Cutaneous Manifestations of Eating Disorders

Abstract

Forty dermatological signs have been reported in eating disorder patients. Eating disorders have many cutaneous manifestations and cutaneous signs may lead to the diagnosis of an occult eating disorder. The resolution of skin eruptions in eating disorder patients often depends on treatment of the underlying disorder.

The significance of repetitive hair‐pulling behaviors in eating disorders

“…One case report (Pinhas, Geist, & Katzman, 1996) described an adolescent with AN and TTM who also engaged in a pattern of rigid exercise. In contrast, Tyler et al (2002) reported that TTM is uncommonly endorsed in AN using qualitative methodologies. In BN, Engel et al (2005) reported that those scoring high on impulsive and compulsive features exhibited the greatest degree of personality pathology, alcohol and substance use, depressive symptoms, eating disorder symptoms, and impairment.…”

Skin manifestations of obesity: a comparative study

“…Obesity is associated not only with an increased risk of several comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, orthopaedic problems and cancer but also with an increase of up to 20% in overall mortality rate 4 . The implications of obesity on the skin appear to be extensive, 5,6 but only two previous studies have attempted to assess the presence of dermatoses in obese patients 7,8 …”

Skin manifestations of nutritional deficiency disease in children: modern day contexts

“…Cutaneous changes may be the first signs of anorexia and bulimia 23 . Generalized signs of PEM in patients with eating disorders include xerosis, poor wound healing, and hair and pigmentary changes 24 . Pellagra and scurvy are rare but important complicating conditions in anorexia and bulimia 23–27 .…”

“…Generalized signs of PEM in patients with eating disorders include xerosis, poor wound healing, and hair and pigmentary changes 24 . Pellagra and scurvy are rare but important complicating conditions in anorexia and bulimia 23–27 . Zinc deficiency is also common in eating disorders and contributes to many of the cutaneous manifestations 23,24,28 (Fig.…”