Year: 2026
Type: review
Abstract: Dercum's disease (DD) is a rare condition characterized by intense, asymmetrical, chronic burning pain localized in adipose tissue, often accompanied by subcutaneous fat nodules, leading to a significant reduction in quality of life. It typically affects overweight or obese adults between 35 and 50 years of age, with a marked female predominance. Despite numerous hypotheses proposed over time, the pathophysiology of DD remains poorly understood. Diagnosis is particularly challenging, as it relies solely on clinical evaluation. Given the overlapping features with other conditions, including symptoms, clinical course and inheritance pattern, a differential, accurate, and timely diagnosis is essential for the effective management of DD. Current treatment strategies focus primarily on pain relief, reflecting the still uncomplete understanding of DD etiopathogenesis. This review provides an updated overview of the current knowledge on DD, with particular emphasis on recent advances in pharmacological treatment strategies.
Source: Life
DOI: 10.3390/life16020290
Authors: Francesca Gorini, Alessio Coi, Alice Verdelli, Elisabetta Magnaterra, Manfredi Magliulo, Luca Sanna, Virginia Corti, Simone Landini, Marta Donati, Irene Bonanni, Rachel Daher, Alberto Corrà, Cinzia Pupilli, Elena Biancamaria Mariotti, Valentina Ruffo di Calabria, Alessandro Magnatta, Marzia Caproni
Institutions: Istituto di Fisiologia Clinica, National Research Council, Azienda Usl Toscana Centro, University of Florence, IRCCS Azienda Ospedliero-Universitaria di Bologna Policlinico di Sant'Orsola, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Ospedale San Bortolo, Azienda USL Toscana Nord Ovest, Azienda Sanitaria Locale di Asti
Language: English
Topic: Skin Diseases and Diabetes
Subfield: Dermatology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
OpenAlex ID: W7128375726