ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Palmoplantar psoriasis is associated with significant quality-of-life issues. Its epidemiology and phenotypical expression remain ill defined. OBJECTIVE: We reviewed the literature and our clinical experience and developed a new quality-of-life assessment tool. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of 150 patients with palmoplantar psoriasis. RESULTS: In all, 78 (52%) patients displayed predominantly hyperkeratotic palmoplantar lesions, 24 (16%) pustular, 18 (12%) combination, and 30 (20%) had an indeterminate phenotype. In 27 (18%) patients, lesions were confined to the palms and soles. A new quality-of-life index was constructed to characterize disease severity. In all, 27 (18%) had mild, 72 (48%) moderate, and 51 (34%) severe disease involvement. Palmoplantar disease severity appeared independent from the degree of body surface area involvement. LIMITATIONS: This was a retrospective review. The quality-of-life index remains to be statistically verified in prospective clinical studies. CONCLUSION: Defining morphologic subtypes together with the use of a specific quality-of-life assessment tool in patients with palmoplantar psoriasis will improve our understanding and treatment of this recalcitrant form of psoriasis.
