Changes in cuticle of scalp hair in mild acquired zinc deficiency: A study using scanning electron microscopy

Abstract

We herein report a case of zinc deficiency in a 5-month-old Japanese girl. Red crusted papules were observed on the periorificial areas, feet, and buttocks. Although there was no hair loss, the zinc concentration in the infant's serum was 24 ~g/dl, which was increased by an oral zinc supplement. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) observation revealed that the scalp hair had an irregularly shaped cuticle and was unusually small and thin in diameter. These changes occurred before the onset of cutaneous symptoms, and remained after the skin manifestations had disappeared. The hair cuticle pattern and hair thickness returned to normal 2 months after zinc administration, while the skin eruptions disappeared more rapidly. It is suggested that damage to scalp hair in patients with mild acquired zinc deficiency takes place before the appearance of skin eruptions and persists after its disappearance, and that recovery from damage to the scalp hair takes place more slowly than that from a skin eruption.