Jewish Skin Disorders

Skin disorders are among the earliest medical conditions mentioned in the Bible, and detailed discussions of their treatment are found in the Talmud. Today, a number of genetic skin disorders affect Jewish people, particularly those of Ashkenazic ancestry.

History

• A replica of the temple in Jerusalem

  The Book of Leviticus (Chapter 14) describes a skin condition known as tsara'at, often translated as leprosy, which is diagnosed by a Kohen, a member of the priestly family. Treatment includes shaving the affected area, quarantine and ritual cleansing. The Talmud and later Rabbinical commentators associate this disease with the sin of gossip and character assassination. Scientific advances in the 20th century prompted Jewish leaders to promote widespread testing to identify genetic markers for several conditions that affect Jews in particular.

Niemann-Pick Disease

• A neurological disorder first identified in 1914, Niemann-Pick Disease affects about 1 in 40,000 Ashkenazi Jews. It is identified partly by yellowish-brown pigmented skin.

Bloom's Syndrome

• Although incidence of Bloom's Syndrome is comparatively rare, about 1 percent of all Ashkenazi Jews carry the defective gene, particularly males of Polish origin. Bloom's Syndrome is marked by pigmented skin lesions.

Pemphigus Vulgaris

• Jewish adults aged 50 to 60 years who suffer from Pemphigus vulgaris develop lesions and blisters on the face, armpits and other areas of the body. This condition is generally not serious, but it may become fatal if not treated properly.

Fanconi Anemia

• Like Tay-Sachs syndrome, both parents must be carriers of the genetic condition Fanconi anemia to have a child affected by the disorder. A fatal condition, Fanconi anemia usually appears by late adulthood and is characterized by cafe-au-lait-like or suntanlike discoloration of the skin.

Diagnosis and Treatment

• Diagnosis of a condition by a doctor

  Like all ethnic groups, Jews suffer from a variety of skin disorders, some of which may be alleviated with simple topical treatments. Others are indicative of more serious genetic issues.