ZINC DEFICIENCY

What is Zinc?

Zinc is an essential trace element.  Its intake is closely related to protein intake.  Dietary sources of Zinc include animal products like meat, seafood, and milk.  A zinc deficiency can occur in cases of inadequate zinc intake or adequate intake but decreased absorption of the element.

What are the clinical manifestations of Zinc deficiency?

With a zinc deficiency several symptoms can occur including growth failure, impaired taste and smell, impaired immunity, and skin disease.  Skin findings in zinc deficiency include patches and plaques of dry, scaly, red eczematous lesions which transform into bullas and vesicular lesions eventually becoming crusted lesions.  The skin lesions occur initially around the mouth and genital area with later involvement of the scalp, hands and feet, and the trunk of the body.  After zinc replacement, the skin lesions heal within 1 to 2 weeks.