Descriptive Study of the Clinical and Etiological Profiles of Palmoplantar Dermatoses in Patients Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital in Southern India

Introduction Palmoplantar 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 methods The 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. Results The 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. Conclusion The 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.