People with anorexia often experience skin issues, including acne. This may be due to nutritional deficiencies, stress, and other psychological factors.

Not everyone with an eating disorder develops skin issues. However, eating disorders can affect multiple systems within the body and manifest in the skin. The skin and nervous system are interconnected, which may explain why many skin and psychological conditions overlap.

This article looks at the link between anorexia and acne, how to get support, and when to contact a doctor.

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The skin is the body’s largest organ, and it often reflects a person’s overall health. If someone is malnourished, their skin may show signs. People with anorexia may develop skin issues such as:

The following sections describe how anorexia can increase the risk of skin issues.

Nutritional deficiencies

  • People with anorexia may have nutritional deficiencies due to restricted food intake or an imbalanced diet. This may mean the skin lacks the nutrients it requires to work well.
  • People with the binge-purge subtype of anorexia may eat large quantities of food and then purge with vomiting or laxatives. The body loses the nutrients from the food that it needs to feed the skin’s cells.
  • Periods of starvation and sudden eating cause spikes in blood sugar, which may lead to inflammation and increased sebum production. This can lead to acne.

Psychological factors

Experts think there is a two-way relationship between acne and eating disorders. Having acne may increase the risk of developing psychiatric conditions, including body dysmorphia, low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. This may, in turn, increase the risk of developing disordered eating.

Having an eating disorder can contribute to developing other psychiatric conditions and increase the risk of acne.

Stress may play a role in both conditions. Experiencing high stress may worsen the severity of acne, and it can also impact eating patterns and lifestyle.

People with anorexia may experience appearance-related stress before eating disorder behaviors, such as binging or vomiting. Having acne canaffect a person’s appearance, which may contribute to this cycle.

Depression can be both a trigger and a consequence of having acne or an eating disorder. Both conditions can cause low self-confidence and social isolation, leading to depression. Depression can contribute to weight loss and anorexia.

Skin trauma may also contribute to the development of acne. People with anorexia may have self-induced trauma to the skin, such as:

  • skin picking
  • injuries, such as cuts
  • dermatitis artefacta, in which people consciously create skin lesions

Learn more about the link between stress and acne.

Various organizations offer resources, support, and helplines for people with anorexia and those close to them, including:

The following organizations provide support for people with acne:

Acne treatment focuses on stopping the growth of the Cutibacterium acnes bacteria and preventing sebum and dead skin clogging pores. Treatment may include:

Stress may increase the severity of acne, so managing stress may also be an important part of treating acne. This may include relaxation techniques, mindfulness, or calming activities.

Learn about some home remedies to treat acne.

Treatment for anorexia addresses the physiological and psychological aspects of the condition. It may include:

Learn more about treatment for anorexia.

Can refeeding cause acne?

Refeeding is an increase in nutrition after a period of starvation. Suddenly increasing food intake after prolonged starvation can increase blood sugar, which can play a role in acne. Spikes in blood sugar cause inflammation in the body and an increase in sebum production, both of which contribute to acne.

Learn more about refeeding.

Does drinking water help with acne?

There is no conclusive evidence that drinking water helps with acne.

However, drinking water is important for hydration and has multiple benefits for the whole body, including the skin. This includes flushing out toxins, balancing hormones and nutrients, and regulating gut health.

Does eating less reduce acne?

Eating a nutritious and balanced diet may help reduce acne. This may include eating a low-GI diet and ensuring a good intake of nutrients. Reducing the intake of cow’s milk may also help reduce acne.

Other factors outside of diet, including genetics and hormonal changes, also play a role in acne.

Learn more about a diet for hormonal acne.

Anyone who has symptoms of anorexia or another eating disorder should consider talking with a doctor or another healthcare professional for advice. Getting treatment can help prevent long-erm complications of anorexia.

If acne does not respond to home treatment, such as diet, lifestyle, and over-the-counter treatments, or adversely affects a person’s life or mental health, they might consider contacting a doctor or dermatologist.

A healthcare professional can suggest a treatment plan, which may include topical treatments, retinoids, antibiotics, and diet or lifestyle changes.

Learn more about types of eating disorders.

Anorexia is a serious condition that can be fatal, but it is treatable, and people can make a complete recovery.

Acne treatment may help heal active acne, prevent new acne from forming, and prevent scarring. Certain medications may also help prevent the causes of acne, such as excess sebum and inflammation.

Working with a mental health professional may help to manage any psychological issues relating to either condition, such as depression, anxiety, or body dysmorphia.

Learn more about body image.

Anorexia and acne may share contributing factors, such as mental health issues, body dysmorphia, stress, and dietary imbalances. One condition may worsen the other in a perpetual cycle.

If someone does not get adequate nutrition from their diet, this may impact their skin and cause acne or other skin conditions.

It is important to contact a doctor if people have symptoms of anorexia or another eating disorder. Support groups are also available. Doctors can also suggest treatment for acne.

Mental health resources

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