DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjmcr.2026.v14i07.011

Pages: 1655-1657

Acrodermatitis enteropathica is a rare dermatological disorder related to impaired zinc metabolism, characterized by a typical clinical presentation, although biological findings may occasionally be non-contributory. We report a case of a 9-month-old infant, exclusively breastfed, presenting with progressive erythematous and crusted cutaneous lesions associated with severe diarrhea and a systemic inflammatory response. Clinical examination revealed extensive periorificial dermatitis, cicatricial alopecia, bullous and purpuric lesions, and bilateral ectropion. The diagnosis of acrodermatitis enteropathica was suspected based on the characteristic clinical triad, despite normal serum zinc level. The diagnosis was supported by histopathological findings and, most importantly, by a rapid clinical response to zinc supplementation. The clinical course was rapidly favorable, with early improvement of cutaneous lesions and resolution of the inflammatory syndrome. This case highlights that normal serum zinc level do not exclude the diagnosis of acrodermatitis enteropathica and emphasizes the central role of therapeutic zinc supplementation as both a diagnostic and therapeutic tool.