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[Erythema following malnutrition and exposure to sunlight]
B K Ballmer-Weber1, L R Braathen, P E Ballmer
1Dermatologische Klinik, Universitätsspital Zürich.
Abstract:
We report the case of a 19-year-old female patient with a history of anorexia nervosa. The patient suffered from a burning, symmetrical and well defined erythematous rash with hyperpigmentation on light-exposed skin areas and pressure points. The patient's nutritional assessment revealed severe malnutrition with a low-protein and corn-based diet. The history of vitamin and protein deficiency, together with the typical cutaneous findings, confirmed the diagnosis of pellagra. The clinical features and pathogenesis of the disease are discussed.