PUVA-related punctate keratoses of the hands and feet.
BACKGROUND
We have observed, in patients undergoing high-dose PUVA treatment, a type of keratosis not previously described. The lesions usually occur on the sides of the palms or soles and are clinically distinct. They are generally painless and often go unnoticed by patients.


OBJECTIVE
We sought to further characterize these lesions both clinically and histologically.


METHODS
Patients attending a PUVA clinic were screened for these keratoses. Other PUVA-related complications were recorded. Representative lesions were photographed, and biopsy specimens were taken.


RESULTS
Biopsy specimens were taken from lesions in 10 patients. All had plaque psoriasis and had received high UVA doses (>1000 J/cm(2)) through PUVA therapy. All patients had PUVA-induced keratoses elsewhere, but the number varied greatly between patients. The hand and foot keratoses were well defined and circular and had a characteristic histologic appearance, with a sharp demarcation between normal and abnormal markedly pale-staining epidermis.


CONCLUSIONS
These lesions are a further cutaneous manifestation of prolonged PUVA therapy.
Turner
R J
RJ
Department of Dermatology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
Sviland
L
L
Charlton
F
F
Farr
P M
PM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005533:Foot Dermatoses / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007642:Keratosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011701:PUVA Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*