Fatty Liver or Skin and Nail Problems

A fatty liver, or fat buildup in liver cells, is another typical sign of kwashiorkor. If left untreated, the condition can progress to fatty liver disease, which causes inflammation, scarring of the liver, and perhaps liver failure. Fatty liver is a frequent condition in persons who are overweight or who drink a lot of alcohol. It is unknown why it develops in situations of protein deficit, although studies show that reduced synthesis of fat-transporting proteins known as lipoproteins may play a role.

Protein shortage frequently manifests itself in the skin, hair, and nails, which are mostly composed of protein. In children, for example, kwashiorkor is identified by dry or splitting skin, redness, and areas of depigmented skin. Common symptoms include hair thinning, decreased hair color, hair loss (alopecia), and brittle nails. However, unless you have a significant protein deficit, these symptoms are unlikely to emerge.