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Acquired zinc deficiency dermatosis in man
Archives of Dermatology
|October 1, 1978
Summary
Acquired zinc deficiency can cause characteristic skin issues like hair loss and eczema. Recognizing these cutaneous symptoms aids in diagnosing zinc deficiency in patients with conditions like alcoholism or after intestinal surgery.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Nutritional Science
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Acquired zinc deficiency can arise from various conditions, including chronic alcoholism and gastrointestinal surgeries.
- Nutritional deficiencies, particularly zinc, can manifest with distinct dermatological symptoms.
Observation:
- Two patients presented with acquired zinc deficiency secondary to alcoholism with liver cirrhosis/pancreatitis and post-small intestine bypass surgery for obesity.
- Observed cutaneous manifestations included significant hair loss, acrodermatitis, and widespread eczema craquelé (asteatosis).
Findings:
- The study highlights a characteristic syndrome of skin symptoms associated with acquired zinc deficiency.
- Cutaneous manifestations serve as potential indicators for identifying zinc-deficient states in humans.
Implications:
- Early recognition of these skin symptoms can lead to timely diagnosis and management of zinc deficiency.
- Understanding the link between zinc deficiency and dermatological conditions is crucial for clinical practice.