Peau d’orange is a medical term used to describe thick and pitted skin, often caused by breast cancer, Grave’s disease, or pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE). PXE is a rare genetic disease that causes calcification and fragmentation of elastic fibers in the skin, cardiovascular system, and retina. While peau d’orange may be a symptom of a more serious condition, it is not life-threatening and can be treated with plastic surgery.
Peau d’orange is a French term which literally means “the peel of an orange”. It is often used in medical circles to describe skin that has become thick and pitted, much like that of an orange. There are many reasons a person may develop peau d’orange. Some of the most common are inflammatory breast cancer, Grave’s disease, and Grönblad-Strandberg syndrome, also known as pseudoxanthoma elasticum or PXE.
For a person suffering from breast cancer, peau d’orange is often a late sign of the disease. The skin on the breast thickens and pits slowly, usually with noticeable lumps and pain. This condition occurs during breast cancer because the breasts have swollen to the point that the hair follicles look like dimples. The swelling is caused by lymphatic edema, the accumulation of water in the lymphoid tissue of the breast. Peau d’orange can occur in the breast and not be a sign of breast cancer. Grave’s disease, which creates an overactive thyroid and lymphatic system infection, can create similar symptoms.
Peau d’orange is also a symptom of pseudoxanthoma elasticum. It is a rare genetic disease characterized by calcification and fragmentation of the elastic fibers of the skin, cardiovascular system and retina. PXE sufferers see their skin begin to sag, much like a chicken neck. As their skin sags, the peau d’orange becomes apparent and becomes rough and pitted. The condition manifests itself first on the neck and can spread to areas of the face. As the condition progresses the skin of the neck, as well as the groin, the skin will become soft and wrinkled, while retaining its pockmarked appearance.
In addition to skin problems, people with this condition also experience angioid streaks of the retina. These reddish/brown bands come from calcification of Bruch’s membrane in the retina. While the skin condition associated with PXE is relatively harmless aside from cosmetic concerns, angioid streaks can cause bleeding. These bleeds typically cause permanent loss of central vision, although peripheral vision is never affected by bleeds.
While peau d’orange may be a symptom of a more serious condition, it alone is not dangerous or harmful. While the condition can cause discomfort or embarrassment, it is not, in itself, life-threatening. Many times those with PXE or other conditions that can cause peau d’orange may require plastic surgery to remove the sagging skin, bumps, and other aspects of the condition.
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