Nutritional deficiency and the skin

Question 1

Maramus

Answer 1

Global nutrient deficiency causing weight loss by fat breakdown.
Patients will be very thin, have dry wrinkly skin, muscle wasting, loose subcutaneous fat.

Question 2

Kwashiorkor

Answer 2

Very low protein intake
Oedema (pot belly)
Irregular patchy discolouration.

Question 3

Vitamin A function

Answer 3

Vital for epithelial proliferation, keritanisation and development

Question 4

Sources of vitamin A

Answer 4

Animal- milk, liver, eggs, oily fish

Plants- green leafy veg, bright yellow/orange fruit

Question 5

Presentation of vitamin A deficiency

Answer 5

Keratotic follicular- (i.e. in hair follicles)
Papules on the thighs and upper arms
Dry skin