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Updated: Jun 14, 2026
10:27
Recognition of Epidermal Transglutaminase by IgA and Tissue Transglutaminase 2 Antibodies in a Rare Case of Rhesus Dermatitis
Published on: December 15, 2011
Autoimmune thyroiditis presenting as palmoplantar keratoderma.
Sara Lestre1, Eva Lozano, Cláudia Meireles
1Dermatology Department, Hospital de Santo António dos Capuchos, 1150-314 Lisboa, Portugal.
Case Reports in Medicine
|March 20, 2010
Summary
Hypothyroidism can cause palmoplantar keratoderma, a rare skin thickening of palms and soles. Prompt diagnosis and hormonal replacement therapy led to significant skin improvement in a patient with this unusual association.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Palmoplantar keratoderma (PPK) encompasses diverse inherited and acquired conditions causing thickened skin on palms and soles.
- Hypothyroidism is an infrequently documented cause of acquired PPK.
Observation:
- A 43-year-old woman presented with a 3-month history of diffuse palmoplantar hyperkeratosis resistant to standard treatments.
- She also reported asthenia, mood changes, and constipation.
- Laboratory tests confirmed autoimmune thyroiditis with hypothyroidism.
Findings:
- Acquired palmoplantar keratoderma was diagnosed, with other potential causes ruled out.
- The patient's skin condition gradually improved following the initiation of thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
- This case highlights the link between hypothyroidism and acquired PPK.
Implications:
- Diagnosing the underlying cause of acquired palmoplantar keratoderma is crucial for effective treatment.
- Hypothyroidism should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acquired PPK, especially when accompanied by systemic symptoms.
- This association, though rare, underscores the importance of a comprehensive patient evaluation.
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