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Friday, August 25, 2006

The Tan and Salt Craving of Addison's Disease.

Hyperpigmentation seen in primary Addison's Disease is caused by an excess of ACTH secreted by the pituitary gland in an effort to stimulate the adrenal gland to produce cortisol. This can be an all-over tan or in areas of pressure such as the waistline, braline, pantyline, knuckles, knees, toes, or elbows. Also seen in autoimmune Addison's Disease is Vitiligo, or areas of pigment loss.

http://www.umm.edu/endocrin/addison.htm

The craving for salt is due to a lack of aldosterone, another hormone produced by the adrenal glands, which controls sodium, potassium and other electrolytes. The medicine prescribed for this problem is Florinef.

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