Characteristic facies: An index of the disease

Shilpa Kanathur, Sacchidanand Sarvajnyamurthy, Savitha A Somaiah

 Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Banglore, India

Correspondence Address:
Shilpa Kanathur
Departmentof Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy No. 52, OPD, B Block, Victoria Hospital, BMC and RI Bangalore - 560 002
India

Reading face is an art. This art has significance in dermatology, a visual specialty. In medical context, facies are distinctive facial expressions associated with specific medical conditions. Here, we have compiled a list of characteristic facies that can aid in diagnosing many diseases and syndromes^[40][Figure - 1], [Figure - 2], [Figure - 3], [Figure - 4], [Figure - 5], [Figure - 6] [Table - 1].

Figure 1: Cachetic facies of human immunodeficiency virus infection

Figure 2: HAART induced gaunt facies with sunken cheeks

Figure 3: Leonine facies of lepromatous leprosy

Figure 4: Mask-like facies of scleroderma

Figure 5: Mongoloid/flat facies of Down's syndrome

Figure 6: Steroid-induced moon facies in a child of nephrotic syndrome

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