Endocrine-skin interactions. Cutaneous manifestations of pituitary disease, thyroid disease, calcium disorders, and diabetes.

Endocrinologic disorders occasionally manifest themselves by their associated or induced cutaneous abnormalities. In some instances the initial and most prominent complaints of the patient are related to alterations in the skin, and thus the dermatologist will at times be the first physician consulted. In this article we describe the cutaneous lesions that occur in patients with acromegaly, hypopituitarism, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, glucagonomas, hypercalcemia, hypoparathyroidism, and fibrous dysplasia. In addition, we also discuss the role of the skin in vitamin D metabolism. Whenever possible and where known, we have attempted to point out the pathophysiologic mechanisms that account for the cutaneous changes.