Diarrhea and dermatitis, zinc deficiency


Diarrhea and dermatitis, zinc deficiency: Among the consequences of zinc deficiency, dermatitis (skin inflammation) and diarrhea are particularly prominent features.

A genetic disease called acrodermatitis enteropathica in which there is impaired zinc uptake from the intestine is, in fact, characterized by the simultaneous presence of dermatitis (skin inflammation) and diarrhea. The skin on the cheeks, elbows and knees and the tissues about the mouth and anus are inflamed. There is balding of the scalp, eyebrows and eyelashes. Wound healing is delayed. And there are recurrent bacterial and fungal infections due to immune deficiency. The key laboratory finding in acrodermatitis enteropathica is an abnormally low blood zinc level reflecting the impaired zinc uptake. Treatment with zinc is curative.

Read Also:

  • Diarrhea, antibiotic-induced

    Diarrhea, antibiotic-induced: Diarrhea caused by the bacterium Clostridium difficile (C. difficile), one of the most common causes of infection of the large bowel (colon). Patients taking antibiotics are at particular risk of becoming infected with C. difficile. Antibiotics disrupt the normal bacteria of the bowel, allowing C. difficile and other bacteria to become established and […]

  • Diarrhea, Brainerd

    Diarrhea, Brainerd: A syndrome characterized by the acute onset of watery nonbloody diarrhea (3 or more loose stools per day), lasting 4 weeks or more, and resolving spontaneously. The disease is of unknown causation and appears in outbreaks or as sporadic cases. It is named after Brainerd, Minnesota, USA the town where the first outbreak […]

  • Diarrhea, E. coli hemorrhagic

    Diarrhea, E. coli hemorrhagic: Bloody colitis (inflammation of the bowel) caused by E. coli, usually by the strain E. coli 0157:H7. The diarrhea is severe with painful abdominal cramps, gross blood in the stool, and lasts for 6 to 8 days. Most commonly, E. coli 01257:H7 comes from eating raw or undercooked ground beef (hamburger) […]

  • Diarrhea, traveler's

    Diarrhea, traveler’s: Diarrhea illness associated with travel to a foreign country. Among the causes of traveler’s diarrhea are viruses and enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC). E.coli is a particular type of bacteria that normally lives in the intestines of people (and animals). Most strains of E coli are quite harmless. They are simply part of the […]

  • Diastole

    Diastole: The time period when the heart is in a state of relaxation and dilatation (expansion). The final letter in “diastole” is pronounced as a long “e” as in “lee.” The adjective for diastole is diastolic. The diastolic pressure is specifically the minimum arterial pressure during relaxation and dilatation of the ventricles of the heart. […]


Disclaimer: Diarrhea and dermatitis, zinc deficiency definition / meaning should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. All content on this website is for informational purposes only.