ANOREXIA & BULIMIA: THAT DOWNY HAIR IS CALLED "LANUGO"

Amy Winehouse (note lanugo on her face)

Lanugo on an anorexic/bulimic woman



Posted in an online journal:

"I swear these hairs on my neck are spreading. I've got a rash of little hairs! They're growing longer at the back of my neck, now, too.

I'm fuzzifying."

It's called "lanugo," which is fine hair that grows all over the body in an effort to keep it warm when the body of an anorexic and/or bulimic lacks enough fat to accomplish this.

Lanugo is just one of the many consequences of anorexia and/or bulimia:



"A body suffering from anorexia nervosa is denied the nutrients it needs to function normally. To conserve energy, the body slows down its processes, causing a range of serious medical problems.

Heart: Abnormally slow heart rate and low blood pressure, which means the heart muscle is changing. The risk for heart failure rises as the heart rate and blood pressure levels sink lower.

Bone: Reduction of bone density, which results in dry, brittle bones.

Muscle: Muscle loss and weakness.

Kidneys: Severe dehydration, which can result in kidney failure.

Energy: Fainting, fatigue and overall weakness.

Hair and skin: Dry hair and skin; hair loss is common. Growth of a downy layer of hair called lanugo all over the body, including the face, in an effort to keep the body warm. "

National Eating Disorders Association
www.nationaleatingdisorders.org

TO READ MY EARLIER POST ON LANUGO, PLEASE CLICK HERE:

WARNING TO ANOREXICS: LANUGO IS NOT PRETTY

LINKS:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080419.wthinNEW0419_2/BNStory/specialScienceandHealth/
http://www.faqs.org/health/images/uchr_05_img0508.jpg
http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/he/wmnimages/pdr/fgnt0903.gif