Juvenile plantar dermatosis

Juvenile Plantar Dermatosis (JPD), also known as Sweaty Sock Syndrome, is a skin condition primarily affecting the plantar surface (sole) of the foot in children. It is characterized by dry, cracked, and peeling skin on the soles, and sometimes the palms, of young individuals. The exact cause of JPD is not well understood, but it is believed to be related to excessive sweating and friction within the shoe environment, leading to skin irritation and breakdown.

Etiology[edit | edit source]

The etiology of Juvenile Plantar Dermatosis is multifactorial. Factors contributing to its development include:

Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
Poorly ventilated footwear
Synthetic socks which do not absorb sweat effectively
Frequent exposure to water or damp conditions
Atopic dermatitis or eczema predisposition

Clinical Features[edit | edit source]

JPD presents with several distinctive clinical features:

Redness and shiny appearance of the skin on the soles
Cracks and fissures, which can be painful
Peeling and scaling of the skin
In some cases, involvement of the palms

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of Juvenile Plantar Dermatosis is primarily clinical, based on the appearance of the skin and the history provided by the patient or caregivers. In some cases, a skin biopsy may be performed to rule out other conditions such as fungal infections or psoriasis.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment of JPD focuses on reducing symptoms and preventing further skin damage. Recommendations may include:

Use of emollients and moisturizers to hydrate the skin
Wearing 100% cotton socks and well-ventilated shoes
Minimizing exposure to water and damp environments
Topical steroids for severe inflammation

Prognosis[edit | edit source]

The prognosis for Juvenile Plantar Dermatosis is generally good, with many children outgrowing the condition by adolescence. However, symptoms can recur, especially if contributing factors such as excessive sweating and poor footwear choices are not addressed.