Denouement and Discussion
Acrodermatitis Enteropathica
Manifestations
Acrodermatitis enteropathica is a rare hereditary disorder affecting zinc metabolism that is characterized by dermatitis, alopecia, gastrointestinal disturbances, eye infections, and growth failure. Poor wound healing and impaired cellular immunity have also been described as manifestations of this disorder. Acrodermatitis enteropathica was so named because of the acral distribution of skin lesions and the severe gastrointestinal disturbances it causes.The classic triad of dermatitis, diarrhea, and alopecia is often seen in newborns and in early infancy. Symptoms may appear within 2 weeks of weaning from breast milk to cow's milk. Infants with acrodermatitis enteropathica typically are listless and anorexic and many have a wasted appearance with little subcutaneous fat. Skin lesions and the severe gastrointestinal disturbances it causes.The classic triad of dermatitis, diarrhea, and alopecia is often seen in newborns and in early infancy. Symptoms may appear within 2 weeks of weaning from breast milk to cow's milk. Infants with acrodermatitis enteropathica typically are listless and anorexic and many have a wasted appearance with little subcutaneous fat. Skin manifestations begin with small, moist, erythematous lesions localized around body orifices (mouth, nose, ears, eyes, and perineum) and progress to a vesicobullous eruption with erosions. Symmetrically distributed lesions occur on the buttocks, the extensor surfaces of major joints, and the fingers and toes.