We hope you like our faster and more stable platform. Please tell us if you experience any problems.
DermNet provides Google Translate, a free machine translation service. Note that this may not provide an exact translation in all languages
Home » Topics A–Z » Piezogenic papules
Author: Dr Peggy Chen MB ChB, Dermatology Registrar, Waikato Hospital, Hamilton, New Zealand, 2013.
Piezogenic papules are common, soft, skin-coloured papules found on the feet and wrists. They result from herniation of fat through the dermis. The name "piezogenic" refers to the origin of the papules being pressure.
People of all ages, sexes and ethnicities are susceptible to piezogenic papules. They are commonly observed in overweight or obese women. They are also associated with underlying connective tissue diseases such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, flat feet, and excessive weight-bearing exercise.
Piezogenic papules are of unknown cause.
Piezogenic papules are mostly asymptomatic and are noticed incidentally. Occasionally they may be painful.
See more images of piezogenic papules ...
Piezogenic papules are usually diagnosed clinically because of the following features:
No treatment is required in the absence of symptoms.
For painful lesions, a number of conservative managements have been documented.
Intralesional corticosteroid injections have been documented to provide some relief for patients with piezogenic papules with underlying Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
Surgical excision may be helpful if symptoms persist despite above managements but this is rarely necessary.
See smartphone apps to check your skin.
[Sponsored content]
See the DermNet NZ bookstore.
© 2019 DermNet New Zealand Trust.
DermNet NZ does not provide an online consultation service. If you have any concerns with your skin or its treatment, see a dermatologist for advice.