Eating disorder and malabsorption in various skin lesions

A 49-year-old woman underwent right hemicolectomy and pancreatoduodenostomy for colon cancer 12 years ago. After that, she showed symptoms of malabsorption syndrome. Since she was 44 years old, she had suffered from eating disorder due to occupational stress and was hospitalized repeatedly for malnutrition (body mass index = 14. 7). She gradually developed angular cheilitis, glossitis, dermatitis of peripheral limbs, taste disorder and hair loss. She also exhibited hypoproteinemia, pleural effusion, ascites with decreased blood levels of serum albumin and trace nutrients, including serum zinc. After parenteral alimentation supplemented with vitamins, micronutrient and general nutrients, skin symptoms were improved. Not only zinc deficiency but also a hypoalimentation state due to malabsorption and eating disorder have for a long time been regarded as causes of multifaceted symptoms.