Page 69 - JCBP-1-2

Journal of Clinical and
Basic Psychosomatics Prevalence of skin disorders in patients with schizophrenia

Table 3. Most common classes of dermatoses
Class Diagnosis n
Photo-aggravated dermatoses Polymorphous light eruption, photosensitive dermatitis, melasma, freckles, generalized 30
hyperpigmentation, Favre-Racouchot syndrome, and tanning
Benign skin growth Melanocytic naevi, dermal naevi, seborrheic keratosis, cherry angiomas, syringomas, and verrucous 25
epidermal naevi
Others Keloid, acne scars, post-varicella scars, linear focal elastosis, mucosal vitiligo, angular cheilitis, papular 19
scars, leukoplakia, geographic tongue, nevus depigmentosus, xerosis, and excoriation marks
Fungal infections Tinea, onychomycosis, pityriasis versicolor, and paronychia 16
Pilosebaceous disorders Acne and rosacea, erythema, and telangiectasias 14
Inflammatory skin diseases Psoriasis, sebopsoriasis, lichen simplex chronicus, annular lesions, seborrhea capitis, keratosis pilaris, 10
associated with itching papular urticaria, and amyloidosis
Hair and nail disorders androgenetic Alopecia, nail pigmentation, Beau’s lines, and melanonychia 9
Obesity/metabolic related Acanthosis nigricans, skin tags, and striae alba 6
Other infections Folliculitis, warts, and trichomycosis 5
Dermatitis passivata - 2

Benign skin growths refer to non-cancerous lesions schizophrenia and has a multifactorial origin . Our study
[16]
that are frequently observed in both clinical and non- underscores the importance of assessing this particular
clinical populations. In our study population, benign group of dermatoses in patients with schizophrenia who
skin growths ranked as the second most prevalent group are also obese.
of skin disorders. These growths can occur across all The association between pilosebaceous disorders,
age groups and in individuals from different cultural particularly acne, and antipsychotics is well-established .
[12]
backgrounds. Therefore, it is essential to differentiate
benign skin growths from malignant lesions . Other This relationship is complex and multifactorial. In
[21]
the context of schizophrenia, these disorders are
disorders such as keloids, acne scars, post varicella scars,
linear focal elastosis, mucosal vitiligo, angular cheilitis, especially troublesome due to their propensity to cause
[23]
papular scars, leukoplakia, geographic tongue, nevus disfigurement .
depigmentosus, xerosis, and excoriation marks were also We identified two patients with dermatitis passivata .
[24]
observed in our study population. Furthermore, patients This finding may reflect the overall clinical status of
with inflammatory skin diseases, hair disorders and nail the study group, as most patients had well-controlled
disorders were commonly observed in the study group. schizophrenia and were on stable doses of medication. It is
These conditions are likely to be incidental and unrelated possible that patients with more severe or poorly controlled
to the effects of schizophrenia or its treatment . schizophrenia may exhibit different and possibly more
[12]
Infections (fungal and non-fungal) were common in our severe dermatological manifestations.
patient population (24.50%). The prevalence of infections 5. Conclusion
in this population can be influenced by various interacting
etiologies. These may include immune abnormalities, Our study emphasizes the importance of psychiatrists being
metabolic syndrome, altered glycemic control, altered skin aware of the high comorbidity between schizophrenia and
microbiome, and lack of general hygiene due to the effects skin disorders. Limitations of the study, as mentioned above,
of the illness . Furthermore, tinea or onychomycosis must include the absence of a control group, the use of a cross-
[22]
be treated, as they are associated with significant morbidity sectional design, and a modest sample size. In addition,
and can be transmitted to family members. Systemic we did not conduct testing for common comorbidities
antifungal treatment is expensive, and if the condition is such as diabetes or assess the association between specific
not promptly and adequately treated, it may become more medication use and dermatological manifestations. These
severe, requiring a longer duration of treatment. limitations may limit the generalizability of the findings.
The prevalence of obesity-associated skin disorders Acknowledgments
was 10.71% in the population diagnosed with obesity. As
previously mentioned, obesity is a common comorbidity in None.

Volume 1 Issue 2 (2023) 4 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcbp.1001