Cutaneous findings in children with intellectual disabilities
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1Unit of Dermatology, Oasi Institute (IRCCS) for Research on Intellectual Disabilities and Brain Aging, Troina, Italy. cschepis@oasi.en.it
Insights
Pediatric skin conditions can signal intellectual disabilities (ID) or be unrelated. Dermatological findings in children with ID offer diagnostic clues, define syndromes, or relate to behavior and treatments.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Clinical Genetics
Background:
- Intellectual disabilities (ID) are often associated with complex medical conditions.
- The interplay between skin health and neurodevelopmental outcomes requires further elucidation.
- Pediatric dermatology plays a crucial role in the comprehensive care of children with ID.
Purpose of the Study:
- To revise the connection between pediatric dermatology and intellectual disabilities (ID).
- To categorize the various ways cutaneous manifestations relate to ID in children.
- To highlight the diagnostic and syndromic significance of skin findings in this population.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing published literature.
- Analysis of personal clinical experience with pediatric patients.
- Categorization of cutaneous manifestations based on their relationship to ID.
Main Results:
- Cutaneous manifestations in children with ID can be diagnostic indicators (e.g., neurodermatoses).
- Skin findings may serve as unique signs for complex syndromes.
- Dermatological issues can be linked to behavioral characteristics or be iatrogenic (drug side-effects).
- Some skin conditions are independent of the intellectual disability itself.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric dermatological evaluation is essential for children with intellectual disabilities.
- Skin manifestations provide valuable insights for diagnosis, syndrome identification, and understanding associated factors.
- A comprehensive approach integrating dermatology and developmental pediatrics is recommended.
Abstract:
The link between pediatric dermatology and intellectual disabilities (ID) is revised, according to the author's personal experience and the existing published work. Cutaneous manifestations in children with ID can be: (i) a key element to reach a diagnosis, as in neurodermatoses; (ii) a peculiar sign to define a complex syndrome; (iii) linked to behavioral features; (iv) iatrogenic, caused by drugs, as a side-effect; and (v) independent from ID.