Skin and Sweating

Outdoors, a perspiring man holds tissues to his face

Changes in the skin are common symptoms in PD. People can develop oily or flaky skin, especially on the face and scalp. Others have trouble with dry skin.

Skin cancer is common in the general population and among those with PD. Studies have shown a two to seven times increased likelihood of developing malignant melanoma in people with PD than the general population. Melanomas are more likely to spread to internal organs as compared to other cancers.

People with PD experience changes to the autonomic nervous system, which controls sweating. Sweating controls temperature regulation; too much (hyperhidrosis) or too little sweating can result in feeling overheated.

Here are some good resources to understand the different skin issues, sweating, and temperature regulation affecting those with PD and how to manage them.

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Seborrheic dermatitis - patches of scaly, irritated skin

Published by American Parkinson Disease Association, July 23, 2019

This webpage highlights seborrheic dermatitis, which causes patches of scaly, red skin and dandruff, primarily on the scalp and oily parts of the face. Also discussed is sweating abnormalities, or sweating dysregulation (either too much or too little), and suggestions to alleviate excessive sweating including medical intervention. Finally, there is mention of the increased risk of developing skin cancer in those with PD. People with PD should be screened by a dermatologist annually.

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Skin and Sweating Problems in Parkinson's

Published by Parkinson's UK, January 2019

People with Parkinson's are more likely than the general population to develop oily skin, seborrhoeic dermatitis, or experience too much or too little sweating. This seven-page booklet briefly describes each problem with tips for managing at home and mentions medical treatments may be available if home measures are insufficient.

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Skin, Scalp and Sweating

Published by Parkinson’s Victoria (Australia)

This single webpage has symptoms and management tips for oily skin and scalp, seborrhoeic dermatitis, and too little or too much sweat.

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Examining the Association, Nature of Skin Disorders in Parkinson Disease

By The American Journal of Managed Care, January 22, 2021

In this six-minute interview, neurologist Nicki Niemann, MD, summarizes a 2021 review article, “Parkinson's Disease and Skin.” Dr. Niemann explains the relationship between melanoma and PD, but states that research firmly refutes there is any association between use of levodopa and development of melanoma. A transcript of the interview is included.

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Skin Changes

Published by Parkinson's Foundation

This short webpage discusses the causes of oily, flaky, or inflamed skin, dry skin, excessive sweating, and too little perspiration with some suggestions for what you can do at home to relieve discomfort. It is not an exhaustive list of treatments. There is also a short blurb about the increased risk of skin cancer, especially melanoma, in those with PD which encourages annual screening by a dermatologist.

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The Skinny on Skin and Bone Health in Parkinson's

By Parkinson's Foundation, December 1, 2021

In the first half of this one-hour webinar, neurologist Nicki Niemann, MD, discusses skin issues in PD, noting that skin disorders are common in PD but often overlooked. Following Dr. Niemann's presentation, metabolic bone disease specialist Kenneth Lyles, MD, talks about bone health in PD, noting that those with PD have four times higher risk of hip fractures than those without.

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Excessive Sweating in Parkinson’s Patients

By Maria De León, MD. Published by defeatparkinsons.com, January 7, 2015

This blog post by neurologist and young onset Parkinson’s patient, Dr. Maria De León, explains why we sweat normally, what goes wrong in Parkinson’s disease, what you can do to minimize sweating, and ways to avoid body odor due to excessive sweating.

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Hyperhidrosis Treatment Overview

Published by International Hyperhidrosis Society

This is the home page for the International Hyperhidrosis Society, a non-profit organization focused on hyperhidrosis, research, treatment options and clinical trials. Their motto: Know Sweat.

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Those with Parkinson's disease are at high risk for melanoma. Check out this US government webpage on how to recognize the features of melanoma.

Skin and Sweating

Skin and Sweating

Skin Changes

Excessive Sweating

Symptoms