Obesidad y piel / Obesity and skin

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Obesity is a growing global health problem; it may even be one of the worst public health issues. In Chile, 34.4% of the population is obese, therefore, is it important for clinicians to be aware of all the consequences of obesity. In this review, we will address the relation of four main dermatologic conditions with obesity psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, acanthosis nigricans and malignant melanoma. Material and methods: Search in pubmed for obesity and psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, acanthosis nigricans and malignant melanoma. Results: Obesity has a direct impact in the prevalence and severity of psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, acanthosis nigricans. The reduction on body weight has proven to reduce severity of psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa. Obese patients with psoriasis have a higher risk on adverse effects due to medication and less effectiveness of biological medications. Acanthosis nigricans is a clinical indicator of insulin resistance and a risk predictor for those with greater risk to develop diabetes in the future. The relationship between obesity and malignant melanoma is not clear and needs further research. Conclusion: Obesity is increasing, dermatologist will face this condition more frequently, it has a great impact over psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, acanthosis nigricans and malignant melanoma, thus it should be considered in treatment decisions. (AU)