Resources | Adult Down Syndrome Center

Sunscreen Use

Author: Brian Chicoine, MD - Medical Director, Adult Down Syndrome Center

When the summer months approach, many of us stock up on sunscreen and other products to protect our skin from the sun. While we tend to associate sun exposure with the warmer seasons, we need to prote

Story About Grooming/Hygiene for Girls

Author: Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L

This visual handout explains what we need to do to take care of our bodies.

Story About Grooming/Hygiene for Boys

Author: Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L

This visual handout explains what we need to do to take care of our bodies.

Comorbidity Screening in Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Evidence-Based Recommendations from the US and Canadian Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundations

Author: Garg et al. (2022) - Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

Abstract Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is associated with comorbidities that contribute to poor health, impaired life quality, and mortality risk. Objective: T

Testicular Cancer

Author: Brian Chicoine, MD - Medical Director, Adult Down Syndrome Center

Key Points Testicular cancer is more common in men with Down syndrome compared to men without Down syndrome. Health care providers can check for testicular cancer during an annual physical exam. Testi

Menstrual Hygiene

Author: Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L and Hannah Graham, MD - Adult Down Syndrome Center

One topic that comes up frequently at the Adult Down Syndrome Center is menstrual hygiene. Women with Down syndrome and their caregivers often ask us about strategies to make periods easier or even to

Adaptive Clothing

Author: Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L - Occupational Therapist, Adult Down Syndrome Center

Dressing can be difficult for some individuals with Down syndrome, in part because bilateral coordination and dexterity skills can be challenging for many individuals with Down syndrome. I ha

Down Syndrome and Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Author: The Society for Pediatric Dermatology - Patient education

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin condition that causes painful bumps under the skin. The handout linked below was developed by the Society for Pediatric Dermatology . Informa

Dermatologic Conditions in Down Syndrome

Author: Ryan et al. - Pediatric Dermatology (2021)

Abstract Down syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosomal condition and affects many organs including the skin. Dermatologists are an integral part of the DS care team. This is a review of both commo

Possible Causes of Hair Loss

Author: Brian Chicoine, MD - Medical Director, Adult Down Syndrome Center

Hair loss can occur for many reasons. Some of these may include: Age is a common cause not only for men but for women, too. Alopecia is an autoimmune condition (condition in which the body&a

Bathing and Showering Tips

Author: Natalie Rivera, OTS and Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L - Occupational therapy student and occupational therapist

Bathing and showering may be difficult for some individuals with Down syndrome for many reasons. Below are a variety of adaptive strategies and equipment to promote safety and independence with this s

Skin Conditions in Down Syndrome

Author: Down Syndrome Center of Western Pennsylvania - Podcast

The medical director of the Down Syndrome Center of Western Pennsylvania, Kishore Vellody, MD, hosts a podcast that focuses on a wide range of issues related to Down syndrome. In the video episodes li

Tips for Washing and Rinsing Hair in the Shower

Author: Adult Down Syndrome Center

Some families have shared with us that washing and rinsing hair can be a challenging task for their loved ones with Down syndrome. We have compiled a list of suggestions from families for mak

Folliculitis and Boils in People with Down Syndrome

Author: Adult Down Syndrome Center

Folliculitis and boils are two skin conditions that are more common in people with Down syndrome than in people without Down syndrome. The article below describes these conditions, how they are diagno

Pneumonia and Respiratory Infections in Down Syndrome: A Scoping Review of the Literature

Author: Santoro et al. - American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A (2020)

Abstract Pneumonia and respiratory infections impact infants and children with Down syndrome; pneumonia is a leading cause of mortality in adults with Down syndrome. We aimed to review the literature

Dermatologic Conditions in Down Syndrome: A Single-Center Retrospective Chart Review

Author: Rork et al. - Pediatric Dermatology (2020)

Abstract Background: Current literature addressing dermatologic conditions associated with Down syndrome is limited, with emphasis on rare skin conditions and lack of consensus on the incide

Lotion Options

Author: Adult Down Syndrome Center

Some people do not like the feeling of lotion or creams. This handout shows examples of lotions that can be used on wet skin and lotions that can be sprayed on skin.

Cancer Screening in Adults with Down Syndrome: A Proposal

Author: Rethore et al. - European Journal of Medical Genetics (2019)

Abstract Background : The specific distribution of cancers in Down syndrome (DS) calls into question the validity of screening policies for cancer surveillance as implemented for the general populatio

Benefits and Harms of Mammography Screening for Women with Down Syndrome

Author: Alagoz et al. - Journal of General Internal Medicine (2019)

Abstract Background: Women with Down syndrome have a lower breast cancer risk and significantly lower life expectancies than women without Down syndrome. Therefore, it is not clear whether m