Erythema following malnutrition and sunlight exposure

We report the case of a 19-year-old female patient with a history of anorex ia nervosa. The patient suffered from a burning, symmetrical and well defin ed erythematous rash with hyperpigmentation on light-exposed skin areas and pressure points. The patient's nutritional assessment revealed severe maln utrition with a low-protein and corn-based diet. The history of vitamin and protein deficiency, together with the typical cutaneous findings, confirme d the diagnosis of pellagra. The clinical features and pathogenesis of the disease are discussed.