Guide To The Causes And Symptoms Of Kwashiorkor

Loss Of Muscle Mass

Even as some parts of the kwashiorkor patient's body swell from excess fluids, others shrink and become emaciated. Without sufficient protein to build muscles, the body metabolizes muscle and fat faster than it can restore them, leaving individuals with a skin-and-bone appearance. This is especially noticeable in the arms, shoulders, chest, and legs. Combined with edema, this produces the classic image of someone severely affected by famine: swollen belly but sunken chest and scrawny limbs. The loss of muscle mass further causes the patient to become weak and lethargic. This can make the patient unable to move or feed themselves, further worsening the disease.

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Changes In Hair And Skin

Protein also plays an important part in forming healthy hair and skin. A kwashiorkor patient's hair tends to grow thin and may be dry, brittle, or loose. In some cases, the hair will lose its color, producing a bleached or rusty appearance. Skin can also lose color, and without enough protein, it becomes weak and easily irritated, leading to rashes and inflammation. This can cause the skin to peel away in flakes like old paint. These changes in hair and skin can be dangerous because they make it easier for germs to bypass the body's defenses, and kwashiorkor also weakens the immune system.

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