Cutaneous Manifestations of Eating Disorders

The document from July 1, 2002, provided a comprehensive review of the dermatological signs associated with eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and obesity. The authors reviewed literature from 1966 onwards and identified 40 skin conditions that can be indicative of these disorders. The review highlighted that cutaneous manifestations are numerous and significant in patients with eating disorders and can be key to diagnosing an underlying, possibly hidden, eating disorder. Specific skin conditions related to nutritional deficiencies, self-harm behaviors, and physiological changes were detailed, including pellagra, scurvy, erythema ab igne, self-phlebotomy marks, Russell's sign, and conditions associated with obesity like acne, infections, and mechanical changes. The study concluded that the resolution of these skin conditions often depends on the treatment of the eating disorder itself, and recognizing these signs is crucial for diagnosis and management.