Acrodermatitis Enteropathica - Symptoms & Treatment

Acrodermatitis enteropathica is owing to malabsorption of zinc through the intestinal cell. The exact cause is not known but it may relate to mutations in a gene (SLC39A4) that codes the zinc transporter protein, ZIP4. It is thought that the missing protein may be answerable for decreased zinc uptake and abnormal zinc metabolism. To have innate acrodermatitis enteropathica you must inherit two faulty genes (one from each parent) i.e. the inheritance is autosomal recessive.

If an individual receives one common gene and one faulty gene, the person will be a carrier for the illness, but typically will not show symptoms. The inherited form of acrodermatitis enteropathica was usually deadly until the role of zinc was discovered in 1973. Zinc gluconate is improved tolerated than zinc sulfate. Zinc can be given during pregnancy. Secondary bacterial and/other fungal infection of lesions need suitable antibiotic therapy. Although zinc is usually non-toxic, high doses for a long period can consequence in gastrointestinal symptoms, dizziness and copper deficiency, foremost to anaemia.

Causes of Acrodermatitis Enteropathica

Some causes & risk factors of Acrodermatitis Enteropathica are as follows:

• Normally malabsorption may avoid by decreas specific sugars, fats, proteins, other vitamins.
• A big spectrum of diseases may occur from Malabsorption.
• The lesions are often symmetric and affectr on the face, arms, legs, and buttocks.

Symptoms of Acrodermatitis Enteropathica

Some sign and symptoms related to Acrodermatitis Enteropathica are as follows:

• Growth failure.
• Chronic diarrhea.
• Skin rash.
• Symmetrical distribution.
• Generally not itchy.
• Bloating and flatulence (gas).
• Periorificial and acral dermatitis.

Treatment of Acrodermatitis Enteropathica

• Treatment can control conditions like hepatitis B and Epstein-Barr virus infection.
• Hereditary acrodermatitis enteropathica can be under control by Zinc.
• In AE, maintain zinc therapy the treatment is given by considering patient's life span.
• No diet is necessary for this disease.
• Antibiotic therapy is used for bacterial and fungal infection.