Adult Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Adult Syndrome?
A primary care doctor usually coordinates care. Because adult syndrome affects many body systems, specialists may be involved, including a dermatologist, a dentist or oral surgeon, an ophthalmologist, a hand surgeon, and a medical geneticist for testing and family planning advice.
What it is
Adult syndrome is a very rare genetic condition, also called acro-dermato-ungual-lacrimal-tooth (ADULT) syndrome. The name describes the body parts it can affect: the hands and feet, the skin, the nails, the tear ducts, and the teeth. It is passed down through a change, or mutation, in a gene called TP63.
Symptoms
Symptoms differ a lot from person to person. Common features include nails that are small, thin, or missing, and fingers or toes that are joined together (syndactyly) or shortened. Skin on the hands or feet may be dry, thick, or peeling. Tear ducts may be blocked, causing watery eyes, and teeth may be small, missing, or misshapen. Some people have trouble sweating and can overheat.
Causes and who gets it
Adult syndrome is caused by a change in the TP63 gene, which helps control how the skin, limbs, and other structures form before birth. It is usually autosomal dominant, meaning a child only needs to get the changed gene from one parent. Sometimes the change happens for the first time in a person with no family history.
How doctors diagnose it
A doctor starts with a physical exam and a detailed family history, looking at the nails, teeth, skin, hands, and feet. Because the features overlap with other conditions, doctors may need to rule out similar syndromes. A genetic test can confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
There is no cure; treatment focuses on managing each symptom. A dermatologist can help with dry or thickened skin, and a dentist can treat missing or misshapen teeth. Blocked tear ducts may be treated by an ophthalmologist, and joined or shortened fingers and toes by a surgeon. People who sweat less should avoid overheating.
When to see a doctor
Anyone with unexplained nail, tooth, skin, or hand and foot differences should talk to a doctor. Children with several of these features should be checked. Signs of overheating, such as dizziness or flushing, deserve prompt attention.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can spend extra time on complex conditions, manage routine care, and coordinate referrals to specialists.
Common questions
Is adult syndrome dangerous?
Most features of adult syndrome affect appearance and comfort rather than overall health. Some people have trouble sweating, which can lead to overheating that needs attention. Regular medical care helps manage any problems that come up.
Can I pass adult syndrome to my children?
If you have the condition, each child has a chance of inheriting it. This is because it is an autosomal dominant condition. A genetic counselor can explain the exact chances and offer testing options before or during pregnancy.
How common is adult syndrome?
It is extremely rare, with only a small number of families reported worldwide. Because it is so uncommon, many doctors rely on genetic testing to confirm the diagnosis.
Will my symptoms be the same as my parent's?
Not necessarily. Even people in the same family can have very different features. Some have mild nail changes while others have more noticeable differences in the hands, teeth, or skin.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
