Mal de Meleda (MDM) is a rare autosomal recessive skin disorder characterized by transgressive palmoplantar keratoderma (PPK), keratotic skin lesions, perioral erythema, brachydactyly, and nail abnormalities (summary by Fischer et al., 2001). The PPK in MDM is often accompanied by hyperhidrosis, maceration, fetid odor, and painful fissures (Ward et al., 2003). Some patients exhibiting similar but less severe features of MDM, with milder hyperkeratosis and no nail dystrophy, lichenoid plaques, pachydermia, or distant keratosis, were previously designated as having 'Gamborg Nielsen (Norrbotten) PPK' (see NOMENCLATURE). [from
OMIM]