Acrodermatitis enteropathica

Acrodermatitis enteropathica, caused by a dietary deficiency of zinc, is manifested by eczematous, sometimes vesicular changes in the perioral, perianal, and perigenital skin, as well as hands and feet. Diarrhea and growth retardation are common. Aside from zinc malabsorption, it can be caused by zinc deficient hyperalimentation.

Treatment:

• Oral zinc 2 mg/kg/day cures the disease within 3 weeks.

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