Dermatoses in 156 obese adults.

BACKGROUND

Skin diseases are mentioned as a frequent finding in the obese patient. However, to our knowledge no study has been done on this subject.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of skin diseases associated with different obesity grades and if any dermatosis can be considered an obesity marker.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study of 156 obese patients who were 110% to 293% overweight were included. Complete medical history and dermatological examination were done.

RESULTS

In the 126 female and 30 male obese patients, grades I to V, with a body mass index (BMI) of 27-51, cutaneous findings with statistical significance for linear trend were: plantar hyperkeratosis 54 patients p = 0.00001; acanthosis nigricans 46 patients p = 0.00005; striae 67 patients p = 0.03; skin tags 69 patients p = 0.01; keratosis pilaris 33 patients p = 0.007. Patients with plantar hyperkeratosis were distributed in the obesity groups as follows: grade I = 3 patients; grade II = 7 patients; grade III = 8 patients; grade IV = 17 patients; and grade V = 19 patients. Of the 76 diabetic patients, 26 had acanthosis nigricans, 38 had skin tags, and 27 had plantar hyperkeratosis.

DISCUSSION

Plantar hyperkeratosis should be considered as a cutaneous stigma of severe obesity. This is probably a result of pressure directly related to the excess weight.