Living with Keratosis follicularis
A skin condition (Darier disease) with greasy, wart-like bumps that come and go, often worse in heat and sun.
Understanding Keratosis follicularis
Blemishes are often yellowish, hard, greasy, and may smell. Common spots are the scalp, forehead, upper arms, chest, back, and behind the ears. Mucous membranes and nails can be affected. It usually appears from late childhood to early adulthood. It flares up and settles over time, and heat, humidity, sunlight, friction, or some medicines can make it worse.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Wart-like skin bumps
- Itching
- Thickened skin
- Thick palms and soles with small pits
- Nail changes such as red and white streaks
- Brittle nails
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 ATP2A2 are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.
- 4Connect 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
Quick facts
Changes in the ATP2A2 gene cause this condition. It is autosomal dominant, meaning one changed copy of the gene is enough to cause it.
Also known as: dar; darier disease; darier-white disease; darier's disease; dyskeratosis follicularis; psorospermosis
Patient organizations
- Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin TypesKeratosis follicularis · United States
- Children's Skin Disease FoundationSkin diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Keratosis follicularis.
Explore research for Keratosis follicularis
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