Exfoliative keratolysis is a harmless but annoying skin condition that causes the thin epidermis of the skin to flake, blister, and peel off on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. The causes are unknown, but treatments include keeping the skin clean and using emollient hand creams. It is sometimes confused with other skin disorders and should be checked by a doctor if raised itchy bumps develop.
Keratolysis exfoliativa is a harmless but annoying skin condition in which the thin epidermis of the skin flakes, blisters and peels off. Known by other names, such as lamellar dyshidrosis, recurrent focal palmar peeling, and recurrent palmar peeling, exfoliative keratolysis affects the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Dry skin flakes and peels off, leaving tender red patches. The skin disorder is similar to the more severe acrokeratoelastoidosis Costa, in which hardened bumps or papules form. The causes of this condition are relatively unknown and therefore the treatment depends on the severity and discomfort of the patient’s condition.
While extremely annoying and possibly embarrassing, exfoliative keratolysis symptoms rarely progress beyond uncomfortable blistering and peeling skin. It almost always affects the palms of the hands and occasionally the soles of the feet. Small blisters appear that break or open on the surface of the skin. Torn skin peels off. The condition is not painful, but the unsightly red patches left by peeling of the skin make the patient more susceptible to extremely dry and cracked skin.
The causes of the condition are not known and could affect anyone. Some medical professionals believe that genetics may play a role in a particular patient developing the condition; other causes could be excessive sweating, exposure to detergents, solvents or salt water. Skin irritants can exacerbate exfoliative keratolysis in sensitive patients. Some studies show that it precedes a more serious skin disorder, called pompholyx, a type of eczema accompanied by painful redness and itching. A severe but very rare form of peeling skin, called “congenital exfoliative keratolysis”, is characterized by asymptomatic and continuous peeling of the neck, trunk and extremities.
Treatments for exfoliative keratolysis largely depend on the severity of the discomfort, how widespread the disorder is, and whether the condition is accompanied by complications such as itching, papules, extreme tenderness, and cracking of the skin, which can lead to infection. Most cases resolve on their own without treatment. Medical professionals suggest keeping your skin clean to prevent pain or infection. Emollient hand creams containing urea, silicone or lactic acid provide relief and help defend the skin from bacterial infections.
Exfoliative keratolysis is a harmless but unsightly skin condition. Due to similar symptoms of other diseases, it is sometimes confused with other skin disorders, such as psoriasis, eczema, tinea and skin burns. This condition has no pain, itching, papules, or lesions and is limited to the skin of the hands and feet only. Skin lesions or patches that develop raised itchy bumps should always be checked by a doctor.
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