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ANATOMICAL & PHYSIOLOGICAL
differences

BODY CONDITIONS WITH FACIAL SIMILARITIES
UV-damage: Photodamage and Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
Acne: Active Acne and Acne Scarring
Aging: Wrinkles, Laxity, and Textural Imperfections

The skin on our bodies is exposed to a unique set of conditions due to both intrinsic and extrinsic factors.
FACIAL DIFFERENCES ENCOUNTERED ON THE BODY

Rough texture: Although this occurs on the face, the body displays textural irregularities in a differing fashion. Elbows,
knees, and heels experience a skin cell buildup that lead to extremes in textural changes, and in some people the development
of callouses. In some cases, buildup can be indicative of another condition called ichthyosis (dry, scaly skin).

Xerosis: Also known as dry skin. Xerosis is a caused by a decrease in natural oils in the epidermis coupled with a high
TEWL (Trans-Epidermal Water Loss). The skin is rough, dry, scaly and in advanced cases will also exhibit small cracks
and broken skin integrity. Patients often report itchiness, and the condition is worsened in winter months or in
low-humidity environments. The condition is typically seen on the lower legs, hands, and flank.

Keratosis Pilaris: This common skin condition is harmless but highly emotional for patients. It causes dry, rough patches
and tiny bumps, usually on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks, or buttocks

Tinea Versicolor: A common fungal infection of the skin. The fungus interferes with the normal pigmentation of the skin,
resulting in small, discolored patches.
Keloids: A type of raised scar that occurs where skin has healed after an injury. Keloids can grow to be much larger than the original
injury that caused the scar.

Acanthosis Nigricans (AN): A velvety darkening of the skin often found in body folds and creases like the neck,
underarm, under the breast, and groin. It can be congenital or linked to a disease process like diabetes and
hypothyroidism. It can also be triggered by oral contraceptives. Weight management and insulin regulation are of the
few methods to reduce the condition. This condition is most common in those of African descent.
Stretch Marks (Striae): Caused by rapid expansion of connective tissue with damage resulting in the dermis and
overlying epidermal structures. Striae can appear initially as asymmetric, raised, red linear streaks that in time flatten
and lighten. They are typically found on the hips, thighs, abdomen, and buttocks in patients who are experiencing
rapid development like puberty weight gain or pregnancy. They are more common in females than in males by a 2:1
ratio and are more common in Caucasians. Under the microscope, the tissue closely resembles that of a scar with
changes in collagen fibers from the normal wavy pattern to a more horizontal stacked pattern.

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