Medical expert of the article
New publications
Menopause keratoderma: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Keraloderma climacteric (synonyms: Haxthausen's disease, hypoestrogenic keratodermatitis of the palms and soles, post-menopausal keratoderma).
For the first time Haxthausen in 1934 gave a detailed clinical description of skin changes with menopause in women and proposed the name "Keratodermia climacterium".
Causes and pathogenesis. Currently, many dermatologists are considering climacteric keratoderma as part of a climacteric syndrome. The onset of the disease is associated with hypofunction of the ovaries (fading of the sexual glands) and the thyroid gland. This dermatosis affects 15-20% of women.
Symptoms of climacteric keratoderma. Keralodermia climacteric occurs mainly in women. Disease in women is observed approximately in the age of 45-55 years, often before or during the menopause, in men between 50-60 years. Dermatosis begins with a symmetrical reddening and thickening of the stratum corneum of the palms and soles, and peeling. The furrows become underlined, focal or diffuse keratoderma develops. At the same time, the skin looks dry, painful cracks appear, and along the edge of the palms and soles, the horny layers increase. Many patients have itching, which increases at night. The clinical picture sometimes resembles horny eczema. However, the characteristic signs of eczema (the appearance of bubbles, wetness, the formation of crusts, etc.) are absent. Often keratodermia climacteric is accompanied by pathology of internal organs. Disease flowing cyclically - exacerbation alternates with periods of remission. In many patients, after the end of the climacteric period, the manifestations of the disease disappear.
Histopathology. Marked hyperkeratosis and small parakeratosis are noted; Acanthosis of microabscesses is not observed. In the dermis, the infiltrate, consisting of lymphoid cells, dilating the capillaries, degenerating the elastic collagen fibers is noted to varying degrees.
Differential diagnosis. The climacteric keratoderma must be distinguished from the palmar-plantar psoriasis, palmar and palmar rhizomycosis, keratotic (horny) eczema, palmar-plantar syphilis.
The treatment of climacteric keratoderma is aimed at correcting endocrine disorders. To do this, use estrogens, thyroid preparations. Recommended intake of vitamin A and E (aevit), warm soda baths for hands and feet, ointments with 5-10% salicylic acid, pastes and ointments with naphthalone, tar, corticosteroids.
[