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Skin problems in people with obesity
Jenny Brown1, Peter Wimpenny, Hazel Maughan
1School of Nursing and Midwifery, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen. j.brown@arh.grampian.scot.nhs.uk
Nursing Standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987)
|May 27, 2004
Summary
Obesity is linked to significant skin problems like itchiness and dry skin, affecting 75% of patients. Healthcare professionals should include skin assessments in routine obesity care to address this common comorbidity.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Obesity Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Skin conditions are a frequent, yet often overlooked, comorbidity in individuals with obesity.
- Previous research has not fully elucidated the prevalence and nature of dermatological issues within this demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and types of skin problems experienced by patients with obesity.
- To assess the extent to which these patients seek medical advice for their skin concerns.
Main Methods:
- A self-report survey was conducted in a specialist nutrition clinic in Scotland.
- A convenience sample of 100 patients diagnosed with obesity was included in the study.
Main Results:
- A substantial majority (75%) of participants reported experiencing skin problems, primarily itchiness and dry skin.
- Commonly affected areas included the groin, limbs, and areas beneath the breasts, often attributed to perspiration and friction.
- While 59% consulted a doctor, only 16% sought advice from other healthcare professionals, and 25% did not seek any medical guidance.
Conclusions:
- Skin problems represent a significant and underreported comorbidity in patients with obesity.
- Healthcare providers, including nurses, should integrate skin assessments into the routine care of individuals with obesity.
- Further research is warranted to understand the specific impact of these skin conditions on patients' quality of life and weight management efforts.