Is There a Role for Dermatologists in Eating Disorders?

The document from April 1, 2007, discusses the significant role dermatologists can have in the early detection and management of eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. The authors highlight that these psychiatric conditions often present with skin changes like xerosis, lanugo-like body hair, telogen effluvium, carotenoderma, and Russell's sign, which are key indicators that dermatologists can identify. They stress the importance of dermatologists being aware of these signs, especially in young, thin patients, to facilitate early diagnosis. The authors advocate for a multidisciplinary treatment approach and urge dermatologists to educate themselves about the cutaneous manifestations of eating disorders to improve patient outcomes.