Cutaneous abnormalities in anorexia nervosa.
Anorexia Nervosa (A.N.) is a relatively common eating disorder with well recognised psychological and physiological features. A study of 14 female patients with A.N. revealed a number of dermatological disorders, including lanugo hair, xeroderma and hyperpigmentation. Laboratory investigations revealed various abnormalities including elevated Beta-carotene levels, abnormal sex hormone and thyroid function. An unusual finding was the development of acne in a small subset of patients at the time of weight gain, during recovery from A.N. Anorexia Nervosa represents a useful model for the interaction between eating disorders, endocrine function and the skin.
Marshman
G M
GM
Dermatology Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, SA.
Hanna
M J
MJ
Ben-Tovim
D I
DI
Walker
M K
MK
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology
D002338:Carotenoids