[Skin changes in chronic alcoholism with special reference to the zinc and biotin content of the serum]

We report on 52 dermatologic patients suffering from chronic alcoholism. The skin changes observed mainly consisted of erythrosis interfollicularis colli, icterus of the sclerae, teleangiectatic reddening of the face, and diminished secondary hair. In 29 out of 44 sera investigated, we found elevation of the gamma-glutamyl transferase. In 17 patients, serum samples were analyzed for zinc. In 16 cases, the zinc levels were slightly decreased but still within the normal range, i.e. below 100 micrograms/dl. The biotin levels in the 48 serum samples examined varied very much. In 6 patients, however, we found definitely lowered values. Our results support the view that routine investigation of serum zinc and biotin levels might be valuable in patients suffering from chronic alcoholism associated with cutaneous changes. If lowered values are found, a substitution therapy might be of benefit at least in some patients.