Overview

Many skin disorders occur more frequently and with increased severity in people with Down syndrome, e.g. dry skin, folliculitis etc. The treatment of the skin disorders is the same as for the general population.

Some rare conditions may be representative of an underlying systemic condition in Down syndrome, warranting further investigations e.g.

• Leukaemia cutis or neonatal blistering eruptions may represent a marker for transient myeloproliferative disorders.
• Carotenemia is an orangish hue discolouration involving the palms and soles of the feet and the nasolabial folds but sparing the sclera. This may occasionally be associated with hypothyroidism, myelodysplasia and diabetes, although more commonly is due to a diet rich in Beta carotene.
• Elastosis perforans serpiginosa: scaly red papules a few millimetres across, arranged in lines or rings a few centimetres across. These usually resolve spontaneously but may be a marker of Moya Moya disease (which is more common in Down syndrome than in the general population).

 

Last updated: Dr Liz Herrieven  2024

DSMIG Guidance

 

The treatment of the skin disorders is the same as for the general population. The conditions that may be associated with systemic conditions should be investigated promptly.

Presentations at DSMIG Meetings

Materials from meetings are available for members only who need to log in to access them. For details on how to become a member click here.

Additional Resources

Ryan C, Vellody K, Belazarian L, Rork JF. Dermatologic conditions in Down syndrome. Pediatr Dermatol. 2021; 38: 49–57 https://doi.org/10.1111/pde.14731

Dermatological Manifestations of Down’s Syndrome Madan V, Williams J, Lear JT (2006) . Clin Exp Dermatol 31:623-629.

 

Book Chapter – Dermatological manifestations

Sheila M Clark and Laura Savage

in
Down Syndrome – Current Perspectives

Edited by Richard Newton , Shiela Puri and Liz Marder