Tobacco use and skin disease

Abstract

Background: The primary objective of this review is to evaluate the mucocutaneous manifestations of tobacco use.

Methods: Computerized literature searches were conducted for English language articles related to skin/mucous membrane disease and use of tobacco. The primary criterion for assessing data quality and validity was the demonstration of a causal relationship between tobacco use and skin/mucous membrane disease.

Results: This review of the literature shows that a number of disorders and diseases of the skin and mucous membranes are related to tobacco use.

Conclusions: Since millions of persons use tobacco despite its well publicized relationship to increased mortality, knowledge of the mucocutaneous morbidity associated with tobacco use may help physicians in counseling their patients.