TLDR Acrodermatitis enteropathica can occur even with normal zinc levels, and zinc supplements can improve symptoms.
This case report detailed a 5-year-old boy with acquired acrodermatitis enteropathica (AE), who presented with symptoms like crusted skin erosions, alopecia, and diarrhea, despite having normal serum zinc levels. The boy showed significant clinical improvement after receiving zinc supplementation, with skin lesions healing and hair regrowth observed within six weeks. The report underscored that AE diagnosis should not depend solely on serum zinc levels, but rather on recognizing the classical symptoms of dermatitis, alopecia, and diarrhea for timely treatment.
2 citations
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January 2016 in “Journal of clinical & experimental dermatology research” Acrodermatitis Enteropathica is a rare skin condition treated effectively with zinc supplements, and early diagnosis is key.
75 citations
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May 2013 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” Zinc deficiency in children can cause skin issues and can be serious if not diagnosed and treated properly.
18 citations
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April 2013 in “Inflammatory Bowel Diseases” People with Inflammatory Bowel Disease often lose hair due to stress, medication side effects, or lack of nutrients, and treatment depends on the specific cause.
12 citations
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July 1979 in “International Journal of Dermatology” A patient with zinc depletion improved after zinc supplementation during parenteral nutrition.
70 citations
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June 2010 in “Clinics in Dermatology” Certain groups may need vitamin supplements to improve hair health and prevent other health problems.
4 citations
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December 2022 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences” Zinc is crucial for skin health and treating various skin disorders.
35 citations
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January 2006 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment” Zinc can help with some skin problems, but its effectiveness varies depending on the condition.
27 citations
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May 2010 in “Dermatologic Clinics” Zinc can be a helpful secondary treatment for certain skin conditions, but more research is needed to guide its use.
