While most people see only a change to their skin, an AK can:
Itch;
Burn or sting
Feel tender or painful when touched;
Stick to your clothing, causing discomfort'
Bleed;
Fatigue and sluggishness;
Increased sensitivity to cold;
Increased sleepiness;
Constipation;
Muscle weakness;
Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness;
Irregular or excessive menstrual bleeding;
Depression;
Problems with memory or concentration;
Dry skin;
Joint pain and stiffness;
Swelling of the thyroid (goiter);
A puffy face;
Brittle nails;
Hair loss;
Enlargement of the tongue;
Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis
Insulin Resistance
Extreme thirst or hunger;
Feeling hungry even after a meal;
Increased or frequent urination;
Tingling sensations in hands or feet;
Feeling more tired than usual;
Frequent infections;
Evidence of high blood sugar levels in blood work;
Evidence of high blood sugar levels in blood work;
Keloid
Keratoacanthoma
Lentigo maligna
Macrophage activation syndrome
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)
Melanocytic nevi
Melasma
Milia
Myxoid cyst
Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome
Muscle tone and motor development
Hypotonia (floppiness in infancy)
Delayed motor milestones (sitting, walking)
Need for bracing due to loose ankles
Some children may never walk
Unsteady gait, wide-based walking
Lack of coordination (ataxia), clumsiness
Speech and communication
Severe speech delay
Some can say a few words; many are nonverbal
Better receptive language skills than expressive
Benefit from assistive communication devices (picture boards, tablets)
Some can learn sign language
Cognitive and intellectual development
Moderate to severe intellectual disability
Difficult to assess due to speech and motor issues
Some children may have higher cognitive abilities than reported
Facial and physical features
Wide mouth with full lower lip
Widely spaced teeth
Flared nostrils, broad nasal bridge
Sharp, downturned nasal tip
Mildly cup-shaped ears
Deep-set eyes with upward slant and prominent supraorbital ridge
Cupid’s bow upper lip, full cheeks
Prominent lower face and chin
Features may become more pronounced with age
Breathing abnormalities
Episodes of rapid breathing (hyperventilation)
Periods of breath-holding or apnea crises
Cyanosis (bluish skin due to lack of oxygen)
Triggered by stress, emotions, or fatigue
Typically absent during sleep
Onset varies (7 months to 7 years)
Behavioral traits
Sociable and happy disposition
Frequent laughing and smiling (sometimes inappropriate)
Some children may be quiet or withdrawn
Episodes of aggression, shouting, agitation
Hyperactivity, anxiety, self-injury, shyness
Stereotypic hand movements:
Hand clapping, flapping, flicking, washing, finger crossing
Frequent hand-to-mouth movements
Head shaking, head banging, body rocking
Teeth grinding (bruxism), hair pulling
Repetitive toy play, fixation on specific objects
Seizures and neurological issues
Occur in nearly half of affected individuals
Onset varies (birth to teenage years)
Gastrointestinal issues
Chronic constipation (often severe)
Gastroesophageal reflux (reported in some cases)
Pain sensitivity
High pain threshold
Other medical conditions
Excessive drooling (especially in young children)
Severe nearsightedness (myopia)
Crossed eyes (strabismus)
Astigmatism (abnormal curvature of the eye lens)
Scoliosis (curved spine, in some cases)
Cryptorchidism (undescended testicles in males)
Hand and foot abnormalities
Broad fingertips, tapered fingers, curved pinkies (clinodactyly)
Single crease across the palm
Prominent fetal pads on fingertips and toes
Extra crease or absent crease on the thumb
Some individuals cannot bend the thumb (absent tendon)
Redness and swelling at nail bases
Nail clubbing (blunted nail angle)
Overriding toes
Hands and feet may appear cold or bluish due to cyanosis