Palmoplantar Pustulosis (PPP) is a rare inflammatory disorder that affects perhaps 1 in 2,000 to 10,000 people, and often those are women between the ages of 40 and 70.
Patients with PPP develop white/yellow or red pus- or blood-filled blisters, known as pustules, on the palms of their hands and/or soles of their feet. These pustules often cause a lot of pain, itching and other discomfort, making it extremely difficult for people to carry out their daily activities. Although there are no definitive causes of PPP, researchers have determined that the disorder can be associated with smoking, bacterial infections, and/or genetic mutations. While many dermatologists consider it to be a condition like psoriasis, there is emerging evidence that PPP is a distinct problem.
Common symptoms of PPP include:
- Blisters and pustules on the palms and/or soles of the feet
- Red and tender skin
- Itchiness
- Pain or burning sensation
- Skin cracks or fissures
Currently there are no approved treatments for PPP on the market, and the medications that are tried often fail to help significantly.
Want to learn more about clinical studies and the newly approved medications? We always offer a complimentary one-on-one consultation with one of our dermatologists.