Zinc deficiency

  • 2 types
    • Genetic - acrodermatitis enteropathica (AR)
      • Mutation in zinc transporter in the gut SLC39A4 gene
    • Acquired
      • Lack of maternal Zn in breast milk (in exclusive breastfed infants)
      • Parenteral nutrition
      • GI disorders
      • High fiber diets
      • Chronic HIV infection
  • Clinical presentation
    • Superficial but very adherent scale
    • Symptoms after weaning off breast milk (genetic)
    • Periorificial and acral dermatitis, diarrhea and alopecia
    • Pustular paronychia with nail dystrophy
    • Blepharitis, conjunctivitis, cheilitis, stomatitis
    • Consider when seborrheic or anogenital dermatitis is treatment-resistant
  • Labs
    • Low zinc and alkaline phosphatase (Zinc dependent enzime)
  • Treatment
    • Zinc supplementation