The most predominant clinical change seen with EFAD is?

• A. Increased infection
• B. Dry, scaly rash
• C. Impaired wound healing
• D. Weight gain

Answer: (B)

Essential fatty acids are needed to maintain the skin’s barrier and epidermal lipids. When intake is deficient, the most prominent and characteristic change is a dry, scaly dermatitis. This dermatitis reflects impaired barrier function and increased water loss, producing the classic scaly, rough skin that clinicians associate with EFAD. While other issues like infections or impaired wound healing can occur with malnutrition, they are not as defining as the dermatitis, and weight gain isn’t typical of EFAD.