n. inflammation of the skin of the feet or hands. A diffuse chronic variety produces swelling and reddening of the affected areas, followed by atrophy. It is a manifestation of *Lyme disease. Acrodermatitis enteropathica is an inherited (autosomal *recessive) inability to absorb sufficient *zinc, which causes patchy sparse hair; patches of dry scaly eczematous skin on the hands, feet, scalp, and around the mouth and anogenital region; and chronic diarrhoea. Management consists of zinc supplements.
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