Hair zinc levels and the efficacy of oral zinc supplementation in patients with atopic dermatitis
Kim JE, et al.
Published in Acta Dermato-Venereologica
Methodology
Comparison of hair zinc levels in 58 children with atopic dermatitis and 43 controls, followed by 8 weeks of oral zinc supplementation in patients with low hair zinc versus a non-supplemented group; outcomes EASI, transepidermal water loss and visual analogue scales for itch and sleep disturbance.
Key Findings
Hair zinc was measured in 58 children with atopic dermatitis and 43 controls aged 2-14, and was significantly lower in the dermatitis group (113.1 vs 130.9 microgram/g, p = 0.012). Patients with low hair zinc who received 8 weeks of oral zinc supplementation showed a significant rise in hair zinc (p < 0.001). Compared with the unsupplemented group, they improved more on eczema severity index (p = 0.044), transepidermal water loss (p = 0.015) and itch score (p < 0.001).
Conclusions
Oral zinc supplementation improved EASI scores, transepidermal water loss and itch severity in atopic dermatitis patients with low hair zinc levels.
Limitations
The supplemented and unsupplemented groups were compared without placebo control or blinding, in 58 children over 8 weeks; hair zinc is an imperfect marker of body zinc status.
Supplements Studied
EASI scores, TEWL, and visual analogue scales for pruritus improved more in Group A than in Group B (p = 0.044, 0.015 and < 0.001, respectively). Thus, oral zinc supplementation may be effective in AD patients with low hair zinc levels.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.