Trace element zinc and skin disorders

Abstract

Zinc is a necessary trace element and an important constituent of proteins and other biological molecules. It has many biological functions, including antioxidant, skin and mucous membrane integrity maintenance, and the promotion of various enzymatic and transcriptional responses. The skin contains the third most zinc in the organism. Zinc deficiency can lead to a range of skin diseases. Except for acrodermatitis enteropathic, a rare genetic zinc deficiency, it has also been reported in other diseases. In recent years, zinc supplementation has been widely used for various skin conditions, including infectious diseases (viral warts, genital herpes, cutaneous leishmaniasis, leprosy), inflammatory diseases (hidradenitis suppurativa, acne vulgaris, rosacea, eczematous dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, Behcet's disease, oral lichen planus), pigmentary diseases (vitiligo, melasma), tumor-associated diseases (basal cell carcinoma), endocrine and metabolic diseases (necrolytic migratory erythema, necrolytic acral erythema), hair diseases (alopecia), and so on. We reviewed the literature on zinc application in dermatology to provide references for better use.

Metabolic Disorders and Psoriasis: Exploring the Role of Nutritional Interventions

“…Indeed, it is advisable to evaluate vitamin E status in PSO and to supplement it when needed [ 37 ]. Zinc has anti-inflammatory properties, and it is used with benefit as a supportive treatment for many inflammatory skin diseases [ 69 ].…”

Zinc utilization by microglia in Alzheimer’s disease

“…In contrast, approximately 17% of the global population is at risk for inadequate zinc intake based on zinc content in the national food supply, with citizens of underdeveloped countries most at risk ( 101 , 102 ). Furthermore, zinc deficiencies are correlated with numerous diseases including obesity ( 103 ), diabetes ( 104 ), dermatitis ( 105 ), cardiovascular disease ( 106 ), and neurodegenerative diseases ( 107 ).…”

Serum Zinc , Copper and Selenium Levels and Psoriasis in US Adults:A cross-sectional analysis of NHANES 2011-2014

“…Effective treatments for the chronic relapsing nature of psoriasis have been the focus of research, including the relationship between certain essential trace elements and the occurrence and development of psoriasis with a view to prevention and treatment. Zinc, copper, and selenium are vital trace elements integral to maintaining the standard structure and physiological activities of cells.Zinc(Zn) is present in more than 300 enzymes that are closely related to metabolism [4]. In addition, zinc is found in large quantities in nucleic acid binding proteins that control human growth and development [5].…”