Beyond the Usual: A Case of Acrodermatitis Enteropathica Clinically Resembling Erythrokeratoderma Variabilis

An 18-year-old male with acrodermatitis enteropathica (AE), a rare genetic disorder affecting zinc absorption, presented with skin lesions resembling erythrokeratoderma variabilis (EKV) and universal hair loss. Despite normal serum zinc levels, symptoms improved significantly with increased zinc supplementation from 3 mg/kg to 5 mg/kg. The case underscores the importance of considering AE in atypical dermatoses and highlights the role of zinc therapy in diagnosis and treatment. Early recognition and treatment of AE can prevent severe skin manifestations and psychosocial issues.