Meleda Disease

Meleda disease (MDM) or “mal de Meleda”, also called Mljet disease, keratosis palmoplantaris and transgradiens of Siemens, (also known as “acral keratoderma”, “mutilating palmoplantar keratoderma of the Gamborg-Nielsen type”, “palmoplantar ectodermal dysplasia type VIII”,: 508  and “palmoplantar keratoderma of the Norrbotten type”) is an extremely rare autosomal recessive congenital skin disorder in which dry, thick patches of skin develop on the soles of the hands and feet, a condition known as palmoplantar hyperkeratosis.: 214  Meleda Disease is a skin condition which usually can be identified not long after birth. This is a genetic condition but it is very rare. The hands and feet usually are the first to show signs of the disease but the disease can advance to other parts of the body. Signs of the disease include thickening of the skin, on hands and soles of feet, which can turn red in color. There currently is no cure and treatment is limited, but Acitretin can be used in severe cases.