Comprehensive Guide To The Symptoms Of POEMS Syndrome

Skin Changes

Another common symptom that occurs in individuals with POEMS syndrome is skin changes. Some common skin changes include hyperpigmentation, or abnormal darkening of the skin; hypertrichosis, or excessive growth of hair; and sclerosis, or the thickening and hardening of the skin. Other physical abnormalities that occur in patients with POEMS syndrome include hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating, and extremities that appear dusky or dark. The excessive monoclonal proteins or M-proteins in the bloodstream of patients with POEMS syndrome can stick together and deposit in the skin. A condition called Raynaud's disease may also occur in individuals with POEMS syndrome. This is where blood vessels in the hands and feet experience spasms that result in reduced blood flow to the area. These spasms occur as a reaction to stress or drastic changes in temperature. In addition, general widespread inflammation of the skin commonly occurs in POEMS syndrome patients. This causes rubor in the skin or appears as redness in the skin.