Diagnosis and treatment of dermatitis in case of a patient with anorexia nervosa and chronic alcohol intake

Abstract

Pellagra is a disease caused by niacin deficiency. Its main symptoms are referred to as the “three Ds”, dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia. However, this disease is rare because food is available in abundance, and many food items include niacin. Here, we report a case of a female with anorexia nervosa and chronic alcohol intake who was diagnosed with pellagra. Pellagra is easily treatable with niacin therapy (100-300mg/day orally or via an injection). Dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia are not specific symptom for pellagra, so patients who suffer from anorexia nervosa or chronic alcohol intake should be examined carefully in order to rule out pellagra.