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Cutaneous Signs of Nutritional Disturbances

»	When do skin abnormalities occur in association with nutritional disturbances?
»	Do nutritional disturbances involve the skin exclusively?
»	Which skin changes are seen with protein and calorie deprivation in adults?
»	What is marasmus?
»	What is kwashiorkor?
»	Describe the skin findings in kwashiorkor.
»	How can I remember the differences in skin findings associated with kwashiorkor and marasmus?
»	Do skin abnormalities occur with fat deficiency?
»	Are any skin findings associated with fat excess?
»	Which water-soluble vitamin abnormalities have skin findings?
»	What is beriberi?
»	Name the four “Ds” of pellagra.
»	Describe the dermatitis in pellagra.
»	Does scurvy still exist?
»	Do deficiencies of the fat-soluble vitamins occur?
»	What abnormalities occur with vitamin A deficiency?
»	Is vitamin A excess toxic?
»	What is acrodermatitis enteropathica?
»	Has the gene responsible for inherited acrodermatitis enteropathica been identified?
»	How is acrodermatitis enteropathica diagnosed and treated?
»	Can zinc deficiency be acquired?
»	What is carotenoderma?
»	Has supplementation with micronutrients or homeopathic remedies been associated with any cutaneous disorders?

Which skin changes are seen with protein and calorie deprivation in adults?

In clinical observations and prospective experiments, adults with starvation demonstrate rough, inelastic, pallid, gray skin with pigmentary changes in the malar and periorificial areas. Hair is thinned and growth of nails is slow. Nails may also demonstrate fissuring. There is decreased subcutaneous fat and, with time, muscle wasting.