Living with Symmetrical dyschromatosis of extremities
A rare skin condition with small dark and light spots, mainly on the hands and feet.
Understanding Symmetrical dyschromatosis of extremities
The spots are about 5 millimeters wide and mostly on the arms, legs, hands, and feet. It usually starts in childhood.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these:
- Small dark spots on the skin
- Small light spots on the skin
- Spots mainly on the hands, feet, arms, and legs
- Twisting muscle spasms (dystonia) in some people
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 ADAR are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Genetic specialists (geneticists); Skin, hair, and nail specialists (dermatologists)
- 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 Children's Skin Disease Foundation
- 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 ADAR gene cause this condition. It is autosomal dominant, meaning one changed copy of the gene can cause it.
Also known as: acropigmentation of dohi; dsh; dsh1; dyschromatosis symmetrica hereditaria; dyschromatosis symmetrica hereditaria 1; rad
Patient organizations
- Children's Skin Disease FoundationSkin diseases · United States
Broader rare-disease groups
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Symmetrical dyschromatosis of extremities.
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