Definition:
Its peculiar name is derived from the Dalmatian island of Melda because its founder was said to have been
afflicted with the disease. Extremely rare, meleda disease is an inherited disorder of the skin characterized
by thick, dry patches of skin which appear on the soles of both hands and feet (palmoplantar
hyperkeratosis).
Diagnosis:
In diagnosing meleda diseases, care must be given to differentiate it from other hyperkeratotic conditions
with similar symptoms such as psoriasis, lichen planus and icthyosis.
Treatment:
Drug therapy remains the best choice for treatment. The use of oral retinoids has been proven to be
effective in both children and adults although caution is advised for women patients who plan to get
pregnant. The drug also presents side-effects such as mucosal dryness, epistaxis and cheilitis
Symptoms and Signs:
Symptoms include skin that is abnormally red in color and develop symmetrical cornification which means
that it becomes scaly and really thick. In children who have the disease, other symptoms include nail
deformations, hyperhidrosis and the development of lichenoid plaques as a result of excessive sweating.
Causes:
The cause for this disease is genetics; classified as being autosomal recessive inheritance, offspring can be
carriers or who later develop the disease. Studies have shown that the mutation may occur on the SLURP
gene.
The information on this site is for research purposes only and can not substitute for the advice of a medical professional. Ailments.com is not run by doctors and does not engage in the practice of medicine. Our site is not a medical authority, it is just a research tool for you to use in preparation for consulting with a doctor. We can not guarantee our information is accurate or up to date. Even if a statement made about a medical condition is accurate, it may not apply to you or your symptoms, so you should always consult a doctor. Nothing on our site should be construed as an attempt to offer or render a medical opinion or otherwise engage in the practice of medicine.
