My husband has developed waxy skin, especially on his upper chest and shoulders. He has had patches of dry skin on his face for as long as I have known him and also dry scalp, which he self-diagnosed as dandruff.  I was wondering if any of these have anything to do with his diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease and, thanks to Google, learned that his skin issues definitely could be connected.

 Many people with Parkinson’s Disease have skin conditions. For some, it is the dry skin patches or oily waxy skin like my husband is experiencing. He also tells me that he doesn’t sweat, even when exercising, but others within our PD network experience excessive sweating. We have been advised that he is at greater risk for skin cancer, specifically melanoma, and some of our friends are already dealing with this issue.

 Sometimes these changes are caused by medications and can be alleviated with a change in dosing but other times it is simply thought to be the result of the changes in dopamine production in the brain. My husband uses a shampoo to treat his dry scalp and has a cream that he puts on the irritated patches on his face. As to the waxy or oily skin, he showers regularly and otherwise puts up with it. He should be using sunscreen to protect from melanoma but that is a fight I have given up on. He tries to see a dermatologist annually. Knowing that some of his skin challenges pre-dated his diagnosis, perhaps this information will someday help with early diagnosis?

For more information see Skin Changes | Parkinson’s Foundation; and specific to the potential for skin cancer see Parkinson’s Disease & Risk of Cancer | American Parkinson Disease Association (apdaparkinson.org).