Abstract
Cutaneous changes in acromegaly result from excess GH and IGF-1 action on skin cells
and adnexae. Skin puffiness due to dermal glycosaminoglycan accumulation and edema
are most prominent in the face, hands and feet. Oily skin with large pores, hypertrichosis,
and excessive sweating are common features. Pigmented skin tags, acanthosis nigricans,
and psoriasis are also encountered. Alteration in skin capillaries produce increased
vasoconstriction. Discerning these changes contributes to early diagnosis and treatment
of this high-morbidity disorder. Controlling GH and IGF-1 over-secretion alleviates
most cutaneous manifestations of acromegaly; however, regression may be incomplete.
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© 2006 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
