Palmoplantar keratoderma (PPK) can be either acquired during the lifetime (more commonly) or inherited . Acquired PPK may arise due to changes in a person’s health or environment. Inherited forms of PPK are caused by genetic mutations that result in abnormalities of keratin (a skin protein ).

What does keratoderma look like?

What does palmoplantar keratoderma look like? In diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma, the skin on the palms and or soles appears thickened and may be hard, yellowish in colour. It affects the entire palm or sole. In focal palmoplantar keratoderma, usually only pressure or friction points are affected.

Is keratoderma contagious?

An autosomal dominant condition may occur for the first time in an affected individual due to a new mutation, or may be inherited from an affected parent. A person with punctate keratoderma has a 50% chance of passing on the condition to each of his or her children.