A Study of Clinical Features of 50 Patients with Pustulosis Palmaris et Plantaris

Lim, Ju Young; Yun, Sook Jung; Lee, Jee Bum; Kim, Seong Jin; Lee, Seung Chul; Won, Young Ho

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Pustulosis palmaris et plantaris is a chronic inflammatory disease of the palms and soles, but its pathomechanism is still unclear.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to review the clinical features of patients with pustulosis palmaris et plantaris.
METHODS
This study included 50 patients with pustulosis palmaris et plantaris who had visited the Department of Dermatology, Chonnam National University Hospital from April 1998 through to April 2003. We reviewed the medical records and biopsies, and analyzed information from patients by questionnaire.
RESULTS
Among the 50 patients with pustulosis palmaris et plantaris, 34 patients (68%) were male and 16 patients (32%) were female, thus the ratio was approximately 2.1 : 1. The age of onset of lesions ranged from 16 to 71 years, and the mean age of onset was 43.9 years in males and 43.3 years in females. The prevalent age of onset was the fourth decade in males and the fifth decade in females. The frequent sites of involvement were the bilateral hands and feet. Psoriasis-like skin lesions were observed in 15 gap (30%) of patients, and nail involvement in 15 gap (30%) of the patients. The seasonal change did not influence the severity of the skin lesion. No direct relationship could be found between pustular eruptions and focal infections, such as tonsilitis. Fourteen males (41.2%) and 2 female patients (12.5%) had a history of smoking. Improvement of the lesions was obtained in all the patients, however, complete remission of the disease was achieved in only 6 gap (12%) of patients. All other patients experienced periodic relapses, despite treatment.
CONCLUSION
Pustulosis palmaris et plantaris is a chronic relapsing disease that can greatly impair patient's quality of life, because of its chronic course and poor response to treatment.