Cutaneous Signs of Malnutrition Secondary to Eating Disorders

The document discusses the cutaneous signs of malnutrition secondary to eating disorders (EDs). Patients with EDs often experience malnutrition, leading to nutritional dermatoses, including xerosis (dry skin), lanugo (fine, soft hair), pruritus (itching), acrocyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin), carotenoderma (yellowish discoloration of the skin), telogen effluvium (hair loss), and other hair and mucosal findings. The mechanisms behind these symptoms are not well understood. However, the skin may present the first visible signs of an ED, providing an opportunity for early diagnosis and treatment. The document emphasizes the importance of dermatologists in recognizing these signs and coordinating with a multidisciplinary team for ED treatment. Rapid identification and management of EDs can improve patient outcomes and potentially reduce the risk of irreversible damage from malnutrition.