Thick skin on palms and soles (keratoderma)

Overview

Thick skin can crack and hurt, making walking or gripping painful.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Thick palms or soles

Less common

• Painful cracks

When to get medical care

Causes

Genes or skin conditions.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Exam:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Soak and use urea cream
• Soak in warm water then file gently
• Wear cushioned shoes
• Soak and file thick skin
• Use urea cream

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Wear well-fitting shoes

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a dermatologist (skin doctor).

Living with it

• Keep a simple diary of symptoms, triggers, and medicines to bring to visits.
• Bring a list of your medicines and questions to each visit.
• Ask about low-vision services, like magnifiers and brighter lighting.
• Wear sunglasses outdoors.
• Long-term illness can affect mood. Tell your doctor if you feel down or anxious.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people can keep working or going to school.
• Ask about changes that help, like extra breaks or a flexible schedule. Workers may be covered by the ADA. Students may get a 504 plan.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Families: Some types run in families.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

For caregivers

• Go to visits when you can and take notes.
• Keep a list of medicines, allergies, and doctors in one place.
• Learn the warning signs that need fast care.
• Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Treatment softens skin.

Creams help most.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?
• Is this inherited?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Thick skin on palms and soles (keratoderma)