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Living with Porokeratosis 3, disseminated superficial actinic type

A rare skin condition with ring-shaped, scaly patches that spread outward, often on sun-exposed skin.

Understanding Porokeratosis 3, disseminated superficial actinic type

Porokeratosis 3, disseminated superficial actinic type is a rare skin disorder with ring-shaped plaques that have a raised, horny border.

The plaques spread outward from a center point. There are several types of porokeratosis. The most common, disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis (DSAP), causes many small, thick, scaly, ring-shaped spots, mostly on sun-exposed skin like the face, neck, arms and legs. The spots usually start in adolescence, and most people have them by their 30s and 40s.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list a symptom list for this condition. It describes these signs:

  • Ring-shaped plaques with a raised, scaly border
  • Many small, thick, scaly spots
  • Spots on sun-exposed skin
  • Nail changes (less common)

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

    Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.

  3. Ask which tests can help

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

Care & treatment

Care team
A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
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 rare disease patient organizations for support
  • 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
Should we have genetic testing for MVK?
How should I protect and check my skin?
What treatments can reduce the spots?

Quick facts

InheritanceAutosomal Dominant

Changes in the MVK gene have been found to cause several types of porokeratosis. It is autosomal dominant, meaning one changed copy of the gene is enough.

Also known as: porok3; porokeratosis 3, mibelli type; porokeratosis 3, multiple types; porokeratosis, disseminated superficial actinic, 1

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Porokeratosis 3, disseminated superficial actinic typeGARD ID 9505 · 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 Porokeratosis 3, disseminated superficial actinic type.

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