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. Level of evidence: Level V, case report