IntroductionPalmoplantar dermatoses are skin diseases affecting specifically palms and soles is a common clinical entity encountered by dermatologists. This may cause discomfort and embarrassment to the patients because its location interferes significantly with normal day-to-day activities. Palmoplantar dermatosis affects a heterogeneous population, ranging from bare-handed workers in the slaughterhouse to medical personnel wearing gloves in the operating room. The present study endeavors to classify palmoplantar dermatoses based on their morphology and the clinical distribution pattern. Materials and methodsThe present study is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted for six months at Osmania General Hospital, India. A total number of 80 patients having palmoplantar dermatoses who met the study inclusion criteria were included. After taking proper informed consent, data were collected from patients on a fixed proforma sheet. ResultsThe study comprised 44 (55%) male and 36 (45%) female patients. The mean duration of palmoplantar dermatoses was 2.92 years. Itching and painful fissures are the most common symptoms patients complained of and psoriasis is the most common clinical type seen in 32 (40%) patients followed by eczemas in 30 (37.5%) patients and fungal infections in 10 (12.5%) patients. ConclusionThe term palmoplantar dermatoses includes a heterogeneous group of skin disorders but no exact classification is present and classes differ based on the diseases to be kept in a group. Physicians should be well aware of the clinical features of these dermatoses and diagnosis is very important for early intervention and correct management, thereby helping improve patients' quality of life.

BACKGROUNDThe kidneys and the skin are two important organs whose blood supply far exceeds their demand, the former for maintaining the milieu interior and the latter for rendering man homoeothermic. Changes of the skin are frequently seen in patients with kidney disease and in those who are undergoing dialysis. A number of diseases are characterised by distinctive cutaneous and renal manifestations. MATERIALS AND METHODSThis study spanned a course of 6 months from January 2011 to June 2011. During this period 82 patients admitted in the Nephrology ward of Osmania General Hospital for dialysis as well as those patients referred to the Dermatology Outpatient Department from the Nephrology Department were screened for evidence of cutaneous manifestations of kidney disease. Of these, 50 patients who had the presence of skin manifestations were selected and studied, both sexes and all age groups were included in the study. RESULTSOut of 50 patients in the age group of 1-70 years, (66%) maximum number of patients were observed between 3rd to 5th decade while least number in 1st and 2nd decade. Youngest Patient studied -Male, 7 Years. Oldest patient studied -Male, 69 Years. Xerosis or dryness of the skin was seen in 28 patients. 14 patients out 50 showed pallor. Pruritus was seen in 12 patients. Purpura was seen in 3 patients. Perforating dermatoses was seen in 3 patients. Fungal infections were seen in 9 patients. Bacterial infections were seen in 5 patients. Viral infections were seen in 4 patients. Scabies was seen in 2 patients. Sparse scalp hair was reported in 7. Specific nail changes were seen in 19 patients. CONCLUSIONSAmong the various cutaneous manifestations, xerosis and pigmentary changes topped the list of prevalence with Xerosis 56%, Pallor 28%. Pruritus was seen in 24% of patients. Nearly, 6% had perforating dermatosis. The Prevalence of hair abnormalities in our study was 14%. Prevalence of nail changes were seen in 38% of cases. Cutaneous infections were seen in 36% of patients.