Acrokeratoelastoidosis is an inherited form of marginal keratoderma, and is classified as a palmoplantar keratoderma. It is characterised by small firm warty or pearly papules on the sides of the hands and, in some cases, feet. It is less common than keratoelastoidosis marginalis, the inherited form of marginal keratoderma.
Acrokeratoelastoidosis was first described by Costa in 1953, hence it is sometimes called Costa acrokeratoelastoidosis. Acrokeratoelastoidosis is a form of punctate palmoplantar keratoderma type III, in which keratin and elastic tissue abnormalities are present.
Focal acral keratosis is a variant of the same disorder in which there are keratin abnormalities but elastic tissue is normal on histopathological examination.
Acrokeratoelastoidosis is a rare genetic skin disorder with autosomal dominant inheritance patterns (if one parent is affected there is a 50% chance that each child will be affected). Sporadic cases have also occurred.
Acrokeratoelastoidosis usually starts in childhood, adolescence or early 20s, and appears to affect females more frequently than males. It can occur in skin of colour, with most reports of focal acral keratosis occurring in dark skin.
The precise cause of acrokeratoelastoidosishas not yet been determined. A possible linkage to chromosome 2 has been proposed.
Signs and symptoms of acrokeratoelastoidosis start to arise at around puberty or sometimes later. Small clusters of skin-coloured or yellowish papules slowly develop over the sides of the hands and feet. The papules are about 2–5 mm in diameter, roundish, discrete, and firm on palpation.
In most cases, acrokeratoelastoidosis is a clinical diagnosis determined by age of onset, family history, absence of other signs of sun damage, and findings on skin biopsy.
Because acrokeratoelastoidosis is a genetic disorder, no cure is available. Treatment is also not indicated as in most patients, once developed, the eruption is stable and causes no problems. Mild keratolytics such as urea cream have been used to relieve any dryness.
