Cutaneous manifestations of systemic disease

While most patients who present with a rash have no associated systemic illness, many systemic illnesses have skin manifestations at some stage.

This article uses case vignettes to illustrate a problem oriented approach to five commonly presented skin conditions that have common and varied systemic associations. A logical sequence of management for each case is provided.

Often the skin manifestations of systemic disease are vague and nonspecific such as the toxic erythema that might follow a viral infection or a drug eruption. Sometimes it is the systemic manifestations that are vague and nonspecific, while the skin manifestations are highly specific and define the illness. There is currently no useful classification for cutaneous manifestations of systemic disease.