Acrodermatitis enteropathica is a hereditary zinc deficiency syndrome. The cause of autosomal recessive skin rashes is a partial reduction of intestinal uptake of zinc. The lack of zinc leads to a partial or complete loss of Langerhans cells in the skin, which probably leads to the strengthening and chronicity of eczema.
Symptoms usually begin in the first few months of life or with the stopping of breast feeding. The rashes are initially symmetrical erythema and form in the areas of the body openings, on hands, feet, on the head, and behind the ears.
In the further course, pustular, hyperkeratotic and vesiculobullous lesions develop. Symptoms of the mucous membranes are stomatitis, glossitis, and gingivitis.