Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
Increased risk of atopic dermatitis: Obesity is associated with chronic inflammation in the body, increasing the risk of skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis. The skin of obese people is often prone to dryness, cracking and irritation, leading to worsening symptoms of atopic dermatitis.
Panniculitis
Subcutaneous fat inflammation: Obesity can lead to subcutaneous fat inflammation, causing pain and swelling in affected skin areas. This condition often occurs in areas of thick fat tissue, such as thighs and abdomen.
Black acanthosis (acanthosis nigricans)
Blackhorn thrush: This is a condition where the skin is thick, dark, and wrinkled, often appearing in fold areas of the skin such as the neck, armpits, groin, and finger joints. Blackhorn thrush is often associated with insulin resistance and obesity, and may be a sign of endocrine disorders or diabetes.
Skin infections
Bacterial and fungal infections: Obesity increases the risk of bacterial and fungal skin infections. Folded skin areas, such as under the chest, abdomen and groin, are often damp and hot, creating ideal conditions for the growth of fungi and bacteria, leading to diseases such as candidiasis and folliculitis.
Slow healing of wounds: In obese people, skin wounds may heal slower due to poor blood circulation and chronic inflammation, increasing the risk of infection.
Stretch marks
Rapid skin expansion due to sudden weight gain leads to the appearance of stretch marks. These stretch marks often appear on the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and chest, and can leave permanent scars.
Thick skin and calluses in limbs
Leg calluses and skin thickening: Obesity puts great pressure on the joints and feet, leading to calluses and skin thickening in load-bearing areas. This can cause pain and discomfort when moving.
Folliculitis
Folliculitis: This condition occurs when hair follicles are inflamed by bacteria or fungi. Obese people are at higher risk of folliculitis, especially in skin folds or areas where the skin is heavily exposed to clothing.
Psoriasis
Increased risk of psoriasis: Obesity is associated with the development and severity of psoriasis, an autoimmune disease that causes red, inflamed, and scaly patches of skin. Chronic inflammation in the body of obese people can make psoriasis worse.
Cellulite
Cellulite is a condition of oily skin due to subcutaneous fat being pushed up to the surface of the skin. Obesity increases the amount of subcutaneous fat, making cellulite more obvious, especially in the thighs, buttocks and abdomen.
Psychological influence
Insecurity and anxiety about body image: Skin problems caused by obesity can cause insecurity, anxiety and affect mental health, leading to emotional disorders and affecting the quality of life.
Obesity affects the skin and increases the risk of dermatological diseases through chronic inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and mechanical factors such as skin pressure and skin folds. Maintaining a healthy weight and taking care of the skin properly is important to minimize the negative effects of obesity on skin health.
