Kwashiorkor skin lesions: case study on clinical presentation, management and patient caretaker perspectives in Maiduguri, north-eastern Nigeria

The management of kwashiorkor disease (KD) in children is challenging in resource-limited settings, especially for those cases with severe skin lesions and its complications. There are no evidenced-based management protocols specific to KD. This article describes the clinical presentation and case management of two children with different presentations of complicated kwashiorkor skin lesions and explores kwashiorkor from the perspective of the children’s caretakers in Maiduguri, Nigeria. Our experience shows that a well-structured approach and careful skin care are crucial. This includes simplified wound care guidance, training of medical staff, strict hygiene measures and the correct choice of antibiotics and antifungals, taking into the account low immunity and vulnerability to opportunistic infections amongst malnourished children. Limited knowledge of kwashiorkor amongst caretakers negatively impacts health-seeking behaviour, resulting in late presentation. Engaging caretakers in the process of care is essential to successful treatment.