Severe nondiabetic plantar mal perforant in an adolescent girl with anorexia nervosa

Abstract

Purpose We describe the case of a severe skin ulcer of the heel in an adolescent girl hospitalised for anorexia nervosa (AN) associated with a severe excessive exercise. Methods This case report includes retrospective anamnestic and clinical data from the patient's medical record. A literature review was conducted on the dermatological changes described in AN. Conclusion Severe starving syndrome in AN due to intake restriction and pathological associated behaviours can cause serious somatic complications, including psycho-dermatological lesions. We describe a rare case of a nondiabetic plantar "mal perforant" resulting from multiple risk factors including prolonged undernutrition, excessive exercise, and significant psychiatric comorbidity with self-injury. We suggest that, in this context, one should include a particular attention to the risk of non-visible skin complications reflecting both the AN symptoms severity and the severity of the patient's psychological distress requiring individualised and specialised multidisciplinary approach.