Symptoms of Pachyonychia Congenita
The symptoms and severity of PC can vary widely, even among people with the same type or in the same family. Most symptoms typically appear within the first months or years of life. The most common features of PC include: Painful calluses and blisters on the soles of the feet. In some cases, the calluses itch. Calluses and blisters may also form on the palms of the hands. Thickened nails. Not all nails are affected in every patient with PC, and some people do not have any thickened nails. But the vast majority of patients have some affected nails. Cysts of various types. Bumps around hairs at friction sites, such as the waist, hips, knees, and elbows. They are most common in children and lessen after the teenage years. White film on the tongue and inside the cheeks. Less common features of PC include: Sores at the corners of the mouth. Teeth at or before birth. White film on the throat, resulting in a hoarse voice. Intense pain on first bite (“first bite syndrome”). The pain is near the jaw or ears and lasts 15–25 seconds when beginning to eat or swallow. This is more common in younger children and may cause feeding difficulties for some infants. It typically goes away during the teenage years.