Bulimia and anorexia nervosa: cutaneous manifestations

Bulimia and anorexia nervosa (BN, AN) are considered psychiatric disorders that have physical complications. Several factors may play a role in the onset of AN and BN, including a familial predisposition to these disorders, as well as individual personality characteristics. Dissatisfaction with body shape and an overwhelming desire to be thin are considered as risk factors for the development of eating disorders. Skin changes are characteristic and are cardinal diagnostic symptoms and pointers to the diagnosis of eating disorders. They are a consequence of starvation and/or malnutrition, self-induced vomiting, drug consumption and concomitant psychiatric illness. A careful examination of the skin can suggest a diagnosis of eating disorder. Cosmetic dermatologists, whose patients are mostly women, have a unique opportunity to detect these signs. This is very important as an early diagnosis will influence prognosis.