Acrodermatitis enteropathica: retrospective study in a pediatric hospital

Authors

  • Tamara Retyk “Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan” Pediatric Hospital, City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Florencia Victoria García “Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan” Pediatric Hospital, City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • María Marta Buján “Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan” Pediatric Hospital, City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Daniela Yoseli Puski “Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan” Pediatric Hospital, City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Andrea Bettina Cervini “Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan” Pediatric Hospital, City of Buenos Aires, Argentina

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47196/y3856m83

Keywords:

acrodermatitis enteropathica, zinc, periorificial dermatitis, pediatrics

Abstract

Acrodermatitis enteropathica (AE) is a rare disorder associated with zinc deficiency, which may occur in either primary (hereditary) or secondary (acquired) forms. Clinically, it is characterized by acral and periorificial dermatitis, alopecia, and diarrhea; however, the classic triad is not consistently observed in all patients. We report a series of five patients with AE evaluated at our hospital. All cases presented characteristic skin lesions and low zinc levels. Adequate zinc supplementation led to complete resolution of the skin lesions within a few weeks. These cases highlight the importance of early recognition and prompt treatment to prevent nutritional and developmental complications.

Author Biographies

  • Tamara Retyk, “Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan” Pediatric Hospital, City of Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Third-year resident, Pediatric Dermatology Specialization Program, University of Buenos Aires, Dermatology Department

  • Florencia Victoria García, “Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan” Pediatric Hospital, City of Buenos Aires, Argentina

    3rd-Year Fellow in Pediatric Dermatology, Department of Dermatology

  • María Marta Buján, “Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan” Pediatric Hospital, City of Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Staff Physician, Dermatology Department

  • Daniela Yoseli Puski, “Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan” Pediatric Hospital, City of Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Chief Resident, Department of Dermatology

  • Andrea Bettina Cervini, “Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan” Pediatric Hospital, City of Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Head of Department, Department of Dermatology

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Published

2026-07-16

Issue

Vol. 32 No. 2 (2026): May–August

Section

Original Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 on behalf of the authors. Reproduction rights: Argentine Dermatology

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