Issue number 28.1 Other Scientific
Cutaneous manifestations of systemic disease
Published 03/09/2020
Also available in Français , Deutsch , Italiano , Polski , Русский and Español
Common diseases are seen commonly – but we must not forget that rare diseases can occur too. Here Patricia White describes some of the systemic diseases that can present with dermatologic signs, and offers some pointers for a diagnostic approach.
Key Points
The limited ways in which the skin responds to disease may make cutaneous manifestations of systemic disease (CMSD) difficult to recognize.
Clinical signs that wax and wane with or without treatment, or fail to respond to appropriate therapy, should raise suspicion for a CMSD.
Certain distribution patterns and symmetry suggest an internal etiology, and abnormalities noted on general physical exam may be related to the dermatologic condition.
Clinical signs that wax and wane with or without treatment, or fail to respond to appropriate therapy, should raise suspicion for a CMSD.