[Acrodermatitis enteropathica-like disease in a full-term exclusively breast-fed infant]

L Zeriouh1, F Hali, K Khadir

  • 1Service de dermatologie, CHU Ibn Rochd, Casablanca, Maroc.

Insights

Symptomatic zinc deficiency can occur in exclusively breast-fed infants due to low zinc levels in breast milk. Oral zinc supplementation is crucial for recovery and should continue until weaning.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Nutritional Science
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Exclusively breast-fed infants are at risk for symptomatic zinc deficiency.
  • Maternal milk zinc content can be insufficient for infant needs.

Observation:

  • A 5-month-old infant presented with persistent erythema and scaly lesions.
  • Clinical presentation mimicked acrodermatitis enteropathica.

Findings:

  • Infant serum zinc levels were low.
  • Maternal plasma zinc was normal, but breast milk zinc was deficient.
  • Oral zinc supplementation led to rapid clinical improvement.

Implications:

  • This case highlights a rare cause of zinc deficiency in exclusively breast-fed infants.
  • Early diagnosis and zinc supplementation are essential.
  • Monitoring and supplementation may be needed until infant weaning.
Abstract

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