Department of Pediatrics, Isesaki Munincipal Hospital, Tsunatorihonmachi, Isesaki, Gunma, Japan
Commentary
A Study of a Sibling with Intractable Eczema Caused by Zinc Deficiency due to Low-Zinc Breastfeeding
Author(s): Yota Tabata* and Shozo Maeda
Zinc deficiency may present with symptoms such as dermatitis, alopecia, decreased appetite, and growth retardation.
When an infant presents with intractable dermatitis, zinc deficiency should be considered in the differential
diagnosis, which may have been caused due to low levels of zinc in the breast milk.
In the present study, we observed three siblings with intractable eczema due to zinc deficiency caused by low-zinc
breast milk.
All three patients presented with intractable dermatitis within four months of birth and had significantly lower
serum zinc levels. The reason for this was insufficient zinc intake from low-zinc breast milk. In all the three cases, the
symptoms improved with the administration of zinc preparations.
Breastfeeding is an essential nutritional method with many advantages. However, it is necessary to recognize that even
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