Clinical versus pathologic diagnosis: acrodermatitis enteropathica.

Malnutrition is a well-known cause of infant morbidity and mortality. In developed societies malnutrition still exists, especially in patients fed insufficient diets during chronic and critical illnesses. Malnutrition impacts all organs. Skin manifestations are common, and its diagnosis is mostly visual. We present four cases of malnutrition with associated zinc deficiency were the clinical diagnosis proved correct. Acrodermatitis Enteropathica cannot be distinguished histologically form other forms of deficiency dermatitis and psoriasis. A thorough history and physical examination plus the clinical response to therapy are sufficient to make the correct diagnosis.