Pachyderma

Pachyderma
Synonyms	Elephantiasis
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Thickening of the skin, swelling
Complications	Infection, disfigurement
Onset	Gradual
Duration	Long-term
Types	N/A
Causes	Lymphatic obstruction, chronic inflammation
Risks	Lymphatic filariasis, repeated skin infections
Diagnosis	Clinical examination, biopsy
Differential diagnosis	Lymphedema, lipodermatosclerosis
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Compression therapy, surgery, antibiotics
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Variable, depends on underlying cause
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Pachyderma is a medical condition characterized by the thickening of the skin. The term is derived from the Greek words 'pachys' meaning 'thick' and 'derma' meaning 'skin'. This condition can occur in various diseases and is not a disease in itself.

Causes

Pachyderma can be caused by a variety of conditions, including lymphedema, elephantiasis, and pachydermoperiostosis. It can also be a symptom of systemic diseases such as hypothyroidism and acromegaly.

Symptoms

The main symptom of pachyderma is the thickening of the skin. This can occur anywhere on the body, but is most commonly seen on the hands, feet, and face. Other symptoms can include changes in skin color, increased sweating, and skin that feels rough or waxy.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of pachyderma is usually based on the physical appearance of the skin. In some cases, a biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.

Treatment

Treatment for pachyderma depends on the underlying cause. This can include treating the systemic disease causing the condition, or managing symptoms with medications and skin care.

See also

• Dermatology
• Skin disease