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Livedo reticularis due to pellagra in a two year old child

Biju Vasudevan1, Rajesh Verma1, Vijendran Pragasam1

  • 1Department of Dermatology, Command Hospital, Pune, India.

Indian Journal of Dermatology
|June 4, 2014
PubMed

Insights

A child

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Dermatology
  • Nutrition

Background:

  • Pellagra, a disease caused by Niacin (vitamin B3) deficiency, is rare in developed countries.
  • Typical pellagra symptoms include dermatitis, diarrhoea, and dementia.
  • Livedo reticularis is a skin condition that can be associated with various underlying causes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a rare pediatric case of pellagra presenting with livedo reticularis.
  • To highlight the importance of dietary history in diagnosing nutritional deficiencies.
  • To document the successful treatment of pellagra with Niacin supplementation.

Main Methods:

  • A two-year-old girl presented with diarrhea and skin rashes.
  • Dermatological examination revealed livedo reticularis.
  • Dietary history identified maize as a significant dietary component.

Main Results:

  • The child received Niacin (Nicotinamide) and dietary modification (avoidance of maize).
  • Skin lesions and diarrhea resolved within two weeks of treatment.
  • This case represents a unique presentation of pellagra in a child.

Conclusions:

  • Pellagra should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pediatric patients with unexplained skin lesions and gastrointestinal symptoms.
  • Dietary assessment is crucial for identifying potential nutritional deficiencies.
  • Prompt Niacin supplementation and dietary changes can effectively manage pellagra.

Keywords:
Diarrhoealivedo reticularisniacinpellagra

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