Aquagenic keratoderma. Two new case reports and a new hypothesis

Abstract

Aquagenic keratoderma has been described as a transient condition affecting predominantly young females and defined clinically by the appearance of palmar hyper-wrinkling accentuated after immersion in water. We present two new cases with aquagenic palmoplantar acrokeratoderma - a child and a young male. A significant clinical improvement was achieved after topical treatment with aluminum salts. Aquagenic palmar keratoderma may be a clue to cystic fibrosis in adolescents and young adults. We developed a new hypothesis on its pathogenesis.

Keywords

• Aquagenic keratoderma
• cystic fibrosis
• gene association
• sympathetic small fibres
• treatment