Pachydermodactyly

Pachydermodactyly
Synonyms
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	Dermatology, Rheumatology
Symptoms	Swelling of the skin around the joints of the fingers
Complications
Onset	Typically during adolescence
Duration
Types
Causes	Unknown, possibly related to mechanical stress
Risks
Diagnosis	Clinical diagnosis, biopsy
Differential diagnosis	Arthritis, scleroderma, acromegaly
Prevention
Treatment	Reassurance, avoidance of repetitive trauma
Medication
Prognosis	Benign, does not affect joint function
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Pachydermodactyly is a rare, benign condition characterized by thickening (hyperplasia) of the skin (pachyderma) on the sides of the fingers and the back of the hands. It is often associated with repetitive manual activities or trauma.

Symptoms

The main symptom of pachydermodactyly is the thickening of the skin on the sides of the fingers and the back of the hands. This can cause the fingers to appear enlarged or swollen. The condition is usually painless, but some people may experience discomfort or stiffness in the affected fingers.

Causes

The exact cause of pachydermodactyly is unknown. However, it is often associated with repetitive manual activities or trauma. Some researchers believe that the condition may be caused by an overgrowth of the skin's connective tissue.

Diagnosis

Pachydermodactyly is usually diagnosed based on the appearance of the affected fingers. In some cases, a skin biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for pachydermodactyly. Management of the condition typically involves avoiding activities that may aggravate the condition and using moisturizers to help soften the skin.

See also

• Dermatology
• Skin conditions
• Connective tissue disorders