Circumscribed plantar hypokeratosis responding to topical calcipotriol

Circumscribed palmar or plantar hypokeratosis defines a benign condition clinically presented as a well-defined depressed area on the skin. It is characterized by a peculiar histopathological picture with the abrupt thinning of the horny layer of the epidermis.

We present a case of a 17-year-old man, who presented with a one-year history of an occasionally painful lesion on his right sole. The diagnosis of circumscribed plantar hypokeratosis was confirmed by histopathology. The lesion was successfully treated with calcipotriol ointment.

Circumscribed palmar or plantar hypokeratosis is a benign condition that typically affects the hands. Different therapeutic approaches have been unsuccessful. In our patient the lesion was at a less frequent plantar location and the lesion responded to topical calcipotriol.