Dermatological changes associated with obesity: a literature review

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is a chronic disease that is increasing in prevalence worldwide, and is amajor contributor to health problems in most countries. This comorbidity increases the risk or isassociated with more than 30 medical problems, including dermatological conditions. OBJECTIVE:To discuss the main dermatological changes related to obesity, in order to provide the clinician with anoverview on the subject. METHODOLOGY: This is a systematic literature review study, in which thesearch was performed using the PubMed platform. DISCUSSION: Several changes in the skin andattachments have been linked to obesity, xerosis and changes in trans epidermal water loss; changes incollagen structure and wound healing; in the sebaceous glands and in the production of sebum and inthe sweat glands. In addition to circulatory and lymphatic changes; obesity seems to be the main causeof microvascular dysfunction, contributing to the development of microangiopathy. CONCLUSION:Cutaneous manifestations also deserve due attention, as, on many occasions, it can manifest the firstsign of a metabolic disorder.