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Living with Palmoplantar pustulosis

A skin condition with painful, pus-filled blisters on the palms and soles that come and go.

Understanding Palmoplantar pustulosis

Palmoplantar pustulosis is a rare skin condition that causes painful pustules (small blisters filled with pus) on the palms and soles.

The blisters are sterile, which means they are not caused by an infection. They appear on red, peeling skin and may also affect the sides of the hands and feet. The nails can also be affected. The condition is chronic and tends to flare up and calm down. GARD lists links to psoriatic arthritis, thyroid problems, and smoking.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list specific symptoms in its symptom list, but the summary describes:

  • Painful pustules on palms and soles
  • Red, peeling skin
  • Pitted or thickened nails
  • Nails lifting off the nail bed

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. Ask which tests can help

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

  4. Connect with expert centers

    Global Autoimmune Institute and National Psoriasis Foundation 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: Global Autoimmune Institute, National Psoriasis Foundation
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 Global Autoimmune Institute 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 treatments can calm the flares?
Should I be checked for joint or thyroid problems?
Does smoking affect my skin, and how can I get help to quit?

Quick facts

InheritanceAutosomal Dominant, Autosomal Recessive

GARD lists changes in genes (also called variants) in both autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive patterns, but doesn't name a specific gene.

GeneticSkin

Also known as: acropustulosis; localised pustular psoriasis; localized pustular psoriasis; lpp; palmoplantar pustular psoriasis; palmoplantar pustules

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Palmoplantar pustulosisGARD ID 12820 · 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 pustulosis.

Explore the Palmoplantar pustulosis blog

Explore research for Palmoplantar pustulosis

Explore actively recruiting Palmoplantar pustulosis studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Palmoplantar pustulosis 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

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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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