[Analysis of serum zinc level in patients with atopic dermatitis, psoriasis vulgaris and in probands with healthy skin].
OBJECTIVE
The significance of zinc in the pathogenesis of different dermatological conditions is controversial. Using our own patient collective, the present study aimed to determine variations in serum zinc levels in patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis as compared to levels in the normal population.


METHODS
The serum zinc levels of 97 patients with atopic dermatitis and 88 patients with psoriasis were compared to those in 22 healthy subjects and subjected to statistical analysis.


RESULTS
In contrast to the data given in the literature, no statistically significant difference was found between the populations investigated.


CONCLUSIONS
Zinc replacement therapy in patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis appears to be indicated only in those with a documented zinc deficiency.
Kreft
B
B
Martin-Luther-Universität Halle/Wittenberg, Klinik und Poliklinik für Hautkrankheiten, Ernst-Kromayer-Strasse 5-6, 06097 Halle, Saale.
Wohlrab
J
J
Fischer
M
M
Uhlig
H
H
Skölziger
R
R
Marsch
W C
WC
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000097:blood*; D012016:Reference Values; D015032:Zinc / Q000097:blood*
D015032:Zinc