Aquagenic wrinkling of the palms is an extremely uncommon disorder that frequently manifests itself in those who suffer from cystic fibrosis. It is also possible for people who carry the gene that causes cystic fibrosis to develop the condition. There is a possibility that marasmus and nephrotic syndrome will both give rise to the same illness.

Previous names for aquagenic wrinkling of the palms include "the hand in the bucket" sign, aquagenic palmoplantar keratoderma, aquagenic acrokeratoderma, aquagenic syringeal acrokeratoderma, and transient reactive papulotranslucent acrokeratoderma. It is an exaggerated version of the typical wrinkling of the fingers that takes place when the fingers are soaked in water for an extended length of time.

What Factors Contribute to the Development of Aquagenic Wrinkling in the Palms?

It is uncertain what causes aquagenic wrinkling of the palms, but researchers believe it is related to sweating. It is possible that this condition is the result of a salt imbalance in the cells of the skin, which leads to greater water retention inside these cells as well as increased water loss through the epidermis.

Some of the cases have been linked to medications like aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and some antibiotics. It is possible that this is due to drug-induced dysregulation of skin aquaporin, which is a protein that is in charge of water transport across the cell membrane.

Signs and Symptoms of Aquagenic Wrinkling of the Palms in the Therapeutic Setting

The aquagenic wrinkling of the palms is comparable to the extreme temporary wrinkling of the palms that can be brought on by spending a significant amount of time in a hot tub or swimming pool.

Following a brief exposure to water, it is characterized by the formation of a palmar eruption or the aggravation of an existing one (about 3 minutes). It takes around seven minutes longer for it to appear in mutation carriers than it does in patients with cystic fibrosis (roughly two to three minutes). After drying, wrinkles will normally fade somewhere between ten and sixty minutes later; however, the eruption may last for extended lengths of time.

The palmar eruption is made up of several tiny papules that are either white or translucent and eventually turn into plaques. The feet are not impacted in any way. Patients could describe an unpleasant feeling that is either right or hot or itching when they have an outbreak.

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