A case of a rapid skin eruption caused by zinc deficiency

A case of zinc deficiency in an ex-premature infant is described. The infant presented with a cutaneous eruption that started on her chest and rapidly spread to involve her face and neck. Oral zinc was commenced and the child’s skin rapidly improved. Acrodermatitis enteropathica is usually an inherited form of zinc deficiency although rarely it can have a transient acquired cause, as in this case.