Cutaneous Clues in Systemic Disease: The Role of Dermatological Manifestations in Internal Medicine and Endocrinology

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Abstract
Skin manifestations frequently represent visible indicators of systemic disease and may provide important diagnostic clues during clinical evaluation. The objective of this review was to analyze the diagnostic value of dermatological manifestations associated with systemic disorders within the fields of internal medicine and endocrinology. A narrative review methodology based on the scientific method was utilized through the analysis of peer-reviewed literature indexed in PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and related biomedical databases. The review included studies focused on endocrine, metabolic, autoimmune, renal, hepatic, infectious, vascular, inflammatory, and neoplastic diseases associated with cutaneous findings. The analyzed evidence demonstrated that endocrine-metabolic disorders represented the most frequent group associated with dermatological manifestations, particularly diabetes mellitus, obesity, metabolic syndrome, thyroid dysfunction, and hyperandrogenic states. Common findings included acanthosis nigricans, xerosis, pigmentation changes, inflammatory rashes, vascular lesions, ulcers, and paraneoplastic dermatoses. Autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus and dermatomyositis also exhibited characteristic cutaneous patterns strongly associated with systemic inflammatory activity. Renal and hepatic diseases frequently presented with xerosis, chronic pruritus, jaundice, and vascular skin lesions, while paraneoplastic dermatoses demonstrated considerable relevance as potential indicators of occult malignancy. The review additionally highlighted the educational and interdisciplinary importance of dermatological examination in medical practice. Recognition of skin findings may improve diagnostic suspicion, facilitate earlier intervention, strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, and support comprehensive patient-centered care. The findings reinforce the concept that the skin functions as a clinically meaningful reflection of systemic disease and should be considered an essential component of physical examination within internal medicine and endocrinology.