This paper investigates whether zinc levels are different in children with atopic dermatitis compared to those without, and whether zinc supplements help improve symptoms in children with low zinc levels. The study measured zinc levels in hair samples and tested if taking zinc supplements improved skin symptoms and itching.
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Hair zinc levels and the efficacy of oral zinc supplementation in patients with atopic dermatitis
Hair zinc levels and the efficacy of oral zinc supplementation in patients with atopic dermatitis
Jeong Eun Kim, Seo Rye Yoo, Myeong Gil Jeong, Joo Yeon Ko, Young Suck Ro
DOI: 10.2340/00015555-1772
Randomized Controlled Trial
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58 participants
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2014
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18 citations
Key insights related to Zinc from this study:
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What is this paper about?
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How did the authors study this?
The researchers measured zinc levels in hair samples from children with and without atopic dermatitis. They then divided children with low zinc levels into two groups - one group received zinc supplements while the other didn't. They measured skin symptoms, water loss through the skin, itching, and sleep problems before and after 8 weeks of treatment.
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What populations did the authors study?
The study included 58 children with atopic dermatitis and 43 children without the condition, all aged between 2-14 years. The children with atopic dermatitis who had low zinc levels were split into two groups for the supplement trial.
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What did the authors find?
Children with atopic dermatitis had lower zinc levels in their hair compared to children without the condition. After 8 weeks, the group taking zinc supplements showed better improvement in their skin symptoms, less water loss through the skin, and less itching compared to the group not taking supplements.
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What conclusions can we draw?
The authors conclude that zinc supplements may be helpful for treating atopic dermatitis in children who have low zinc levels. The improvement in symptoms suggests that zinc supplementation could be a useful treatment option for these specific patients.
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