Keratolysis exfoliativa

HPI: The patient is a 27 yo medical assistant who was seen on August 27, 2010 with a six day history of slightly pruritic scaling of the palms.  She is well otherwise and has had no recent illnesses.

O/E: The examination reveals discrete areas of desquamation on both palms.  No vesicles. Soles are normal and remainder of cutaneous exam is unremarkable.

Photos:

Diagnosis: The clinical picture is consistent with Keratolysis exfoliativa.  Strangely, PubMed has only three references to this relatively common disorder, and only one is helpful (see below).  Most dermatologists are familiar with this entity.  There's a brief description on DermNet.

A throat culture taken to r/o post-streptococcal desquamation of the palms was negative.

Refererence:
Recurrent focal palmar peeling.
Lee YC, Rycroft RJ, White IR, McFadden JP.
Australas J Dermatol. 1996 Aug;37(3):143-4.
St John's Institute of Dermatology, St Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
Abstract
Recurrent focal palmar peeling, previously known as keratolysis exfoliativa, is an idiopathic condition characterized by chronic palmar and occasionally plantar peeling. It can be exacerbated by environmental factors, and may be misdiagnosed as chronic contact dermatitis. Accurate diagnosis is from the history and examination. It is supported by a negative patch test result. Three cases of recurrent focal palmar peeling are presented, of which two were misdiagnosed as chronic dermatitis. Although there are few references on recurrent focal palmar peeling, it is likely to be a common condition that rarely presents to dermatologists because it is largely asymptomatic. A correct diagnosis is essential due to the social, occupational and legal implications if misdiagnosed.