We aimed to investigate, the role of sebum and skin surface fatty acids in PD in the first case-control study of this type in any neurological condition. 

Skin changes (e.g. seborrhoea) are a recognized feature of some patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). The relationship between the skin changes in PD is not well understood and has not been analyzed in depth.With the exception of one case study of fatty acid composition of 7 PD patients conducted 47 years ago by Coterill (1971), the research in this area has been non-existent. Coterill investigated the levodopa influence over sebum, in hope that it would decrease sebum level and have a new application as a treatment for seborrhoea in acne. Moreover the skin fatty acid composition has been of limited research interest in other neurological disorders with the exception of a case study on one Refsum disease patient.

Ethical approval was granted.We investigated 56 Irish patients diagnosed with PD as per the UK Brain Bank Criteria and compared them to 55 age-and–gender matched Irish control group.

We used a non-invasive technique (applied on a forehead) to evaluate sebum level and skin fatty acids.By the use of mass spectrometry we quantified 18 fatty acids.

The sebum level was significantly higher in PD versus controls. There was a very interesting persistent association of the low level palmitic acid with PD regardless of the approach. Full results will be presented at AAN.

The known skin abnormalities in PD, conflicting small studies searching for any sebum and levodopa association and lack of skin surface lipids case-control studies prompted the study.

Our novel (in neurology) approach may provide an opportunity for a simple, non-invasive, pain free and cost-effective assessment of the skin surface composition that perhaps may have a role in differentiating PD patients and in the future.