What iserythemapalmare hereditarium?
Erythema palmare hereditarium (EPH) is not a disease but an inherited tendency todeveloppersistentredness of the palms and fingertips. It may also affect the soles of the feet.
Erythema palmare hereditarium is also known as red palms or Lane's disease, and was first described by Dr John E. Lane in 1929. It is a form ofprimarypalmarerythema.
Palmar erythema
Who gets erythema palmare hereditarium?
Erythema palmare hereditarium has only 17 cases described in published medical reports as of 2021. It is, however, probably under-recognised as it does not cause affected people significant symptoms. Of those who have been reported, the majority were women or girls (11 of 17). Most patients had an affected close family member (first degree relative) who also had EPH.
What causes erythema palmare hereditarium?
Erythema palmare hereditarium is thought to begeneticas thedevelopmentof palm redness occurs at birth or in early infancy and persists throughout life; a parent is often also affected. To date, no specific geneticabnormalityhas been identified. Variable inheritance patterns have been described including anautosomaldominant, pseudodominant, and recessive transmission. Sporadic cases have been reported.
What are the clinical features of erythema palmare hereditarium?
- Redness typically spares the central palms and is more prominent in the:
- Heel of the palm (hypothenar eminence)
- Base of the thumb (thenar eminence)
- Fingertips.
- Predominantdermoscopicfinding is a pattern of branchingblood vesselson a red, structureless background.
- Future studies usingdermoscopymay be required to understand its use in EPH diagnosis.
How do clinical features vary in differing types of skin?
Given the limited publication on EPH, there is no current literature describing variation in presentation in different skin types.
What are the complications of erythema palmare hereditarium?
Erythema palmare hereditarium is abenigncondition with no known complications. However, some people who are affected are self-conscious of the redness of their hands.
How is erythema palmare hereditarium diagnosed?
Erythema palmare hereditarium can be diagnosed if:
- There is a positive family history
- Onset is shortly after birth or during early childhood
- Other illnesses that cause palmar erythema have been excluded.
Biopsyis not considered essential in the diagnosis but previous reports have shown dilated vessels in the entiredermiswith noinflammatoryinfiltrate.
What is thedifferential diagnosisfor erythema palmare hereditarium?
- Other causes ofpalmar erythemasuch aspregnancy, liverdysfunction, or a drug-induced reaction.
- In children, common causes of palmar erythema other than EPH includeKawasaki disease,Wilson disease, and poisoning (mercury).
What is the treatment for erythema palmare hereditarium?
Erythema palmare hereditarium has no known treatment.
What is the outcome for erythema palmare hereditarium?
The skin changes seen in EPH can change with different environments, however it does notprogressor involve other organs.