Common Dermatologic Disorders in Down Syndrome: Systematic Review

September 2021

Megan Lam, Justin D. Lu, Levi Elhadad, Cathryn Sibbald, Raed Alhusayen

alopecia areata atopic dermatitis hidradenitis suppurativa syringomas dermatologic disorders Down syndrome autoimmune skin disorders connective tissue skin disorders

Studysummary This review found an increased prevalence of common skin disorders, such as infectious and inflammatory conditions, in patients with Down syndrome and highlighted the need for improved screening and management guidelines. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

This systematic review identified an increased prevalence of various dermatologic disorders in patients with Down syndrome (DS), including atopic dermatitis (19.7%), hidradenitis suppurativa (3.2%), alopecia areata (7.4%), and syringomas (21.2%). The study reviewed 40 observational studies and 99 case reports, highlighting the need for improved screening and management guidelines for dermatologic conditions in this population. Early diagnosis and treatment could benefit patients with DS, who are prone to infectious, inflammatory, autoimmune, and connective tissue skin disorders.

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Research cited in this study

2 / 2 results

research Janus Kinase Inhibition in Down Syndrome: Two Cases of Therapeutic Benefit for Alopecia Areata

32 citations , April 2019 in “JAAD case reports”

This study discusses the immune dysregulation observed in individuals with Down syndrome, highlighting their increased risk for autoimmune skin conditions, but does not yet clarify the molecular mechanisms behind this profile.

research Alopecia Areata in Down Syndrome: A Clinical Evaluation

22 citations , May 2005 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

This article discusses alopecia areata in individuals with Down syndrome and reports no new clinical findings.