Acrodermatitis and acquired zinc deficiency

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Nutritional Science
• Hepatology

Background:

• Chronic alcohol abuse can lead to malnutrition and deficiencies in essential minerals.
• Cirrhosis, a consequence of alcohol abuse, impairs nutrient absorption and metabolism.
• Zinc deficiency is a recognized complication of malnutrition and liver disease.

Observation:

• A 42-year-old female patient presented with symptoms of malnutrition.
• She had a history of chronic alcohol (ethanol) abuse and diagnosed cirrhosis.
• The patient exhibited acrodermatitis unresponsive to topical corticosteroid treatment.

Findings:

• Serum and urinary zinc levels were significantly low, confirming zinc deficiency.
• Treatment with topical triamcinolone acetonide did not resolve the acrodermatitis.
• Oral zinc sulfate administration led to the complete resolution of her skin condition.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of assessing zinc status in patients with alcohol-related liver disease.
• Oral zinc supplementation can be a crucial therapeutic intervention for specific dermatological manifestations of zinc deficiency.
• Early diagnosis and management of zinc deficiency can prevent or reverse associated complications.