Living with Leukoencephalopathy-palmoplantar keratoderma syndrome
A rare inherited condition with thick skin on the palms and soles in childhood and brain and movement changes in adulthood.
Understanding Leukoencephalopathy-palmoplantar keratoderma syndrome
Small thick spots on the palms and soles start in early childhood. In adulthood, a brain condition causes progressive stiffness and weakness in the limbs and a decline in thinking.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Thick skin on the palms and soles
- Trouble with thinking (cognitive impairment)
- Muscle stiffness (hypertonia)
- Unsteady walk
- Muscle weakness
- Slurred speech
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.
- 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
A child inherits a changed copy of the gene from each parent (autosomal recessive). GARD does not name a gene.
Also known as: leukoencephalopathy, palmoplantar keratoderma syndrome
Patient organizations
- Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin TypesLeukoencephalopathy-palmoplantar keratoderma syndrome · United States
- Children's Skin Disease FoundationSkin diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Leukoencephalopathy-palmoplantar keratoderma syndrome.
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