Contents

SynopsisCodesLook ForDiagnostic PearlsDifferential Diagnosis & PitfallsBest TestsManagement PearlsTherapyReferences

View all Images (7)

Circumscribed acral hypokeratosis
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Circumscribed acral hypokeratosis

Contributors: Molly Weinberg MD, Susan Burgin MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Circumscribed acral hypokeratosis (CAH, also called circumscribed palmar or plantar hypokeratosis) is an idiopathic benign condition seen most commonly in women between the ages of 40 and 80 years. However, a few cases of congenital CAH have been reported in children.

CAH classically presents as a solitary circumscribed, depressed, erythematous plaque on the palm or sole, although cases with multiple lesions have been described. The dominant hand is most frequently affected, specifically the thenar or hypothenar region. Less common locations include the fingertips and medial soles. CAH is typically asymptomatic, but tenderness and burning have occasionally been reported.

CAH usually remains consistent in size, shape, and color over time. Spontaneous resolution has been reported in several cases. There has been one report of an actinic keratosis developing within a lesion of CAH.

The pathophysiology is unclear, but recent immunohistochemical findings have shown abnormal cytokeratin expression in CAH lesions. This discovery, along with the reports of congenital lesions, may indicate that CAH occurs as a result of abnormal epidermal keratinization.

Codes

ICD10CM:
L98.9 – Disorder of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, unspecified

SNOMEDCT:
201070005 – Atrophic spots of skin

Look For

Subscription Required

Diagnostic Pearls

Subscription Required

Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls

To perform a comparison, select diagnoses from the classic differential

Subscription Required

Best Tests

Subscription Required

Management Pearls

Subscription Required

Therapy

Subscription Required

References

Subscription Required

Last Reviewed:12/04/2019
Last Updated:01/09/2020
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.
Circumscribed acral hypokeratosis
A medical illustration showing key findings of Circumscribed acral hypokeratosis : Sole of foot, Single skin lesion
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.