Regarding the orange discoloration which is so evident in your photograph,
this is a non-specific finding known as hyperkeratosis.  Hyperkeratosis is
simply when the skin for one of any number of reasons does not desquamate
as single cells, but as large sheets, and in areas doesn't shed at all.
The collection of keratin and sebum (oil from the skin)yields a orange,
flakiness to the skin.
 
The cause of hyperkeratosis, though, is linked to many conditions and is
not considered specific for any particular disease.  You can see it is
association with adrenal disease, but also with heart disease, bad breath,
bad karma, etc.  Symptomatic treatment with gentle cleansing shampoos
may often improve the situation, but it is often difficult to totally
eradicate it.
 
With kindest regards,
Bruce H. Williams, DVM, DACVP
 
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[Posted in FML issue 3411]