Related Experiment Videos
The dermatosis of kwashiorkor in young children
1Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853.
Insights
Flaky paint dermatosis is a skin condition seen in children with kwashiorkor, a severe form of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM). This characteristic rash, when present with edema, is a definitive sign of kwashiorkor.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Dermatology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Kwashiorkor is a severe form of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) affecting young children.
- A distinctive dermatosis, termed "flaky paint" dermatosis, is frequently observed in children with kwashiorkor.
- This skin condition is not present in nutritional marasmus, another severe form of PEM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the characteristic dermatosis associated with kwashiorkor.
- To differentiate this dermatosis from other conditions in malnourished children.
- To highlight the diagnostic significance of "flaky paint" dermatosis in kwashiorkor.
Main Methods:
- Clinical observation of dermatological manifestations in children with kwashiorkor.
- Comparison of skin findings between kwashiorkor and nutritional marasmus.
- Evaluation of the pathognomonic value of "flaky paint" dermatosis in the context of edema.
Main Results:
- "Flaky paint" dermatosis typically appears in areas of friction or pressure (e.g., groin, buttocks, elbows).
- Lesions present as dark, peeling patches resembling "flaky paint" over atrophic, depigmented skin.
- The presence of "flaky paint" dermatosis along with edema is pathognomonic for kwashiorkor.
Conclusions:
- "Flaky paint" dermatosis is a significant clinical sign in kwashiorkor.
- While not always present, its occurrence with edema strongly indicates kwashiorkor.
- This dermatosis serves as a valuable diagnostic marker for this severe form of malnutrition.
Abstract:
A characteristic dermatosis is often seen in young children suffering from kwashiorkor, one of the severe forms of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM). The skin lesions usually first occur in areas subject to friction or pressure, for example the groin, behind the knees, on the buttocks, and at the elbows; in advanced cases, the dermatosis may be almost anywhere on the body--trunk, limbs, or head. Darkly pigmented patches form, and these may peel or desquamate, rather like old, sun-baked blistered paint. This has led to the terms "peeling paint" or "flaky paint" dermatosis. Underneath these flakes are atrophic depigmented areas that may resemble a healing burn. This dermatosis does not occur in children with nutritional marasmus, the other life-threatening form of PEM. Kwashiorkor may be diagnosed and the condition be serious without any dermatosis being present. However, when "flaky paint" dermatosis is seen in a malnourished child with edema, it is pathognomonic of the disease kwashiorkor.