kwashiorkor

kwashiorkor
    n 1: severe malnutrition in children resulting from a diet
         excessively high in carbohydrates and low in protein
    

Pellagra \Pel"la*gra\ (p[e^]l"l[.a]*gr[.a]), n. [It. pelle skin
   + agro rough.] (Med.)
   An affection of the skin, characterized by redness,
   especially in exposed areas, scaling and shedding of the
   skin, and accompanied with severe gastrointestinal
   disturbance and nervous symptoms. It is due to a deficiency
   of niacin (vitamin B3; nicotinic acid) and protein in the
   diet, and may be caused by malnutrition, or, in some cases,
   by a heavy dependence on maize for food. It was at one time
   (ca. 1890) endemic in Northern Italy, and was called {Alpine
   scurvy}. It may also be caused by alcoholism or diease
   causing an impairment of nutrition. It is also called {St.
   Ignatius's itch}, {maidism}, {mal de la rosa}, {mal rosso},
   and {psychoneurosis maidica}. A variety of pellagra seen in
   children is called {infantile pellagra} or {kwashiorkor}.
   --[Stedman]
   [1913 Webster +PJC]