Skin Signs in Anorexia Nervosa

The 2009 article by Renata Strumia discusses the skin manifestations associated with anorexia nervosa (AN), highlighting that these signs can be crucial for early diagnosis. The skin symptoms, which include xerosis, lanugo-like body hair, telogen effluvium, carotenoderma, acne, hyperpigmentation, and Russell's sign, are caused by factors such as starvation, vomiting, drug abuse, and psychiatric morbidity. Dermatologists are noted to have an important role in detecting AN early by recognizing these signs, especially since patients may not acknowledge their condition. The article mentions that skin changes are more frequent when the body mass index (BMI) is less than or equal to 16. It also states that the prognosis for AN improves with early treatment and that skin issues usually resolve after the eating disorder is treated, although it does not specify the number of people studied.