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!

[hikersalike]

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[SnoopyJoe]

Do what I did. Get a fine grit sandpaper or a two sided pumice stone. here's a link: http://www.tweezerman.com/store/product/2-sided-pumice-stone/

Mine wasn't as bad as yours but it got pretty bad on all my fingers. I spent an hour every other night working down the callus. After 6 months, it was all gone. I hope this works for you. Remember to use lotion after each session.

[davetherave57]

Hello, I have suffered with EK for about 5 years now. On and off with very bad episodes. Right now it is the worst it has ever been. Really bringing me down and I am finding it very hard to carry out day to day tasks.

Below is an album of pictures I have taken over the last 5 years

http://imgur.com/a/GO641

[SnoopyJoe]

Hello to all, I'm back. I haven't posted since Nov 2014. I have the EK under complete control. As of now, I have none. It's summer time here in Los Angeles and no outbreaks. I used to live in Maryland where it started in 2010.

What I found most effective was the abrasion method of a pumice stone. Others here have used fine grit sand paper, I used pumice stone to abrade the thick calloused spots. I noticed that if I use the pumice stone, the calluse  stops spreading and in a week or two, the callus is gone. Now I have none.

Remember to use lotion after you've sanded down the callus. Don't over do it. Be patient, it takes time for really bad spots. Before, my fingers were cracked and dry and it would catch fabric. I hope this works for all of you. And no, I stopped using medicated lotion: the steroids made my mucus lining swell up and I ended up with a stuffy nose for several months. But that's me.

[Brennie41]

I just posted for the first time today.  Before having a surgical procedure my doctor prescribed METHYLPREDNISOLONE Dosepak 21'S 4MG  and CEPHALEXIN CAPS 500MG.  My hands and feet have been perfect!  I don't know if it was the methylprednisolone or the cephalexin caps, or the combination of the two, but I feel like a miracle has happened.  I'm not sure if cortisone works the same way, but it's worth a try.  Best of Luck!

[Brennie41]

I have followed this board, off and on, for several years.  Around 20 years ago my feet and palms started peeling and cracking, just like most of you describe.  Embarrassing dry blister looking spots that would eventually open up and peel.  My hands and feet were so rough and terrible looking.  I went to several dermatologists, was tested for athletes foot, exema, etc.  I've tried more prescription creams and lotions, as well as over the counter ones, than you can shake a stick at.  I've tried soaking my hands and feet in tea, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide.  I've slept with socks and gloves on.  My hands and feet would clear up a bit every now and then, but it would always come back just as badly.  I gave up and thought I was domed to have this condition for life.
Then a miracle happened!  I had a medical procedure that required that I take a steroid pack and an antibiotic for a week.  A week or so afterwards, I noticed that my hands and feet were getting better.  After around three weeks there were no traces of EK.  It's been 6 weeks now and my hands and feet are still perfect!  I can't believe it and am constantly checking to make sure that it hasn't come back.  I can't remember the last time I had normal hands and feet and wasn't embarrassed by them.  I don't know what exactly happened or which of the meds did the trick, or maybe it was a combination of the two, but I am so happy that I had to share this with all of you.  I know how you're suffering and if I can pass along something that can help you, I'm happy to do so.  The meds my doctor prescribed before my surgery were-METHYLPREDNISOLONE Dosepak 21'S 4MG  and CEPHALEXIN CAPS 500MG.  Good luck to all of you!