A study of dermatological manifestations of obesity in a tertiary care center

 

Pralhad R Rathod¹, Nachiket Palaskar^2*

 

Abstract              Background: In obesity there is a concomitant increase in many of the associated co-morbidities many of which are seen less frequently in persons with normal body weight. Notably, there has been an increase in dermatologic conditions seen in this special patient population. Aim & objective: To study the cutaenous manifestations in obesity. Methodology: Total 100 patients were studied in OPD of Medicine Department. Data was collected with pretested questionnaire. Data collection included sociodemographic data, detailed history and clinical examination. A detailed skin examination (including hair, scalp and nails) was done. Results & discussion: Out of all patients 38 were males and 62 were females. Mean age of the patients was 37.27± 3.5 years. Mean BMI was 35±4.61 kg/m². The skin (cutaneous) manifestations in obese patients. commonly encountered manifestations were Acanthosis nigricans, Striae, Fungal infections, Bacterial infections, Acrochordons, Viral infections, Hirsutism, Xanthoma, Corn, Plantar hyperkeratosis, Acne, Varicosities, Psoriasis and Callus. Obesity grade II ( BMI >30 kg/m2) was found to be significantly associated with acanthosis nigricans, striae. viral infections and hirsutism (p<0.05).

Key Word: obesity.