Checkerboard Hyperkeratosis With Apoptotic Keratinocytes as Features of Mechanic's Hands and Review of the Literature

Antisynthetase syndrome (ASyS), a distinct subset of dermatomyositis, is a heterogeneous entity characterized by multisystem involvement. A classical cutaneous presentation of ASyS is mechanic's hands, manifested by a desquamative papulosquamous eruption afflicting the lateral aspects of fingers. It bears clinical resemblance to common benign simulants such as hand eczema, contact dermatitis, and keratolysis exfoliativa. We outline a case showing features of checkerboard hyperkeratosis with apoptotic keratinocytes and review existing literature.