Classic Vohwinkel syndrome is characterized by papular and honeycomb keratoderma associated with constrictions of digits leading to autoamputation, distinctive starfish-like acral keratoses, and moderate degrees of sensorineural deafness (summary by Maestrini et al., 1999) A variant form of Vohwinkel syndrome, mutilating keratoderma with ichthyosis (604117), is caused by mutation in the gene for loricrin (LOR; 152445) on chromosome 1q21. A form of mutilating palmoplantar keratoderma with periorificial keratotic plaques (Olmsted syndrome; 614594) is caused by mutation in the TRPV3 gene (607066) on chromosome 17p13.2.

Kindler syndrome (KS), a rare subtype of inherited epidermolysis bullosa, is characterized by skin fragility and acral blister formation beginning at birth, diffuse cutaneous atrophy, photosensitivity (most prominent during childhood and usually decreasing after adolescence), poikiloderma, diffuse palmoplantar hyperkeratosis, and pseudosyndactyly. Mucosal manifestations are also common and include hemorrhagic mucositis and gingivitis, periodontal disease, premature loss of teeth, and labial leukokeratosis. Other mucosal findings can include ectropion, urethral stenosis, and severe phimosis. Severe long-term complications of KS include periodontitis, mucosal strictures, and aggressive squamous cell carcinomas. Manifestations can range from mild to severe.

The Curth-Macklin type of ichthyosis hystrix (IHCM) is clinically characterized by severe fissuring and mutilating palmoplantar keratoderma. Affected individuals also exhibit extensive dark spiky or verrucous hyperkeratotic plaques over the large joints and trunk, which in some patients may cover almost the entire body. Structural and ultrastructural hallmarks include compact orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis, hypergranulosis with perinuclear edema, binucleated cells, and formation of perinuclear filamentous shells composed of feathery entangled keratin intermediate filaments (summary by Richardson et al., 2006 and Fonseca et al., 2013). The Lambert type of ichthyosis hystrix (IHL; 146600), in which palms and soles are spared, is caused by mutation in the KRT10 (148080) gene.

Variant Vohwinkel syndrome is a rare genodermatosis characterized by hyperkeratosis of the palms and soles, with a honeycomb appearance; constricting bands encircling the digits of the hands and feet, which frequently lead to autoamputation of the fifth digits; starfish-shaped, salmon-colored hyperkeratotic lesions, or knuckle pads, on the dorsal surface of the hands; and ichthyosiform dermatosis. The pathognomonic histologic finding is markedly thickened stratum corneum, hypergranulosis, and particularly, hyperkeratosis with round nuclei retained in the stratum corneum. Unlike classic Vohwinkel syndrome, hearing loss is not a feature (summary by Maestrini et al., 1996).

Palmoplantar keratoderma and congenital alopecia-2 (PPKCA2) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by congenital alopecia and progressive hyperkeratosis resulting in sclerodactyly, severe contractures and tapering of the digits, and pseudoainhum formation. Nail changes occur in some patients (Castori et al., 2010). Also see PPKCA1 (104100), a less severe, autosomal dominant disorder.

Keratosis linearis with ichthyosis congenita and sclerosing keratoderma (KLICK) is an autosomal recessive disorder of keratinization characterized by ichthyosis, palmoplantar keratoderma with constricting bands around fingers, flexural deformities of fingers, and keratotic papules in a linear distribution on the flexural side of large joints. Histologic examination shows hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the spinous, granular, and horny epidermal layers, with abundant abnormal keratohyaline granules in differentiated keratinocytes (summary by Dahlqvist et al., 2010).

Palmoplantar keratoderma and woolly hair (PPKWH) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by the presence of these cardinal features and the absence of cardiomyopathy symptoms or findings on echocardiography and electrocardiogram. Palmoplantar keratoderma is of the striate type; hair is generally sparse; and leukonychia is present (Ramot et al., 2014).

Olmsted syndrome-1 (OLMS1) is a rare congenital disorder characterized by bilateral mutilating palmoplantar keratoderma (PPK) and periorificial keratotic plaques with severe pruritus of lesions. Diffuse alopecia, constriction of digits, and onychodystrophy have also been reported. Infections and squamous cell carcinomas can arise on the keratotic areas (summary by Lin et al., 2012). The digital constriction ('pseudoainhum') may progress to autoamputation of fingers and toes (Olmsted, 1927). Genetic Heterogeneity of Olmsted Syndrome Olmsted syndrome-2 (OLMS2; 619208) is caused by mutation in the PERP gene (609301) on chromosome 6q23. An X-linked form of Olmsted syndrome (OLMSX; 300918) is caused by mutation in the MBTPS2 gene (300294) on chromosome Xp22.