Palmoplantar eccrine hidradenitis: seven new cases

Palmoplantar eccrine hidradenitis is a self-limited disease characterized by painful erythematous papules and nodules of abrupt onset on the soles, and less frequently on the palms, of young individuals in good health. We describe seven children, four girls and three boys, between 4 and 12 years of age, with characteristic cutaneous and histopathologic findings of palmoplantar eccrine hidradenitis. All patients had complete resolution of their lesions within 2-4 weeks without treatment, however, one child experienced recurrences. All skin biopsy specimens showed a deep dermal mixed infiltrate with abundant neutrophils surrounding eccrine sweat glands, the histologic hallmark of the disease. Palmoplantar eccrine hidradenitis is a distinct clinical entity in which physical activity, excessive sweating, and prolonged wetness are possible triggering factors. The regression of the lesions is usually rapid, with complete clearance after 1 month, although there may be recurrent episodes.