Classic Vohwinkel syndrome is characterized by papular and honeycomb keratoderma associated with constrictions of digits leading to autoamputation, distinctive starfish-like acral keratoses, and moderate degrees of sensorineural deafness (summary by Maestrini et al., 1999) A variant form of Vohwinkel syndrome, mutilating keratoderma with ichthyosis (604117), is caused by mutation in the gene for loricrin (LOR; 152445) on chromosome 1q21. A form of mutilating palmoplantar keratoderma with periorificial keratotic plaques (Olmsted syndrome; 614594) is caused by mutation in the TRPV3 gene (607066) on chromosome 17p13.2.

Variant Vohwinkel syndrome is a rare genodermatosis characterized by hyperkeratosis of the palms and soles, with a honeycomb appearance; constricting bands encircling the digits of the hands and feet, which frequently lead to autoamputation of the fifth digits; starfish-shaped, salmon-colored hyperkeratotic lesions, or knuckle pads, on the dorsal surface of the hands; and ichthyosiform dermatosis. The pathognomonic histologic finding is markedly thickened stratum corneum, hypergranulosis, and particularly, hyperkeratosis with round nuclei retained in the stratum corneum. Unlike classic Vohwinkel syndrome, hearing loss is not a feature (summary by Maestrini et al., 1996).

An inherited epidermal disorder with characteristics of palmoplantar keratoderma, linear hyperkeratotic papules on the flexural side of large joints (cord-like distribution around wrists, in antecubital and popliteal folds), hyperkeratotic plaques (on neck, axillae, elbows, wrists, and knees), mild ichthyosiform scaling, and sclerotic constrictions around fingers that present flexural deformities. The disease is caused by homozygous mutation in the POMP gene.