An Acrodermatitis Enteropathica Case

Abstract

Acrodermatitis enteropathica is a rare autosomal recessive inherited disease resulting in zinc deficiency. As a result of disrupted intestinal absorption of zinc, zinc deficiency occurs. Periorificial dermatitis, diarrhea, alopecia and growth retardation occur due to zinc deficiency. Skin lesions are generally eczematous, psoriasiform, bullous and pustular lesions in the periorificial and acral regions. Clinicial symptoms are observed four or six weeks after weaning from breastmilk or from birth in infants who are not breastfed. Clinical symptoms rapidly resolve with systemic zinc supplementation. Due to clinical similarities and rare occurrance, it may be confused with many different dermatoses and occasionally can be missed. Delays in diagnosis of this disease lead to morbidity and even mortality. Here we aimed to present the rare occurrence of a six-month old acrodermatitis enteropathica case due to its teaching properties.

Keywords

• acrodermatitis enteropathica
• zinc deficiency
• periorificial dermatitis