Pustulosis palmaris et plantaris. A review of clinical features and aggravating factors.

A review of the clinical and histological features of pustulosis palmaris et plantaris (PPP) was undertaken. The morphologic development of PPP is biphasic: the first phase consists of an eczematous reaction, and the second phase is the pustulation of eczematous vesicles. PPP may be aggravated by infections or non-infectious inflammatory processes elsewhere in the body. An abnormal glucose tolerance test was found in 55 (66.3%) of 83 patients with PPP. The deranged carbohydrate metabolism may be partly responsible for the increased susceptibility to focal infections in patients with PPP.