A clinical study of cutaneous manifestations in obesity

Abstract

Background: Obesity affects every part of the body and skin is no exception.We have evaluated the various cautaneous manifestations in obesity and analyzed the relation of these disorders with Body mass index (BMI). Methods: Patients were categorised into WHO (World Health Organisation) class of obesity based on thier BMI (Body Mass Index) and the skin manifestations asssociated with each class of obesity were corelated. Results: The various skin disorders associated with obesity in our study included Acanthosis nigricans (46%), Acrochordon (28%), Dermatosis papulosa nigra (18%), abdominal striae (17%) etc. Acanthosis nigricans was the single most common cutaneous manifestation in our study. In Class I and Class II obesity Acanthosis nigricans was the most common cutaneous manifestation and in Class III Acrochordon was the most common cutaneous manifestation. Class I obese patients (48%) were more compared to Class II (35%) and Class III (17%). Conclusion: Obesity is one of the important health problems. It requires a multidisciplinary approach and recognition and control of dermatological complication of obesity helps in reducing the morbidity of the disease.