Cushing's Disease & Sores

Cushing's disease is caused by over exposure to high levels of the hormone cortisol. The most common cause of Cushing's disease is taking oral corticosteroid medication, but you can also get this disease if your body naturally makes too much cortisol.

Sores

• One of the most common symptoms of Cushing's disease is pink and purple sores that manifest themselves on the abdomen, thighs, breasts, and arms. Other skin conditions such as bruising and acne are also caused by Cushing's disease.

Symptoms

• Other symptoms of Cushing's disease include: weight gain, depression, anxiety, muscle weakness, headaches, bone loss, high blood pressure, and a fatty hump between the shoulders.

Considerations

• If a patient's Cushing's disease is caused by natural overproduction of cortisol, then it is most likely a sign of a more serious condition. A tumor on the pituitary gland or a primary adrenal gland disease could be the actual cause of cortisol overproduction.

Diagnosis

• Doctors will measure a patient's cortisol levels if he or she expects that the patient is suffering from Cushing's disease. This can be done through either a saliva test, urine test, blood test, or an imaging test.

Treatment

• If a patient's Cushing's disease is caused by an oral medication they may be taking, the doctor may reduce the patient's dosage. If it is caused by natural problems, surgery, radiation therapy, or medications may be needed.