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[Skin changes in alimentary zinc deficiency caused by artificial infant food]
Insights
Two newborns with facial and finger skin rashes showed low zinc levels. Zinc supplementation quickly resolved the symptoms, indicating zinc deficiency as the cause.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Nutritional Science
- Neonatology
Background:
- Erythematosquamous skin eruptions can manifest in newborns.
- Hypoallergenic formulas are often used for infants with sensitivities.
Observation:
- Two unrelated newborns presented with distinct erythematosquamous skin lesions on their faces and fingers.
- Both infants were exclusively fed hypoallergenic formulas from birth.
- Serum analysis revealed significantly decreased zinc levels in both cases.
Findings:
- Zinc supplementation, initiated with zinc sulfate (10 mg daily), rapidly normalized serum zinc levels within three days.
- A maintenance dose of 3 mg zinc daily sustained normal levels.
- The observed skin eruptions resolved completely a few days after commencing zinc treatment.
Implications:
- This case study suggests a potential link between zinc deficiency and specific skin manifestations in newborns.
- Early diagnosis and zinc supplementation may be crucial for managing such dermatological conditions in infants.
- Further research into the role of zinc in neonatal skin health is warranted.
Abstract:
We report on 2 non-related newborn children who developed erythematosquamous skin eruptions on both their faces and the extensor sides of their fingers at the 4th and 10th week after birth, resp. Both children had been fed upon hypoallergenic formulas since birth. Serum investigations revealed decreased zinc levels: 0.4 and 0.17 mg/l, resp. (normal values: 0.59-0.96 mg/l). Following zinc substitution with zinc sulphate 10 mg daily for 3 days, the serum zinc levels of both children had increased to normal values and remained stationary during continued treatment with 3 mg zinc daily. The skin eruptions disappeared a few days after the start of treatment.