hands and feet, between the fingers and toes, and sometimes to the lower legs, knees, and thighs. Episodes may be preceded by itching and increased sweating. It can occur at a variety of ages.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists this among the most common:
- Redness of the skin (erythema)
- Peeling of the palms and soles
- Itching before episodes
- Increased sweating
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 CTSB are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.
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 the CTSB gene cause this condition. It is autosomal dominant, meaning one changed copy of the gene is enough to cause it.
Also known as: erythrokeratolysis hiemalis; kwe; oudtshoorn disease; oudtshoorn skin disease; winter erythrokeratolysis
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 Keratolytic winter erythema.
Explore research for Keratolytic winter erythema
Explore actively recruiting Keratolytic winter erythema studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Keratolytic winter erythema 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 Keratolytic winter erythema 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 Keratolytic winter erythema
Stay in the loop with community stories and updates from medical researchers.
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 Keratolytic winter erythema experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.
Your journal is private. Sharing your story publicly is a separate choice, made with Share your story above.