RISK-FACTORS FOR PALMOPLANTAR PUSTULOSIS IN A DEVELOPING-COUNTRY

Twenty patients with palmo-plantar pustulosis (10 males and 10 females ) with a mean age of 41+/-6.4 years were compared to 20 controls (10 m ales and 10 females, mean age 42+/-7.2 years, for possible risk factor s for palmo-plantar pustulosis, No statistically significant differenc e was found when the two groups were compared as regards history of at opy diabetes mellitus and thyroid disease. A statistically significant difference was found with regard to cigarette smoking (P<0.001) and p resence of joint symptoms (P<0.01). This pattern, with minor variation s, is similar to the findings in Western countries. There is a need fo r increased awareness of this association in developing countries, A l arger population based study will be highly desirable.