Exfoliative Keratolysis

[Okie55]

I have suffered with Exfoliative Keratolysis on my hands and feet for 27 years now.
In fact it was only by going online recently that I finally learned the exact name of this condition. No doctor I saw ever put a name to it other than "It's some type of dematitis or exzema." As like many others, I went through all the standard treatments including topical steroids. The ONLY times it has completely cleared was when I would get a cortizone injection in my bad shoulder as well as the one time I was put on a Prednisone treatment for an eye infection. That's it. I live with it. But I would like to know if anyone has an idea as to what brings it on in the first place. Why, out of the blue, does it appear? I have no allergies nor exposures past or present to chemicals or the like. Any ideas? Any treatments that work?

Thanks!

[PenSet]

I'm having a bit of a problem with this for the first time and really appreciate this forum.

A couple of suggestions to some:  we have an adopted son who has an inherited form of eczema and, for him, peanut butter is the answer.  It has a fatty acid in it that his body is evidently short of.  Cheap try if that is part of the problem for some.

However, after reading some of the posts, I want to add that there is a fairly rare condition some of you who get to the point of bleeding in the sun might want to check:  porphyria.  My husband is a porphyriac and one of the problems is a severe form of photosensitivity and his fingers, especially around his nails, will break open and bleed within hours of being in the sun.  This has only been happening in the last few years (he will be 73 this year) and did not happen before, so for us it is a sign that things are getting worse.  Nevertheless, for those of you with bleeding after being in the sun, the problem may be something you want to check a little more closely for.

In the meantime, thanks for all the tips.  Has anyone tried tamanu oil?  It's expensive but it did get rid of toenail fungus beautifully and only a drop or two is enough each time.  That's going to be my first try since I already have some on hand.

thanks again.

[Nantucket262]

I realize that your original post was from last summer.  That said, I just wanted to tell you thanks for the great post!! I too suffer from EK.  And I agree with you wholeheartedly Brandi, that these symptoms we have are our bodies way of telling us something is amiss internally.  

I typically don't post a lot online, but after reading your post I had to thank you.  Thank you for taking the time to share the lists of hot and cold foods you got from your holistic Chinese medicine friend.  I found it very helpful.  I am going to take a serious look at my diet in my ongoing quest get rid of my EK.

Nancy

[sudielynn]

i have the same symptoms as everyone here, however mine happen in the winter. i work outside during the summer and am home and off work in the winter, i think there just might be an issue with the water will look into that. i use bag balm on my hands at night and it keep the peeling down to a minimum, i use the lotion with urea during the day but it does not do much, would love a cure.

[CamBam64]

So glad you all took the time to share, my 5 year old has had exactly what you are all describing since about a month after she was born. It appears worse after time in swimming pools, but honestly it's an everyday annoyance for her. It's "summer like" here in California most months of the year, so perhaps that is why we never see it subside like many of you during your cooler winter months. The only thing I would add since her feet are worse than her palms is that shoes made from100% leather are best to minimize the number of affected areas on the soles of the feet. You are right on about the dermatologists though, we've also had the condition misdiagnosed a few times as well. Thank you again for all suggestions and ideas, finding comfort in knowing she is not alone.

[donata360]

I've also had EK for 20 years & never knew the name until i saw photos online that look exactly like my condition.  I've tried so many things with no results but would like to share this information that may have a connection to the condition.  i started a diet that i bought on line where you don't eat wheat, dairy or anything with sugar for 6 weeks.  i only ate whole foods, vegetables, fruit, chicken & turkey breast, & eggs.  i lost 20 lbs in 6 weeks & followed the diet to the T.  i did the diet another 6 weeks and lost another 15 lbs but in addition to weight loss, my hands were clear.  I'm thinking that there is something in the foods we eat that causing the condition.  I mentioned it to my doctor & he agreed & said it may be an additive to food that causes the condition.  i haven't had the right mindset to try this diet again but hope to soon.

[Vcarn]

I couldnt agree with you more!  Thanks for sharing.