Palmoplantar keratoderma in association with myxedema

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Endocrinology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Palmoplantar keratoderma is a skin condition characterized by thickening of the skin on the palms and soles.
• Intractable cases present significant challenges in management.
• The potential link between endocrine disorders and dermatological conditions is an area of ongoing research.

Observation:

• A 63-year-old female presented with a 13-year history of severe, intractable palmoplantar keratoderma.
• The patient was diagnosed with myxedema, a condition associated with hypothyroidism.
• Thyroid hormone substitution therapy was initiated.

Findings:

• Following the initiation of thyroid hormone therapy, the patient experienced a remarkable improvement in her palmoplantar keratoderma.
• This clinical response suggests a direct impact of thyroid hormone levels on skin keratinization.

Implications:

• The findings suggest a potential causal relationship between hypothyroidism and the development of hyperkeratosis, specifically palmoplantar keratoderma.
• This highlights the importance of considering endocrine evaluations in patients with refractory dermatological conditions.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms connecting thyroid function and keratinization disorders.