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Dermatology (Expert Forum)

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Keratodermia palmo-plantaris hereditaria /Tun Thost-Unna/

Answered by

Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems

The Rockoff Dermatology Center Brookline - MA

This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.

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MedHelp Member's Question

Keratodermia palmo-plantaris hereditaria /Tun Thost-Unna/

by Stoyan Lilov, Jan 17, 2000 12:00AM

Tags: dermatology, years, red skin

Hi,

I would like to ask if someone knows a cure or a method of finding relief for hereditary Keratodermia palmo-plantaris hereditaria /Tun Thost-Unna/ in my 7-months old son. Currently we reside in Bulgaria and local medicine offers us no method to cure this but only to explain genetically why this has appeared in the child, something that I am not interested in.

I would appreciate any help!

Rgds

Stoyan Lilov

sslilov@techno-link.com

Doctor's Answer

by Alan Rockoff, MD

, Jan 18, 2000 12:00AM

Mr Lilov:

The mainstay of treating hyperkeratosis is to apply ointments containing salicylic acid. I would start with 4% and increase gradually as tlerated, applying the ointment once daily, preferably after washing.

Salicylic acid and the ointment in which it is mixed are both expremely simple and inexpensive products. Although I haven't checked with on-line pharmaceutical firms, I bet you can order them on the Web. (Ask for 120 grams of 4% salicylic acid in hydrated petrolatum.)

Best.

Dr. R

Member Comments (8)

by Stoian Lilov, Jan 18, 2000 12:00AM

Many thanks!

I would like to ask if this applies to the same Type of Keratosis

"Thost Unna"?

Also how to gradually increase the concentration of this acid in time, I mean, something like 6 % after two months or.....?

Does it have any side-effects and what types? Can we expect the child to heal completely or is it a temporary relief?

I appreciate very much your kindness and your concern!

by Alan Rockoff, MD

, Jan 19, 2000 12:00AM

It applies to any type of hyperkeratosis. I would increase the concentration every 2 months (perhaps a doctor can help supervise this.) It smooths the skin but the genetic tendency persists, so treatment may be needed indefinitely, at least off and on. There are no expected side-effects other than mild irritation, easily reversible by stopping every once in a while for a couple of days.

Best.

Dr. R

by Cathy R, Feb 28, 2000 12:00AM

My sister has very thick pitted and discolored skin on her feet , hands and now it appears that it is spreading to her face. She has been told that it is Keratoderma palmoplantar. It is very unattractive and she is self conscious about her feet. She is african american, 30yo and the salacilc acid does not appear to be helping. Is there anything else out there for adults with this condition? Also, is it normal for this condition to spread?

Thank you

by Annette Mathieu, Mar 27, 2000 12:00AM

I have had this condition since I was 18 montha

old.  I'm assuming I got this because my

father had it.  And his mother (my grandmother)

I also found out that my father's grandmother

had this condition.  I have this condition,

my brother has this condition.  But, even

stranger is that my Uncle (fathers brother)

did not get this condition at all.  My Uncle

had four children. None of them have this

condition, either.  My Uncle's two grand-

children (2) did not get this condition.

Both my brother and I have this condition,

and both my brothers and I - have two child-

ren.  Both first borns ended up with the

"the curse from HELL", at least that's what

we call it.  Surely there is a cure for

these embarrising feet and hands.  I mean

science has come so far. My 20 year old

swears that he is going to cut the nerve

to his feet.  It is an awful thing thing to

grow up with.  I am 47 years old, and I would

like for you to please find a way to cure us

permently. We have never been able to go

barefoot.  And when we swim, it turns white

and the callouses swell up and people look

at your feet, and ask what's wrong with your

feet? At present, we continually see our

Podiatrist. But I don't want to rely on

someone always being around  to shave my

callouses.  Because,you see, my grandmother

lived to be 90 years old.  And I can remember

him having to go to the nursing home and soaking

her feet with Dr. Schold's foot soaking

powder.  I really don't want to go through

that scene, again!!

Thanks,

Annette Mathieu

***@****

by Carl Stern, Apr 15, 2000 12:00AM

My daughter who resides in the state of Washington has a condition called Keratoderma where her skin on both hands & feet crack. This causes much pain for this 50 year old. Can you please decribe the condition so that I can understand what is happening to her. She is now on a medication called Clobetasol

& also on Lac-Hydrin. Any information will be appreciated.



                                 Thank you

                                 Carl

by MAJA BUJAS, Apr 19, 2000 12:00AM

I suffer from Keratodermia palmoplantaris Unna Thost from the early childhood (it appeared at age of 5). Now I'm 39 years old and I must say that I'm pretty tired trying variuos methods that could improve my condition. I undertand that it is something I will probably have to deal with throughout my lifetime.

A month ago I was encouraged to visit a doctor from Tibet who has his practice in Zagreb. I was curious to hear his opinion and here are his comments: my blood is in very bad condition and it reflects on skin. He is very optimistic in curing this unpleasant diagnoses and he gave me their medicine to use (drink and apply on palms and feet) for the period of 6 months.

After a month of treatment the result is that after 34 years my hands and feet do not sweet any more. Everyone who suffers from keratodermia knows how unpleasant it is but at the moment I don't have this problem. I'm both suspicious and optimistic but I'll continue with this - you take kind of pills (some herbs) 3 times a day before and after breakfast, after lunch and supper with glass of boiled water. The cream for hands and feet is pure butter- milk fat (GHEE) mixed with some powder he gave me.

I'm interested to hear some proffesional opinion on Chinese medicine particularly from Tibet.

Thanks in advance.

by Deb Langhans, Jun 11, 2000 12:00AM

I've been trying to research my husband & stepdaughter's skin condition, keratodermia palmoplantaris Unna Thost, & I discovered this website & read your informative response.

My stepdaughter is now eleven years old, a preteen, & has already been teased about her hands. While I understand that salicylic acid is often used to soften the effected areas, do you know of any other treatment, allopathic or alternative, that deals with removing or minimizing the caluses? What about the orange (keratin) discoloration? Also, I'd appreciate knowing the significance of the name, Unna Thost.

Thank you very much for your speedy response.

Deb Langhans

Olympia, WA, USA

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