Dermatoses in 156 obese adults

Abstract

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.