Impact of venous disorders on skin in obese people: a narrative review

Abstract

Objective: To understand the impact of venous disorders on the skin in obese people. Bibliographic Review: Obesity alters an individual's inflammatory state and increases the risk of developing chronic venous insufficiency. Skin hyperpigmentation may be due to chronic venous insufficiency; risk factors include obesity, advanced age, sedentary lifestyle and venous thrombosis. The main symptoms include swelling in the legs, pain, throbbing, burning and tingling. The pigmentation observed in stasis dermatitis is due to the deposit of hemosiderin and melanin pigment in the skin; the dysregulation of melanin metabolism is related to phlogistic events occurring in the dermis. Diagnosis is based on physical examination and dermatological manifestations include papules and erythemeous, desquamative and bilateral discolored on the lower legs. In relation to treatment, it is necessary to treat the underlying cause. Final considerations: The multifactorial impact that obesity has on skin physiology and the various pathological complications serve to demonstrate the harmful effects of this condition. The understanding of diagnosis and treatment is extremely important to prevent its progression and future comorbidities.