Keratoderma

Keratoderma' is a term that means marked thickening of the skin

Classification of keratodermas depends on whether or not it is inherited, and its clinical features.

• Diffuse keratodermas affect most of the palms and soles.
• Focal keratodermas mainly affect pressure areas.
• Punctate-type keratoderma results in tiny bumps on the palms and soles.

Most often the abnormal skin involves only the palms and soles (non-transgradient palmoplantar keratoderma) but sometimes it extends on to the top of the hands and feet as well (transgradient).

In some rare forms of keratoderma other organs in the body may be affected in addition to the skin, and the keratoderma can be a marker of this internal abnormality.