What type of illness may be present when patients are presented for skin problems?

When patients present with skin problems, systemic illness may be present due to the skin being an external manifestation of internal health issues. Skin conditions can often be symptoms of underlying systemic diseases such as autoimmune disorders, endocrine abnormalities (like hypothyroidism or Cushing's disease), or even infections that affect the entire body.

Local skin lesions can arise from systemic conditions; for example, a systemic infection can lead to skin-and-soft-tissue infections, or an endocrine disease could cause widespread changes in the skin's appearance. This makes it crucial for veterinary professionals to consider and investigate systemic causes when addressing skin issues, as treating only the skin without recognizing an underlying systemic issue may not resolve the patient's overall health problems.

Chronic, acute, and localized skin conditions are more about the duration or site of the dermatological issue rather than signifying an involvement of other body systems. Hence, systemic illness is vital to consider when diagnosing skin problems.