NEJM: Zinc deficiency related dermatitis - case reported

The patient, a 4-month-old boy who was exclusively breastfed, was treated for six weeks as the rash worsened.
physical examination revealed extensive, well-defined erythema and decaying plaques on the abdomen (shown in Figure A), arms (shown in Figure B), legs, diaper areas, face and scalp.
no other abnormal physical or developmental results were observed.
skin biopsy, found that corneal cornea cornea irregular and alethral incomplete, particle cell layer reduction, epithet epithal antelosis to form cell pallor, indicating zinc deficiency.
laboratory examination found that the serum zinc level was 226 μg/L (3.5μmol/L) (reference range from 600 to 1200μg/L (9.2 to 18.4μmol/L)) and was diagnosed with dermatitis associated with zinc deficiency.
zinc deficiency is relatively easy to treat and needs to be considered for the identification and diagnosis of refractic specialty dermatitis, pustules and other eczema skin diseases.
causes of the disease are not yet clear because the mother's serum zinc levels are normal.
the child begins oral zinc sulfate supplementation and the rash is completely eliminated within 5 days.
continued with oral zinc supplements, and the rash did not relapse during follow-up one year after the initial visit.