Nutrition & The Skin Flashcards
Food allergy vs Food intolerance
Food allergy - immune reaction, usually IgE
Food intolerance - non-immune reaction e.g. enzyme deficiency
S&S of allergy (IgE mediated)
Pruritus, Erythema, Acute urticaria
Acute angioedema (lips, face, eyes usually)
N&V, colicky abdominal pain, diarrhoea, GORD
Sneezing, rhinorrhoea, nasal congestion
Wheezing, SOB, anaphylaxis
IgE-mediated food allergy diagnosis
Allergy-focused clinical history!
Skin prick test &/ blood test for specific IgE antibodies
Non IgE-mediated food allergy diagnosis
Trial elimination of the suspected allergen (normally for between 2–6 weeks) and reintroduce after the trial. Seek advice from dietitian
What effect does obesity have on the skin collagen
Failure of collagen deposition to match increased surface area leading to poor collagen structure & function & wound healing in obesity
What effect does obesity have on the skin texture
Dry skin - increased trans-epidermal water loss
How does obesity effect the skin vasculature & what effect does this have on blood pressure
Obesity is associated with microvascular dysfunction resulting in increased blood flow which may contribute to hypertension
How does obesity cause intertrigo
Increased apocrine & eccrine glands activity in enlarged skin folds increases moisture & friction & increases skin fold irritation => intertrigo (skin fold dermatitis) & increased tendency to infections
How does obesity cause lymphoedema
Pressure from fat impedes lymphatic flow and causes leakage of protein rich lymphatic fluid into subcutaneous tissues
How does obesity increase risk of acne
Increased subcutaneous fat =>
Increased hormone/androgen production =>
Increased sebaceous gland stimulation
Summarise the skin manifestations of obesity
Due to insulin resistance
- Acanthosis nigricans
- Skin tags (acrochordons)
Due to hyperandrogenism
- Hirsuitism
- Acne
- Hidradenitis suppurativa
- Androgenetic alopecia
Due to skin stretching
- Stretch marks (striae distensae
How doe obesity lead to chronic venous insufficiency
Abdominal obesity resists venous return from legs =>
Veins dilate & become incompetent =>
Varicose veins develop =>
Increased hydrostatic pressure causes RBC leakage &
Tissue swelling &
Haemosiderin pigmentation &
Inflammation &
Venous (stasis) dermatitis =>
Chronic scarring occurs, skin breaks down & may ulcerate =>
Venous (stasis) ulceration
How would Vitamin A deficiency present in the skin
Keratosis follicular papules in thighs & upper arms
Dry skin
How would Vitamin K deficiency present in the skin
Purpura & easy bruising (bleeding tendency)
How would Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) deficiency present in the skin
Cheilosis
Angular stomatitis
painful, red, dry tongue
