Hair Zinc Levels and the Efficacy of Oral Zinc Supplementation in Children with Atopic Dermatitis
Introduction
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects patients of various age groups, characterized by pruritus, eczematous lesions, and disrupted barrier function. Zinc, an essential trace element, plays a critical role in skin health, immune function, and inflammatory regulation, making its deficiency a potential factor in the pathophysiology of AD. However, the role of zinc supplementation in managing AD remains controversial, warranting further investigation.
This study aimed to explore zinc deficiency in children with atopic dermatitis and evaluate the efficacy of oral zinc supplementation in alleviating the symptoms of the condition.
Participant Selection
The study involved 101 participants, including 58 children diagnosed with atopic dermatitis and 43 healthy controls, aged between 2 and 14 years.
Baseline Zinc Measurement
Hair zinc levels were measured in all participants to assess zinc deficiency. The mean levels of zinc were compared between the AD group and the control group.
Zinc Supplementation Protocol
AD patients with reduced hair zinc levels were divided into two groups:
- Group A: Patients receiving oral zinc supplementation for eight weeks.
- Group B: Patients not receiving supplementation.
- Assessment Tools
The efficacy of zinc supplementation was evaluated using the following metrics:
- Eczema Assessment Severity Index (EASI): A standardized tool to measure eczema severity.
- Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL): An objective measure of skin barrier function.
- Visual Analogue Scales: Subjective assessments of pruritus and sleep disturbances.
Results
- Zinc Levels
At baseline, the mean hair zinc level was significantly lower in AD patients compared to controls (113.1 μg/g vs. 130.9 μg/g, p = 0.012), confirming zinc deficiency in the AD group.
Impact of Zinc Supplementation
Significant improvements were observed in patients receiving oral zinc supplementation (Group A) after eight weeks:
- Hair zinc levels increased significantly (p < 0.001).
- EASI scores showed greater improvement in Group A compared to Group B (p = 0.044).
- TEWL measurements improved significantly (p = 0.015).
- Visual analogue scales for pruritus and sleep disturbances demonstrated marked improvement (p < 0.001).
Discussion
The findings suggest a strong correlation between zinc deficiency and the severity of symptoms in atopic dermatitis patients. Zinc supplementation effectively alleviated eczema severity, improved skin barrier function, and reduced pruritus and sleep disturbances in patients with low zinc levels. These results highlight the potential of targeted zinc supplementation as a therapeutic approach in zinc-deficient AD patients.
Conclusion
Oral zinc supplementation may offer significant benefits for patients with atopic dermatitis who exhibit zinc deficiency. While this study provides compelling evidence for its efficacy, further research is needed to establish standardized guidelines for zinc supplementation in managing AD.
Future studies should explore:
- Long-term effects of zinc supplementation on AD management.
- Optimal dosages and formulations for zinc therapy.
- The interplay of zinc with other trace elements and nutrients in skin health.
Jeong Eun KIM, et.al. Department of Dermatology, Hanyang University Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. Acta Derm Venereol 2014. Laboratory analysis provided by Trace Elements laboratory, Dallas, Texas 75001
