Short answer · Medically reviewed summary · Last updated: 2026-05-08
Acrodermatitis enteropathica is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the body's inability to properly absorb zinc, leading to a classic triad of symptoms: dermatitis, alopecia, and diarrhea. If left untreated, these symptoms typically manifest in infancy shortly after weaning from breast milk, but they can be effectively managed with lifelong zinc supplementation. What are the primary symptoms of Acrodermatitis enteropathica? The hallmark clinical presentation of Acrodermatitis enteropathica involves skin lesions that typically appear around the body's orifices (periorificial) and on the extremities (acral).
Which are the symptoms of Acrodermatitis Enteropathica?
Symptoms of Acrodermatitis Enteropathica reported by real patients, from the most common to the most limiting, plus a medically reviewed summary with sources.
Acrodermatitis enteropathica is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the body's inability to properly absorb zinc, leading to a classic triad of symptoms: dermatitis, alopecia, and diarrhea. If left untreated, these symptoms typically manifest in infancy shortly after weaning from breast milk, but they can be effectively managed with lifelong zinc supplementation.
What are the primary symptoms of Acrodermatitis enteropathica?
The hallmark clinical presentation of Acrodermatitis enteropathica involves skin lesions that typically appear around the body's orifices (periorificial) and on the extremities (acral). These lesions often start as red, scaly patches that can progress to blistering or crusting. Beyond the skin, patients commonly experience:
- Alopecia: Significant hair loss, including the loss of eyebrows and eyelashes.
- Diarrhea: Chronic, often severe gastrointestinal distress.
- Dermatitis: Inflamed, crusted skin patches that can mimic severe diaper rash or eczema.
- Nail dystrophy: Changes in the shape or health of the nails (paronychia).
- Neuropsychiatric symptoms: Irritability, mood swings, or developmental delays in severe, untreated cases.
How do symptoms progress and vary in severity?
Symptoms of Acrodermatitis enteropathica are highly variable depending on the severity of the zinc deficiency. In infants, symptoms often emerge within weeks of stopping breastfeeding, as human milk contains factors that enhance zinc absorption. If Acrodermatitis enteropathica remains undiagnosed, the skin lesions may become infected with bacteria or fungi, significantly impacting the patient's daily quality of life through chronic pain and discomfort.
When should I seek medical attention for Acrodermatitis enteropathica?
You should seek immediate medical attention if you notice rapid development of periorificial skin rashes, unexplained hair loss, or persistent diarrhea in an infant or child. Because Acrodermatitis enteropathica can cause failure to thrive and severe metabolic disturbances, early diagnosis is critical. If you suspect your child has Acrodermatitis enteropathica, consult a pediatric dermatologist or a metabolic specialist immediately to check serum zinc levels.
Next steps
- Consult a metabolic specialist or pediatric dermatologist for diagnostic testing, including serum zinc and alkaline phosphatase levels.
- Connect with the 1 member of the Acrodermatitis enteropathica community on DiseaseMaps.org to share experiences.
- Strictly adhere to prescribed lifelong oral zinc supplementation as directed by your physician.
Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment; always seek the advice of your physician with any questions regarding a medical condition.
References
- NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Acrodermatitis enteropathica
- Orphanet: Acrodermatitis enteropathica (ORPHA:1056)
- OMIM (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man): #201100
