Allergies

How old is this wrinkled hand?

David L. Kaplan, MD—Series Editor

The hand on the right belongs to a 61-year-old male. The hand on the left also has similar wrinkles.

How old is the wrinkled hand on the left?

A. 17 years old
B. 37 years old
C. 57 years old
D. 72 years old
E. 87 years old

Bonus: How is this a cutaneous clue?

(Answer and discussion on next page)

Answer17 years old

This 17-year-old male is a pretty severe atopic individual with classic hyperlinear palms. This cutaneous marker is an indicator for seasonal allergies, dry skin, and beinga Staphylococcal nasal carrier among other characteristics.