Hand Lesions Characteristic of Bulimia

Bulimia is a serious and prevalent eating disorder in the adolescent population. The pediatrician is often in a position to make the initial diagnosis of bulimia but must suspect the disorder in light of subtle physical evidence. Denial and embarrassment reduce the likelihood of self-report of symptoms. Hand lesions resulting from self-induced emesis have a distinctive configuration and appearance. Noting these characteristic lesions during a physical examination should alert a physician to the diagnosis of bulimia or to an exacerbation of symptoms in a patient whose condition was previously diagnosed.