Amino acid analysis of the horny layer of the soles of patients with hereditary palmoplantar keratoderma.

The amino acid composition of keratin from soles of patients suffering from hereditary palmoplantar keratoderma of the Unna Thost variety was investigated. Patients were divided into two groups: those without dermatophytosis and those whose hereditary palmoplantar keratoderma was complicated with a dermatophyte infection. The amino acid composition of the horny layer was compared to that of control individuals and to a previously performed analysis of mammalian hair. However, no difference was found between the groups nor was any explanation as to why Trichophyton mentagrophytes occurred significantly more often in soles of patients with hereditary palmoplantar keratoderma made apparent.