Zinc and skin: A brief summary

Zinc is an essential trace element that is an integral component of many metallo-enzymes in the body and thus serves many biological functions. The clinical presentation of zinc deficiency varies and depends on serum zinc level. Whereas a significantly low serum zinc level results in clinical features similar to acrodermatitis enteropathica, mild hypozincemia presents with a less characteristic appearance; hence it may be underdiagnosed. Recognition of various cutaneous lesions is required for suspecting and identifying cases of zinc deficiency. Although many laboratory tests are useful, therapeutic response in suspected cases remains the gold standard of diagnosis. Serum zinc estimation alone is not very reliable because disease activity may not necessarily correlate with serum zinc level. Zinc supplementation results in a rapid response and the skin lesions heal without permanent sequelae. However, pigmentary alterations may persist longer. Predisposing factors should be identified and corrected. This brief review summarizes the identification and management of clinical zinc deficiency.