Symptom Finder - Skin Thickening
SKIN THICKENING
Diffuse thickening of the skin is typical of myxedema, whereas thickening of the skin of the hands and face is also found in scleroderma and hereditary osteoarthropathy. Thickening of the skin of the lower legs is found in lymphedema and carcinoid syndrome. If the thickening is primarily localized to the face, consider the possibility of Chagas disease and porphyria cutanea tarda.
Approach to the Diagnosis
If myxedema is suspected, a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test and FT4 test can be ordered. If scleroderma is suspected, order an ANA, anticentromere antibody titer, or a skin biopsy. Urine for porphyrins will help to identify porphyria. Carcinoid syndrome can be identified by a urine test for 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (HIAA).
Diffuse thickening of the skin is typical of myxedema, whereas thickening of the skin of the hands and face is also found in scleroderma and hereditary osteoarthropathy. Thickening of the skin of the lower legs is found in lymphedema and carcinoid syndrome. If the thickening is primarily localized to the face, consider the possibility of Chagas disease and porphyria cutanea tarda.
Approach to the Diagnosis
If myxedema is suspected, a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test and FT4 test can be ordered. If scleroderma is suspected, order an ANA, anticentromere antibody titer, or a skin biopsy. Urine for porphyrins will help to identify porphyria. Carcinoid syndrome can be identified by a urine test for 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (HIAA).