Hyperkeratotic dermatitis of the palms

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Clinical Medicine
• Pathology

Background:

• Hyperkeratotic dermatitis of the palms (HDP) is a distinct dermatosis affecting adults.
• Previous studies indicate limited efficacy of topical treatments for HDP.
• Longitudinal data on the natural history and treatment outcomes of HDP are scarce.

Purpose of the Study:

• To re-examine adult patients with hyperkeratotic dermatitis of the palms (HDP) after approximately 10 years.
• To assess the long-term course, treatment response, and potential associations of HDP.
• To characterize the histopathological findings in persistent HDP.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 32 adult patients with HDP were re-evaluated after a decade.
• Clinical data on lesion morphology, localization, and treatment history were collected.
• Diagnostic investigations included mycological cultures, patch tests, serum IgE levels, and skin biopsies.

Main Results:

• The majority of HDP cases remained morphologically and topographically unchanged over 10 years.
• Topical treatments demonstrated limited effectiveness in most patients.
• Two patients achieved symptom resolution; one developed psoriasis.
• Histopathology consistently revealed chronic spongiotic dermatitis in nine biopsied patients.
• Family history of atopic disease and psoriasis did not differ from controls.

Conclusions:

• Hyperkeratotic dermatitis of the palms (HDP) typically follows a chronic, persistent course in adults.
• The condition shows limited response to conventional topical therapies.
• Chronic spongiotic dermatitis is the characteristic histopathological finding.
• HDP is not strongly associated with a family history of atopy or psoriasis.