Abstract

LEROUX, MB. Manifestaciones muco cutáneas en anorexia nerviosa: Mucous and cutaneous manifestations of the anorexia nervosa. Rev. argent. dermatol. [online]. 2012, vol.93, n.3. ISSN 1851-300X.

Anorexia nervosa is a psychiatric disease with an increasing incidence in the last decade, which affects principally adolescents and young women. Clinical signs are a consequence of malnutrition and the compensating mechanisms implemented to preserve life. Skin and oral lesions are caused by malnutrition, self-provoked vomiting, illegal drug consumption or therapeutic drugs utilization, and the psychiatric disease so far. Case reports: ten patients (eight females and two males) with possible skin alterations due to anorexia nervosa, aged 17 to 32 yr. The most frequent signs, in order of priority were: acrocyanosis, alopecia, acne, xerodermia, pallor, hirsutism, oral injuries and self provoked injuries.  We propose that the finding of these skin lesions plus an exhaustive questionnaire could aid to diagnose this eating disorder.

Keywords : Anorexia nervosa; Malnutrition; Acrocyanosis; Alopecia; Xerodermia.