National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Kyrle disease


Other Names:
Kyrle's disease; Hyperkeratosis follicularis et parafollicularis in cutem penetrans
Categories:
Kyrle disease is rare condition that affects the skin. People with this condition generally develop large papules with central keratin (a protein found in the skin, hair and nails) plugs throughout their body. These lesions are typically not painful but may cause severe itching. Although it can affect both men and women throughout life, the average age of onset is 30 years. The cause of the disease is currently unknown; however, it is often associated with certain conditions such as diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, liver abnormalities, and congestive heart failure. In some families, the condition appears to be inherited but an underlying genetic cause has not been identified. Treatment aims to address the associated signs and symptoms and any additional disease that may be present. Lesions often heal spontaneously but new ones continue to develop.[1][2][3]
Last updated: 11/4/2016
Kyrle disease is primarily characterized by large skin papules with central keratin (a protein found in the skin, hair and nails) plugs. These lesions are most commonly found on the legs, but may also develop on the arms or head and neck region. They can remain as distinct papules or join together into larger plaques. Although some people report no symptoms associated with the skin lesions, many experience tenderness and/or severe itching.[1][2]
Last updated: 11/7/2016

This table lists symptoms that people with this disease may have. For most diseases, symptoms will vary from person to person. People with the same disease may not have all the symptoms listed. This information comes from a database called the Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) . The HPO collects information on symptoms that have been described in medical resources. The HPO is updated regularly. Use the HPO ID to access more in-depth information about a symptom.

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Medical Terms Other Names
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HPO ID
Percent of people who have these symptoms is not available through HPO
Abnormality of the skin 0000951
Autosomal dominant inheritance 0000006
Posterior subcapsular cataract 0007787
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Last updated: 7/1/2020
The cause of Kyrle disease is currently unknown. However, it appears to occur more frequently in patients with certain conditions such as diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, liver abnormalities, and congestive heart failure.[1][2]

In some families, the condition appears to be inherited but an underlying genetic cause has not been identified.[1][2]
Last updated: 11/7/2016
Many cases of Kyrle disease occur sporadically in people with no family history of the condition. In these affected people, the condition may be idiopathic (of unknown cause) or associated with a condition such as diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, liver abnormalities, and congestive heart failure.[1][2]

In some families, Kyrle disease does appear to be inherited. Although the underlying genetic cause has not been identified, some studies suggest that the condition may follow an autosomal recessive pattern in these families.[1][2]
Last updated: 11/7/2016
A diagnosis of Kyrle disease is often suspected based on the presence of characteristic signs and symptoms on physical examination. The deep penetration of the keratin plugs, the size and irregularity of the papules, the age of onset and the location of the skin lesions can help differentiate Kyrle disease from other conditions that are associated with similar skin findings. A workup for Kyrle disease should also include an evaluation for any underlying diseases that can be associated with the condition.[1][2]
Last updated: 11/7/2016
Kyrle disease is most often associated with conditions such as diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, liver abnormalities and congestive heart failure. Therefore, treatment is typically directed toward the underlying condition when appropriate. Rapid improvement and resolution of the lesions is often seen once the associated condition is treated.[1][2]

Other treatment options specifically target the signs and symptoms associated with Kyrle disease. For example, medicated lotions, sedating antihistamines, and topical corticosteroids may be prescribed in people with severe itching. UV light therapy is reportedly particularly helpful for people with widespread lesions or severe itching from renal or hepatic disease. Carbon dioxide laser or cryosurgery may be helpful for some people with a few lesions.[2]
Last updated: 11/7/2016

If you need medical advice, you can look for doctors or other healthcare professionals who have experience with this disease. You may find these specialists through advocacy organizations, clinical trials, or articles published in medical journals. You may also want to contact a university or tertiary medical center in your area, because these centers tend to see more complex cases and have the latest technology and treatments.

If you can’t find a specialist in your local area, try contacting national or international specialists. They may be able to refer you to someone they know through conferences or research efforts. Some specialists may be willing to consult with you or your local doctors over the phone or by email if you can't travel to them for care.

You can find more tips in our guide, How to Find a Disease Specialist. We also encourage you to explore the rest of this page to find resources that can help you find specialists.

Healthcare Resources

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Providing General Support

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

  • DermNet NZ is an online resource about skin diseases developed by the New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated. DermNet NZ provides information about this condition.

In-Depth Information

  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
  • Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) is a catalog of human genes and genetic disorders. Each entry has a summary of related medical articles. It is meant for health care professionals and researchers. OMIM is maintained by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. 
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Kyrle disease. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

Resources for Kids

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  1. Kyrle disease. DermNet NZ. June 15, 2009; http://dermnetnz.org/scaly/kyrle.html.
  2. Daniel J Hogan, MD. Kyrle Disease. Medscape Reference. October 2016; http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1074469-overview.
  3. Mary Maiberger, MD, Julia R Nunley, MD. Perforating dermatoses. UpToDate. September 2016; Accessed 11/4/2016.