Nutrition and the Skin Flashcards
Deficiency in which vitamin or mineral will cause:
- Anaemia
- Angular stomatitis
- Glossitis
- Hair depigmentation
- Skin and mucous membrane pigmentation
Folate
What is acrodermatitis enteropathica?
Inherited condition
Lack of zinc absorption
Causes diarrhoea, alopecia, dry brittle hair, facial and acral dermatitis
If a patient presents with a convincing history for a peanut allergy, what is the correct thing to do to confirm this?
Skin prick test
(serum testing for specific IgE antibodies may also be done)
Oral food challenge is NOT done
Skin tags may be associated with what?
Insulin resistance
Where is acanthosis nigricans often seen?
Around the axillae
If a patient seems to have a non-IgE mediated allergy, what is the nect step to confirm this?
Trial elimination of suspected allergen for 2-6 weeks
Reintroduce to determine if there is a return of symptoms
What is an allergy?
An immune reaction usually involving IgE antibodies, but also potentially T cells
Deficiency in which vitamin/mineral causes:
- Dermatitis
- Delirium
- Diarrhoea
- Death
Vitamin B3
Which foods may vitamin B3 be acquired?
- Meat
- Fish
- Nuts
- Coffee
Why is the barrier function of the skin weakened in obese patients?
Increased trans-epidermal water loss causing dry skin
Which vitamin/mineral can only be acquired from foods of animal origin (milk, meat, fish, eggs)?
Vitamin B12
Which vitamin is vital for epithelial proliferation, keratinisation and development?
Vitamin A
Which vitamin/mineral is an essential cofactor in collagen formation?
Vitamin C
What may a deficiency in vitamin C lead to?
- Hyperkeratosis around hair follicles
- Bent hairs
- Inflamed gums
- Poor wound healing
- Scurvy (weakness, anaemia, gingivitis, skin haemorrhages)
- Muscle and bone pain
Which two vitamins are essential cofactors in numerous metabolic reactions?
Vitamin B2 and B3