Zinc deficiency and acrodermatitis after intravenous hyperalimentation.

During the fourth week of intravenous hyperalimentation (IVH) a vesiculopustular and erythematous eruption developed in the perioral and perineal areas of a 60-year-old woman. During the next ten days, the eruption spread to involve the central portion of the face, periorbital areas, entire perineum, upper portion of the thighs, and feet. She became depressed and agitated. Numerous study results for Candida albicans were negative. Within 48 hours of therapy with 220 mg. of zinc sulfate twice daily, the eruption had resolved to a mild erythema. The pretreatment serum zinc level before treatment was markedly depressed at 36 microgram/dl.