Skin Signs Due to Starvation

The document detailed various skin signs associated with starvation, particularly in anorexia nervosa (AN). Common signs included lanugo-like body hair, carotenoderma, xerosis, acrocyanosis, pernio, acne, and pruritus, with less frequent signs like striae distensae, purpura, erythema ab igne, acrodermatitis, scurvy, pellagra, prurigo pigmentosa, alopecia, hair loss, and nail abnormalities. Lanugo-like body hair was a guiding sign for AN, linked to decreased 5-alpha-reductase enzyme activity. Carotenoderma was related to high beta-carotene diets, while xerosis was due to reduced skin lipids. Acrocyanosis and pernio were seen in severely ill patients. Acne was reported in 47-59% of AN patients, and pruritus was common and severe. The document emphasized recognizing these skin signs as indicators of underlying nutritional deficiencies in AN.