Cutaneous Manifestations of Malabsorption Diseases

This 1978 review discussed the cutaneous manifestations associated with malabsorption (M) diseases, which were characterized by defects in nutrient absorption in the small bowel. The review identified that skin manifestations occurred in 10% to 20% of M cases, often due to vitamin or amino acid deficiencies, and improved with treatment of the malabsorption. Common skin conditions included diffuse pigmentation, acquired ichthyosis, follicular keratosis, nail brittleness, and hair loss. The review also explored the concept of dermatogenic enteropathy, where M was caused by extensive skin diseases like psoriasis or eczema, though the pathogenesis was not well understood. The report provided a comprehensive review of the literature on these topics.