Kamogawa Clinic near Tenjinbashisuji Rokucho Station provides medical care for pustulosis palmoplantaris pustulosis, pustules, blistering, redness, and pain on the palms and soles of the feet. Palmoplantar pustulosis is a chronic skin disease that causes recurrent small pustules, blisters, redness, and peeling on the palms and soles of the feet.
Although it may look similar to athlete's foot or eczema, it is important to get a diagnosis without self-judgment because the treatment plan is different. Focusing on insurance treatment, we will check the course of symptoms and aggravating factors, and propose treatment according to the condition, including topical treatment and, if necessary, phototherapy.
Summary of key points
- Pustulosis Palmoplantaris is a chronic skin disease that causes recurrent pustules and peeling on the palms and soles of the hands and feet.
- It is important to distinguish it from athlete's foot, eczema, rashes, psoriasis, etc.
- Smoking, focal infection such as tonsillitis or tooth inflammation, and metal allergies may be involved.
- Treatment is based on topical therapy, and phototherapy and oral therapy are considered as needed.
Table of Contents
What is palmoplantar pustulosis?
Palmoplantar pustulosis is a chronic disease characterized by multiple, sterile pustules, mainly on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, which get better and worse repeatedly. Small blisters may appear mixed with the pustules, which may be followed by scabbing and peeling.
It may be itchy in the early stages, and redness, thickening of the calluses, cracking, and pain may be noticeable during the course of the disease. In addition to the hands and feet, skin rashes may also appear on the shins and knees.
Please consult us with these symptoms
- Recurring small pustules or blisters on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
- Redness, peeling, scaling, and cracking of hands and feet that are difficult to heal
- Thinking you have athlete's foot and using over-the-counter medications doesn't help.
- Redness and bumps on shins and knees in addition to symptoms on hands and feet
- Pain in the center of the chest, around the collarbone, neck, or lower back.
- Painful walking, holding, and washing activities at work and in daily life
Possible Causes
Palmoplantar pustulosis is not always caused by a single cause. Smoking, tonsillitis and sinusitis, focal infections such as periodontal disease and tooth root inflammation, and dental metal allergies may be involved.
However, not all patients will be able to identify the cause. Even if no cause can be found, the patient will be monitored while undergoing treatment to suppress symptoms.
Examination and Diagnosis
It is important to distinguish palmoplantar pustulosis from athlete's foot, contact dermatitis, sweaty or dyshidrotic eczema, and psoriasis. In particular, lesions on the soles of the feet can resemble athlete's foot, so check for the presence of tinea pedis if necessary.
We will review symptoms, history, smoking history, tonsillitis and dental history, and may suggest blood tests or otolaryngology or dental evaluation if necessary. If metal allergy is suspected, a patch test will be considered.
About Treatment
Treatment consists of a combination of methods to control skin symptoms while identifying and addressing aggravating factors. The basic approach is topical treatment, focusing on the use of topical steroids during periods of intense symptoms, and other topical agents may be considered depending on the condition.
Phototherapy may be considered when lesions are stubborn or spreading. Kamogawa Clinic has an excimer light phototherapy unit, which is used to treat palmoplantar pustulosis and psoriasis.
If symptoms are severe or prolonged, oral or injection therapy may be necessary. In cases involving bone and joint symptoms, such as pain in the center of the chest or around the clavicle, we may refer the patient to other departments for cooperation, if necessary.
Cases in which a medical examination is recommended
- Symptoms of palms and soles recur repeatedly
- No improvement with athlete's foot treatment
- Cracks and pain that interfere with daily life.
- Pustules and blisters as well as peeling skin
- Pain in the center of the chest, collarbone, neck, and lower back.
- Smoking habit and prolonged limb symptoms
- Recurring dental, throat, or nasal problems
Frequently Asked Questions
Is palmoplantar pustulosis contagious?
It is not a depressive disease. There is no bacteria or fungus in the pustule and it is not contagious to others. However, if you crush or injure it yourself, a secondary infection may occur, causing more swelling and pain.
What is the difference between athlete's foot and athlete's foot?
The peeling and redness of the soles of the feet is similar to athlete's foot, but in palmoplantar pustulosis, pustules and small blisters may occur repeatedly. Since it can be difficult to distinguish between the two by appearance alone, an examination will be performed if necessary.
Is smoking involved?
Smoking is considered one of the exacerbating factors of palmoplantar pustulosis. Although smoking cessation alone does not always cure the disease, it is recommended to review it in terms of symptoms and overall health.
Can dental metal or tooth inflammation be involved?
There are. Periodontal disease, root inflammation, or focal infection such as tonsillitis or sinusitis may be involved. If dental metal allergy is suspected, a patch test or other procedure should be considered.
I have pain in the center of my chest, is it related?
Palmoplantar pustulosis may be accompanied by bone and joint pain, especially around the sternum and collarbone. If symptoms are severe or prolonged, please consult us about joint symptoms as well as skin symptoms.
Is it a disease that will never go away?
If the cause can be clearly identified, improvement may be expected with that treatment. Even if the cause cannot be identified, the symptoms can be controlled with topical treatment or phototherapy. It is important to continue treatment according to the symptoms.
