SKIN LESION AND DISEASES IN OBESITY - PART I: THE SKIN DISORDERS RELATED TO INSULIN RESISTANCE AND SECONDARY INFECTIONS

Obesity is a growing problem in most developed countries and is responsible for a significant degree of morbidity and mortality. Based on the WHO recommendations, BMI between 25 and 29.99 indicates overweight; BMI above than or equal to 30 indicates obesity, and BMI above than or equal to 40 points shows severe or morbid obesity. Clinically, obesity is defined as the accumulation of excess body fat to the extent that it may have adverse effects on health. The consequences of obesity is not only an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer development, but also the occurrence of disorders affecting the skin and subcutaneous tissue. It causes a dysfunction of the epidermal-dermal barrier (secondary superinfection), increased secretion of sebum and sweat (↑ pH of sweat and the skin), abnormal micro- and macrocirculation, lymph circulation and delayed wound healing. These disturbations are the skin disorders related to insulin resistance (acanthosis nigricans, acrochordons, keratosis pilaris, hyperandrogenism, hirsutism), predisposition to mechanical injuries (plantar keratosis, stretch marks, cellulitis, lymphatic edema, chronic venous insufficiency) and secondary infections (intertrigo infections, yeast and fungal infections, bacterial inflammation of subcutaneous tissue). However obesity can exacerbate some diseases including psoriasis, acne inversa, gout, chronic venous insufficiency. The purpose of this article is to highlight the association between obesity and dermatologic conditions. We presented skin diseases related to insulin resistance and secondary infections due to obesity.