Infections: acrodermatitis enteropathica: practice question

A Dermatology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dermatology · Infections: acrodermatitis enteropathica

Sample item

An infant soon after weaning from breast milk has erosive, psoriasiform dermatitis around the mouth and perineum, diarrhoea and alopecia. Which investigation and treatment fit best?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Low serum zinc, treated with oral zinc supplementation

Acrodermatitis enteropathica is an inherited zinc absorption defect (SLC39A4) presenting with periorificial and acral dermatitis, diarrhoea and hair loss. Low plasma zinc supports the diagnosis, and lifelong zinc gives a rapid response. Acquired zinc deficiency has a similar picture.

Option by option

  • A. Low vitamin D, treated with cholecalciferol

    Vitamin D deficiency causes rickets.

  • B. Low serum iron, treated with iron

    Iron deficiency causes koilonychia and angular stomatitis, not this triad.

  • C. Low serum zinc, treated with oral zinc supplementation (correct)

    Correct. Low zinc with the classic triad is treated with zinc supplements.

  • D. Raised serum copper, treated with penicillamine

    Copper excess is seen in Wilson disease.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is C, Low serum zinc, treated with oral zinc supplementation. Acrodermatitis enteropathica is an inherited zinc absorption defect (SLC39A4) presenting with periorificial and acral dermatitis, diarrhoea and hair loss.

Why is "Low vitamin D, treated with cholecalciferol" not the answer?

Vitamin D deficiency causes rickets.

Why is "Low serum iron, treated with iron" not the answer?

Iron deficiency causes koilonychia and angular stomatitis, not this triad.

Why is "Raised serum copper, treated with penicillamine" not the answer?

Copper excess is seen in Wilson disease.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Infections: acrodermatitis enteropathica in Dermatology. Low plasma zinc supports the diagnosis, and lifelong zinc gives a rapid response. Acquired zinc deficiency has a similar picture.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Infections: acrodermatitis enteropathica?

Learn each condition by its primary lesion, site and signature sign. Then use the flashcards and the other Dermatology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.