The skin and internal disease : the importance of looking beyond the skin

Abstract

The skin is the largest organ in the human body. It has important 'local' roles such as protecting internal structures from potentially harmful factors in the environment but in addition is very much an integral part of the body and has a complex structure endowed with a rich blood supply and elaborate immune system. It is therefore not surprising that the skin and its appendages can be affected by a wide range of diseases of other organ systems. Correct diagnosis of cutaneous manifestations may be of immense help in the diagnosis of underlying medical conditions. This article will focus on a selection of skin problems and discuss their associations with internal disease and also briefly review skin manifestations of certain disease states. Topics likely to be relevant to a general medical audience are emphasised.