Mal de Meleda – through history and today

Meleda disease is an indigenous dermatological disease classified as a hereditary palmoplantar keratoderma. The disease was first described on the island of Mljet, Croatia, by Luko Stulli in 1826. We present a historical review of the literature data throughout the centuries till today. Recently, the gene responsible for the disease has been identified on chromosome 8qter within the cluster of Ly-6 homologous human genes. Various mutations in the secreted LY6/PLAUR-related protein1 gene (SLURP1) located on the aforementioned chromosome were identified as the cause of the disease. Due to similarity between the islands of Malta and Mljet, we are proud of the fact that, to the credit of Croatian researchers and scientists, Mal de Meleda entered the international scientific literature under that very name and has preserved it until today.