Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 24, 2025

A Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Eating Disorder Analysis and Diagnosis
Published on: May 10, 2022
Cutaneous Signs of Malnutrition Secondary to Eating Disorders
Donglin Zhang1, Kaitlin Slaven1, Bridget E Shields1
1Ms. Zhang and Dr. Shields are from the Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison. Dr. Slaven is from the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, George Washington University and Eating Recovery Center, Washington, DC.
Abstract:
Patients with eating disorders (EDs) frequently experience malnutrition that may lead to nutritional dermatoses. Effects of malnutrition and starvation on the skin may include xerosis, lanugo, pruritus, acrocyanosis, carotenoderma, telogen effluvium, and other hair and mucosal findings. Although these dermatologic sequelae often are reported among patients with EDs, the pathomechanisms of these cutaneous symptoms are poorly understood. This article reviews the existing literature on nutritional dermatoses to clarify visible signs that should heighten clinical suspicion for an underlying ED. The skin may present the first visible signs of an otherwise occult ED diagnosis, offering the dermatologist a special opportunity for early diagnosis and coordination with a multidisciplinary team for ED treatment.
Related Concept Videos
Anorexia Nervosa
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
Skin Diseases and Disorders
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
Bulimia Nervosa
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations
Assessment of the Cardiovascular System II: Inspection
Head and Neck

