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The Effects of Starvation on Skin & Nails

Starvation and malnutrition, whether caused by drought, economic disadvantage or eating disorder, has a dramatic effect on human skin and nails. As the body channels its reduced nutritional resources toward more essential parts of the body, such as internal organs, less crucial areas quickly become undernourished and begin to change. Changes in the skin and nails, due to depletion of fluids, vitamins and other nutrients, are among the most obvious signals to doctors, parents and patients that something is wrong.

  1. Skin

    • When the skin is deprived of protein, fat and other nutrients, it becomes dry, crinkled and scaly, and may develop a yellowish tinge. It is also not uncommon for the fingertips and earlobes of bulimics and anorexia patients to turn a bluish color. The skin may also begin to grow a covering of soft hair called lanugo. According to “The Parent’s Guide to Bulimia” by Marcia Herrin, EdD, MPH, RD and Nancy Matsumoto, the fine, downy hair that grows on severe bulimics’ arms, legs and backs is caused by the body’s primitive attempt to maintain body temperature. Starvation may also cause the skin to develop edema, making the skin appear tight and producing little bumps that resemble goose bumps. In severe cases, vitamin-B2 deficiency may cause the development of cracked lips and sores in the corner of the mouth.

    Nails

    • Like its effect on human skin, starvation's effect on fingernails and toenails are due to nutrient depletion. Protein and fat deficiency, coupled with a lack of calcium causes the nails to become dry and brittle. A deficiency in B-complex vitamins, particularly biotin, produces ridges along the bed of the nail. A lack of folic acid and vitamin C may cause hangnails, and reduced dietary essential oils, like omega-3, can produce cracking of the nails.

    Hair

    • Ironically, while lanugo produces an unusual type of hair growth, starvation has the opposite affect on normal body hair. Scalp hair and body hair (including pubic hair) may become thin and brittle. In more advanced cases, malnutrition may cause hair to disappear altogether.

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