Cutaneous Manifestations of Eating Disorders

April 2002 in “ Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery ”

Ingrid Tyler, Marni C. Wiseman, Richard Crawford, C. Laird Birmingham

TLDR Eating disorders can cause skin problems that need treating the underlying condition for better health.

The 2002 document reviews dermatological signs associated with eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and obesity, detailing 40 skin conditions that can arise from these disorders. It explains how nutritional deficiencies, self-harm behaviors, and physiological changes can lead to specific skin issues like pellagra, scurvy, erythema ab igne, Russell's sign, and acanthosis nigricans. The review also discusses skin problems in obese patients, including acne, infections, and mechanical changes like intertrigo and striae distensae. The treatment of these dermatological conditions often requires addressing the underlying eating disorder, and recognizing these signs can be crucial for early diagnosis and improved patient outcomes. The document underscores the importance of considering other potential causes for skin conditions, especially in patients with comorbidities.

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Research cited in this study

2 / 2 results

research Acquired Pili Torti: A Structural Hair Shaft Defect in Anorexia Nervosa

15 citations, March 1996 in “PubMed”

Anorexia nervosa may cause a hair defect called pili torti due to malnutrition and high vitamin A levels.

research Obesity and Female Androgenic Alopecia: A Cause and an Effect?

7 citations, June 1994 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Obesity may contribute to female hair loss by increasing male hormone levels that affect hair follicles.

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in Progress Pictures 14 upvotes 11 months ago

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Related Research

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research A Review of the Role of Psychiatrists and Pediatricians in Outpatient Treatment of Adolescents with Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa

3 citations, August 2011 in “Current Psychiatry Reviews”

Family-based treatment is the best outpatient care for stable teens with anorexia, and more research is needed on medication and treatment effectiveness for young people with eating disorders.