Mucocutaneous findings in patients with cerebral palsy: A cross-sectional observational study

Abstract

Introduction: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a condition characterized by abnormal muscle tone or posture and coordination. It is caused due to injury to the immature brain usually at or before birth. Speech, cognition, visual, and other neurological problems have been studied in this disorder. However, dermatological and mucosal changes seen in CP have rarely been studied. Materials and Methods: Mucocutaneous findings of CP patients visiting a rehabilitation center on two different visits were analyzed by two dermatologists. Results: Trauma, motor incoordination and deformities, drug-related side effects, and cognitive and behavioral impairment are the major causes of various cutaneous and mucosal changes seen in CP patients. Conclusion: Our study finds majority of dermatoses are secondary to cerebral palsy and they are preventable.