Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms Include This Warning Sign On The Skin

When nerve cells within your brain die, Parkinson’s disease begins to develop. Oftentimes, its development is hastened by the abnormally low quantities of the chemical dopamine. When you have Parkinson’s disease, your movements may be severely affected.

Parkinson's Disease Motor Symptoms

The major symptoms of this neurological disorder are slowness of movement, tremors, and stiffness of the muscle. Tremors refer to the involuntary shaking of any part of the body, including the head. Other motor symptoms include freezing, falls, and dizziness, as well as muscle cramps.

Non-Motor Symptoms

While Parkinson’s disease is oftentimes associated with involuntary shaking and other motor symptoms, there are also instances when symptoms are not about movement at all. According to Parkinson’s UK, a charitable organization, there are instances when Parkinson’s symptoms can include having oily skin. Your skin glands produce oily substances that are called sebum. This oily substance keeps your skin flexible and supple.

Studies have shown that the skin glands of those who suffer from Parkinson’s disease produce excessive amounts of sebum. This condition is called by health experts as seborrhea. The term refers to the surface of the skin, particularly the scalp and the face, becoming shiny and greasy.

Those suffering from this type of Parkinson’s disease symptom are advised to use a cleanser or mild soap and water when washing. It is also best to steer clear of cosmetic products that may contain alcohol or any other ingredient that can just irritate your skin.

Parkinson’s UK also recommends you consult your doctor or ask a pharmacist as to the best products to use when taking a bath or shower. Another skin problem associated with Parkinson’s disease is seborrhea dermatitis, a condition where areas of your skin become itchy, red, and sore. Oftentimes, this happens to skin areas, such as your forehead, chest, and scalp, where sebaceous glands are plentiful. You may also experience flaking and peeling of the skin.

Your skin may also develop scales or thick crusts. In worst cases, a weeping rash can happen. Those suffering from Parkinson’s disease may also encounter problems with their nervous system. This can lead to excessive sweating, a condition referred to by medical professionals as hyperhidrosis. The sense of smell of patients with Parkinson’s may also be reduced, making them unaware of the smell of their sweat.

If you want to learn more about other non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, you can always visit the website of Parkinson’s UK. Speak to a doctor if you are experiencing many or most of the symptoms. This way, your doctor can prescribe a treatment plan for you.