Kwashiorkor, a form of severe protein-energy malnutrition that entails loss
of lean body weight, occurs endemically among children in many parts of th
e world but also has been documented in adults. We report a case of kwashio
rkor in an HIV-positive adult male. Cutaneous findings are striking, and sk
in, hair, and nails are affected. Although kwashiorkor occurs in patients w
ith HIV-AIDS, the skin manifestations have not been emphasized in the derma
tologic literature, indeed, dermatologists may play a vital role in diagnos
ing this treatable condition.