Enteropathica

Overview

Acrodermatitis enteropathica is an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder affecting the uptake of zinc, characterized by periorificial (around the natural orifices) and acral (in the limbs) dermatitis, alopecia (loss of hair), and diarrhea.

Symptoms

* Skin vesicles * Skin bullae * Mucous membrane vesicles * Mucous membrane blisters * Alopecia

Causes

A mutation of the SLC39A4 gene on Chromosome 8 q24.3 is responsible for the disorder. The SLC39A4 gene encodes a transmembrane protein that serves as a zinc uptake protein. The features of the disease usually start manifesting as an infant is weaned from breast milk. This has led some scientists to suspect that human milk contains a beneficial substance that helps uptake of zinc and prevents the disease from being manifested while an infant is on breast milk.

Diagnosis

Home medical testing related to Acrodermatitis Enteropathica: * Home Allergy Tests o Home Mold Tests o Home Food Intolerance Tests o Home Radon Tests o Home Lung Function Tests

Treatment

Without treatment, the disease is fatal and affected individuals may die within a few years. There is no cure for the condition. Treatment includes lifelong dietary zinc supplementation in the range of greater than 1-2 mg/kg of bodyweight per day.