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Skin function and skin disorders in Parkinson's disease
M Fischer1, I Gemende, W C Marsch
1Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Martin-Luther-University, Halle, Saale, Federal Republic of Germany. matthias.fischer@medizin.uni-halle.de
Journal of Neural Transmission (Vienna, Austria : 1996)
|April 21, 2001
Summary
Cutaneous symptoms like seborrhoea (oily skin) and hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) are common in Parkinson's disease patients. Autonomic skin dysregulation, including flushing, is also frequently observed.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Dermatology
- Bioengineering
Background:
- Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting motor function.
- Cutaneous manifestations, including seborrhoea and hyperhidrosis, are increasingly recognized in PD patients.
- Autonomic dysfunction is a known non-motor symptom of PD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of seborrhoea and hyperhidrosis in treated Parkinson's disease patients.
- To explore the relationship between these cutaneous symptoms and PD.
- To assess potential autonomic dysregulation in the skin of PD patients.
Main Methods:
- Utilized non-invasive bioengineering techniques: sebumetry, corneometry, and pH measurement.
- Evaluated skin parameters on the forehead, sternum, and forearm in 70 PD patients and 22 controls.
- Recorded concomitant dermatoses and patient medication history.
Main Results:
- Seborrhoea was infrequent (18.6%) in treated PD patients; however, hyperhidrosis was common (n=36).
- Patients with hyperhidrosis exhibited significantly lower forehead pH values.
- A notable incidence of flushing (31.9%) and rosacea (18.8%) suggests impaired vasostability.
Conclusions:
- While seborrhoea is uncommon in treated PD patients, hyperhidrosis is frequently observed.
- Skin pH alterations in hyperhidrotic PD patients indicate potential autonomic dysregulation.
- Flushing and rosacea point towards a significant, understudied aspect of autonomic skin dysfunction in Parkinson's disease.