Acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau (ACH) is a chronic, rare pustular form of psoriasis that affects the distal extremities, particularly the fingers and toes. Although pustules are characteristic, they may not always be clinically apparent, especially in the earlier stages. This condition is often resistant to treatment; therefore, early and accurate diagnosis is essential for proper management and preventing complications.

A 34-year-old male farmer presented with a one-year history of pruritic erythematous scaly plaques involving both palms, thumbs and thumbnails. Pertinent history showed that the lesions appeared after contact with rubber gloves and fertilizers. Irritant versus allergic contact dermatitis were considered, but a negative patch test result ruled out the allergic component. He was treated with topical corticosteroids and was advised to wear cotton gloves under rubber gloves while working which provided relief. However, the plaques recurred now with appearance of pustules on both hands. A skin punch biopsy was done revealing psoriasiform dermatitis with subcorneal pustules, consistent with ACH. The patient was started on methotrexate 7.5 mg/week and topical clobetasol, alternating with calcipotriol with improvement of the palmar plaques and pustules.

ACH is often misdiagnosed due to its pus-filled lesions which may mimic infection or secondarily infected contact dermatitis or dyshidrotic eczema. In this case, the initial presentation mimicked a contact dermatitis, and it was only after patch testing and skin biopsy, that a definitive diagnosis was made.