Preliminary study on the relationship between serum zinc levels and atopic dermatitis in children

Sheng Ni Zhang, Tao Zhang, Qiu Yun Ding, Yong Qiang Wang, Jian Wei Zhao, Wen Ying Tian

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objective: To explore the relationship between serum zinc levels and atopic dermatitis (AD) in children. Methods: From March 2012 to September 2014, 62 children with AD were randomly divided into two groups (zinc supplemental and non zinc supplemental group). 50 healthy children served as normal controls. Eczema assessment severity index (EASI), visual analogue scale (VAS), scoring atopic dermatitis (SCORAD), serum zinc and IgE levels were assessed before and after treatment. Results: In comparison with normal controls, the baseline zinc levels were significantly lower in AD patients (P=0.015), while the total IgE levels were higher (P=0.023). After zinc supplement, serum zinc levels in zinc supplemental group were higher than that in non zinc supplemental group. After 8 weeks of treatment, the total IgE levels differed significantly among three groups (62.78±13.79 kU/L in zinc supplemental group; 119.68±15.89 kU/L in non supplemental group, and 56.82±24.65 kU/L in normal controls, P<0.05 between groups). After 4 weeks and 8 weeks of treatment, the differences of EASI, VAS and SCORAD were significant between zinc supplemental and non zinc supplemental group (P<0.05). Moreover, after 8 weeks of zinc supplement, EASI, VAS and SCORAD were markedly improved from baseline (P<0.05). Conclusions: Zinc deficiency may be a risk factor for AD. Oral zinc supplement can improve the clinical symptoms of AD. It is an optional regimen for AD.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)413-416
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Clinical Dermatology
Volume44
Issue number7
StatePublished - 5 Jul 2015
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Atopic dermatitis
  • IgE
  • Serum zinc

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