Dermatologic Manifestations of Endocrine Disorders

The 2012 review emphasizes the significance of dermatologic signs as potential indicators of childhood endocrine disorders, including hormone excess and deficiency/resistance. It notes that skin conditions like acanthosis nigricans, acne, hirsutism, and myxedema can signal endocrine issues such as PCOS, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and thyroid disorders. The skin's role as an endocrine organ suggests it may influence systemic hormonal balance and could be a target for new treatments. Early recognition of dermatologic symptoms is crucial for timely treatment, which can be life-saving, while failure to recognize these signs can delay treatment. The review also underscores the necessity of considering a differential diagnosis for hormonal/dermatologic manifestations to avoid masking underlying conditions with generic treatments and advocates for a collaborative healthcare approach to improve diagnosis and treatment of endocrine disorders.