Skin Signs of Nutritional Disorders

The document discussed how malnutrition in children, particularly infants, led to various skin and mucous membrane changes due to deficiencies in essential nutrients like protein, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. It highlighted that malnutrition could result from insufficient intake, malabsorption, poor nutrient utilization, or increased catabolism, causing cellular-level abnormalities. Skin manifestations were noted as a common clinical sign of malnutrition, with some being specific to certain nutrient deficiencies, such as zinc deficiency causing periorificial glazed erythema and hair loss. However, these signs often overlapped with other deficiencies, making it challenging to distinguish between them.