Skip to content
knowrare
HealthSignal
Your condition community

Living with Palmoplantar keratoderma, Bothnian type

A genetic skin condition that thickens the skin on the palms and soles, starting in infancy or childhood.

Understanding Palmoplantar keratoderma, Bothnian type

Palmoplantar keratoderma, Bothnian type is a rare skin condition that thickens the skin of the palms and soles.

The thick skin is brown to yellowish and can sometimes spread onto the tops of the fingers. It begins in infancy or childhood. GARD says there are no changes in the hair, teeth, or nails, and no other organs are involved.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Thick skin on palms and soles
  • Heavy sweating (hyperhidrosis)
  • Itching
  • Blisters or open sores on the skin
  • Redness of the skin
  • Fungal infection of the skin that keeps coming back

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

    Specialists who may be involved include genetic specialists and skin, hair, and nail specialists.

  3. Consider genetic testing

    Changes in AQP5 are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.

  4. Connect 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
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
What can I do about the thick skin, itching, and sweating?
How can we treat or prevent skin infections?
Should my children be checked for AQP5 gene changes?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startInfant and as a Child
InheritanceAutosomal Dominant
GenesAQP5

Changes in the AQP5 gene cause this condition. It is autosomal dominant, which means one changed copy of the gene is enough to cause it.

GeneticSkin

Also known as: autosomal dominant diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma, norrbotten type; diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma, bothnian type; neppk; non-epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Palmoplantar keratoderma, Bothnian typeGARD ID 1862 · 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 Palmoplantar keratoderma, Bothnian type.

Explore the Palmoplantar keratoderma, Bothnian type blog

Explore research for Palmoplantar keratoderma, Bothnian type

Explore actively recruiting Palmoplantar keratoderma, Bothnian type studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Palmoplantar keratoderma, Bothnian type 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 Palmoplantar keratoderma, Bothnian type 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 Palmoplantar keratoderma, Bothnian type

Stay in the loop with community stories and updates from medical researchers.

HealthStoryfor Palmoplantar keratoderma, Bothnian type

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 Palmoplantar keratoderma, Bothnian type experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.

Start your journal

Your journal is private. Sharing your story publicly is a separate choice, made with Share your story above.