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Updated: Nov 1, 2025

A Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Eating Disorder Analysis and Diagnosis
Published on: May 10, 2022
Skin signs in eating disorders: a literature review
Tonia Samela1,2, Francesca Sampogna3, Mariantonietta Fabbricatore4
1Istituto Dermopatico Dell'Immacolata, (IDI) IRCCS, Rome, Italy. tonia.samela@gmail.com.
Purpose:
To summarize and describe the available knowledge on dermatological manifestation of eating disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and eating disorder not otherwise specified, diagnosed according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV-TR and 5th edition.
Methods:
We searched in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases from January 1, 1980 through May 1, 2020 for papers in English language on the skin manifestation of eating disorders. Results were screened using the PRISMA tool.
Results:
The study yielded 207 results. According with PRISMA guidelines, 26 papers were included in the review. More than 73% of screened papers (19/26) were case reports. Cross-sectional studies represented the 19.2% of screened papers (5/26). Each eligible study has been screened and analyzed.
Conclusion:
Huge heterogeneity of skin signs of eating disorders were identified. The number of controlled studies available is very limited, and most papers of interest are case reports or narrative review articles. Larger, more methodologically rigorous studies to evaluate the presence of dermatological issue in eating disorder patients are needed.
Level Of Evidence:
Level IV. Evidence obtained from multiple time series analysis such as case studies.
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