TLDR Skin changes can indicate starvation and nutritional deficiencies in anorexia nervosa.
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.
130 citations,
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April 2015 in “American journal of biomedical sciences” Androgens play a key role in hair growth and disorders like baldness and excessive hairiness.
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November 2000 in “Clinics in Dermatology” Most hair loss in children is caused by a few common conditions and is easy to diagnose, but rare types require careful evaluation.
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December 2010 in “InnovAiT” The document concludes that accurate diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for treating various hair disorders, which have significant psychological impacts.
