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Vitamin a deficiency phrynoderma associated with chronic giardiasis.
Céline Girard1, Olivier Dereure, Véronique Blatière
1Department of Dermatology, CHRU Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
Pediatric Dermatology
|August 22, 2006
Summary
A rare skin condition called phrynoderma, linked to vitamin deficiencies, was observed in a child with chronic giardiasis. Treatment with vitamins A and C and albendazole effectively resolved the hyperkeratosis.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Nutritional Science
- Tropical Medicine
Background:
- Phrynoderma (follicular hyperkeratosis) is typically associated with vitamin A or C deficiency or essential fatty acid deficiency.
- It is uncommon in Western countries, often linked to malabsorption from gastrointestinal surgeries or pancreatic insufficiency.
Observation:
- A 6-year-old boy presented with an atypical form of phrynoderma.
- The condition featured minute digitate hyperkeratoses and hair casts, attributed to severe vitamin A and C deficiencies.
- These deficiencies complicated a chronic intestinal infection with Giardia intestinalis.
Findings:
- The patient's phrynoderma lesions showed significant improvement with combined oral therapy.
- Treatment included vitamin A, vitamin C, and the antiparasitic drug albendazole.
- This case highlights a novel association between phrynoderma and chronic giardiasis-induced malabsorption.
Implications:
- This is the first reported case of phrynoderma linked to Giardia intestinalis infection and subsequent malabsorption.
- It underscores the importance of considering parasitic infections in the differential diagnosis of phrynoderma, especially in cases of unexplained vitamin deficiencies.
- Early diagnosis and treatment of Giardia and nutritional deficiencies can effectively manage this rare dermatological condition.