genetic thick dry skin on hands and feet

My fiance has very thick dry skin on the palms of his hands and the bottoms of his feet; it's like the whole palm or sole is callussed. I know it's genetic, almost everyone on that side of the family have it. What is it?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
There can be many causes of such thick skin on the palms and soles. These include keratoderma, achalasia, dermatopathia pigmentosa reticularis(rare syndrome characterized mainly by increased skin pigmentation, thickened skin on palms and soles and reduced sweating), icthyosis or palmoplantar keratoderma.

To confirm the diagnosis please get it evaluated from a dermatologist.

Hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[yuckyfeet]

Did you figure out what it was? I have something similar on my feet but can't seem to get to the bottom of it - thanks!

[julesy500]

Hello

I have the genitic condition too, i was born with this, my mum has it and her father had it, i have another sister who has it too, my other siblings didnt get it..I have it on the souls of my feet, and palms of my hand, its hard and appers cracked and dry, i have to scrub  it and use a good oil or cream to keep it less dry etc, appartently the skin grows about 100% faster then , it peels about twice a year, my mum found out the real name for it, so i will try and get back to you this, another  family member who has has tried to track its history. People often ask me what it is and think its just dry skin not genetic, it would be good to get rid of it, specially come summer and wearing heels, but if i keep up the scrubbing etc,someitimes you can hardly notice, a pediastrist can also scrub away the skin, on a funny note in my family i can hold hot things longer then others, but i too would like to know more, and if it can be fixed.