An infant with zinc deficiency may present with an unexplained dermatitis.
Clinical presentation:
(1) erythema and crusting over the lips and nose and/or angular stomatitis
(2) erythema and crusting over the small joints of the hands and feet (acral dermatitis)
(3) dry skin
(4) growth retardation and/or failure to thrive
Risk factors:
(1) maternal zinc deficiency
(2) malnutrition
(3) malabsorption
(4) population with high rate of zinc deficiency
Serum zinc should be measured if the infant has the above findings and no obvious explanation. The diagnosis is confirmed if the serum zinc levels are low and if the findings improve with zinc supplements.
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
