Parkinson's Disease and Skin Problems

Everyone knows about PD and motor symptoms - slowness of movement, freezing, tremors, balance changes, etc. Some know about nonmotor symptoms - anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, blood pressure changes, etc. Did you know that there are symptoms related to the skin with Parkinson's? Lets learn more.

There are a few common skin changes observed with PD. Here are the big 3.

1. Seborrheic Dermatitis

   
   

   This is a common skin condition even in people without PD. It causes patches of scaly, red skin and it also causes dandruff. This commonly occurs on the oily parts of the face. In fact, the cause if suspected to be related to over-secretion of oils from the skin. The oil glands in our body are controlled by our autonomic nervous system, which is impacted by Parkinson's.

   
   

   Seborrheic Dermatitis can be treated with different creams and lifestyle changes. Lifestyle changes include a healthier diet, avoiding harsh soaps, regularly washing your affected area, and limiting creams and lotions that have alcohol.

   
   

2. Sweating Dysregulation

   
   

   Increases in sweating is very common in PD, as some of you might know from experience. Sometimes it occurs without any spike in physical activity, while other times you have an excessive amount of sweating in relation to physical activity. The sweating could be excessive enough that it requires a change of clothes. This is caused again from changes within our autonomic nervous system. In PD, our body had a harder time regulating it's temperature so it produces more sweat in attempts to lower our temperature. Decreases in sweating or a combination of both can also occur in PD.

   
   

   Wearing light clothing, taking showers and baths with cool or lukewarm temperature, staying hydrated, and using cooling bedsheets can help keep you cool. Avoiding sweat triggers including spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol can also help. Sometimes, topical or oral medications may be needed if lifestyle changes do not help. Other times, botox injections may also be needed.

3. Skin Cancer

   
   

   People with PD are at an increased risk of Melanoma. It is important to get yearly screens by your dermatologist, and wear sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing when going outdoors. If you are noticing new moles, take pictures of them to better document any potential changes. If you are seeing old moles get bigger or change colors, contact your doctor ASAP. Moles that are have changed over time, are discolored, have irregular borders, and are larger than a pencil eraser are signs of cancer.

If you are experiencing skin problems, talk with your neurologist and dermatologist.

Sources:

https://www.apdaparkinson.org/article/sweating-and-skin-problems/