Juvenile plantar dermatosis: A barrier disease beyond eczema: An open prospective uncontrolled study in a tertiary care hospital of South India

Abstract

Background: Juvenile plantar dermatosis (JPD), also known as “wet and dry foot syndrome,” is a skin disorder of the feet that commonly affects children from ages 3–14. JPD is frequently seen in children with eczema, but it is not a requirement for diagnosis. Forefoot eczema (FE) is synonymous with JPD is a condition characterized by dry fissured dermatitis of the plantar surface of the feet. Aims: To study the clinical patterns of FE and its associated risk factors. Methods: Twenty-five patients were recorded in the study during the period from April 2013 to March 2014. Fungal scrapings, patch testing, and biopsy for histopathological examination were done wherever required. Results: In our study, the most common site affected was the plantar surface of the toes in 8 (32%) patients. Hand involvement, with fissuring and soreness of the fingertips and palm, was seen in two patients (8%). Four patients (16%) had a personal history of atopy whereas a family history of atopy was present in 3 (12%). Nine patients (36%) had associated risk factors with reported aggravation of itching with plastic, rubber, or leather footwear, and with prolonged contact with water and detergents. Negative fungal scrapings and culture in all patients ruled out a dermatophyte infection. Patch testing with Indian Standard Series was performed in all patients and was positive in three. Conclusions: This study concluded FE as a distinctive dermatosis of the first and second decade, predominantly in males, with a multifactorial etiology and confirming the concept of FE as a barrier disease beyond eczema.

Keywords

• Barrier disease
• eczema
• juvenile plantar dermatosis