Objective: To determine the frequency of various skin manifestations in adult obese patients at a tertiary care dermatology unit.
Patients & Methods: The study was conducted in the Dermatology out patients department (OPD) of Dow University Hospital Karachi from March - August 2013. All obese patients (BMI>25Kg/m2) of both sexes presenting with various skin problems were included in the study. Complete history including demographic details was recorded and a thorough general physical and cutaneous examination was performed. Laboratory investigations included complete blood count, fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels, HbA1C, lipid profile and thyroid function tests. Other hormonal profile & ultrasound of ovaries was performed where indicated.
Results: A total of 94 patients were included in the study. Frequency of various skin diseases in these patients were striae 51.1%, acanthosis nigricans 38.3%, acne 35.1%, skin tags 34.4%, followed by intertrigo 22.6%, tinea in 20.2% and folliculitis in 15.1%. Diabetes was seen in 28%, dyslipidemia in 7.2%, hypothyroidism in 14.2% while polycystic ovaries was diagnosed in 19.5% patients.
Conclusion: Obesity is related to various skin problems and special attention should be given to the care of obese patients as some skin problems may point to an underlying systemic disease like diabetes, hypothyroidism or polycystic ovary syndrome.
Key words: Obesity, Dermatoses, Diabetes, Acanthosis nigricans
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