What is the difference between Kwashiorkor and Marasmus?

Kwashiorkor	Marasmus
1. This disease is caused by the deficiency of protein in the diet of child.	1. This disease is caused by deficiency of protein as well as energy nutrients (that is carbohydrates and fats) in the diet.
2. Kwashiorkor occurs in children in the age group 1-5 years.	2. Marasmus occurs in children below the age of 1 year.
3. The disease is more common in villages where there is small gap period between successive pregnancies.	3. This disease is more common in towns and cities where breast-feeding in discontinued quite early.
4. In this disease, swelling of body is observed due to retention of fluids.	4. No swelling of body takes place in Marasmus.
5. Wasting of muscles is not evident.	5. In Marasmus, wasting of muscles is quite evident. The child is reduced to skin and bones..
6. Skin changes color and become broken and scaly	6. Skin does not change color and does not break.