Cutaneous manifestations of internal disease

The skin mirrors the individual's well being. Visible for both the patient and the attending physician, it can be a source of information for the diagnosis of multi-system diseases and diseases of internal organs. Therapy is usually directed at the primary disease. Pharmaco-therapeutic options for internal diseases are at present not always optimal and specific management of side effects of drugs with vital indication may be necessary. Better understanding of the mechanisms of the cutaneous manifestations may help develop more efficacious, better tolerated therapy and improve the patient's situation.

Section editor:Michael Roberts – School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Australia