The skin abnormalities can be found on a child at birth or during infancy. The abnormalities on the soles of feet or on the palms of hands can be found by the physician during a full examination. Family medical history can help with diagnosing because this is a genetically inherited disease. Overall, the diagnosis usually happens after birth because the majority of the time the child's hands and feet will be affected, making the condition apparent. Genetic testing can be done to determine whether there are mutations to confirm the disease. There are similar diseases that affect the skin which also have to be taken into consideration before making a diagnosis. Palmoplantar keratodermas (PPK) These are different patterns of disorders that cause the thickening of the skin on the hands and feet: * Diffuse PPK: Symmetric pattern * Focal PPK: Compact masses * Punctate PPK: Distribution of many keratoses Differential Diagnosis * ichthyosis * psoriasis * lichen planus * mycosis fungoides
Meleda disease
Borna disease
Pogosta disease
Camisa disease
Minamata disease
Degos disease
Ontario Minamata disease
Haff disease