We explored a unique case involving a girl diagnosed with biotinidase deficiency, a rare inherited metabolic condition that can lead to notable skin and hair issues. The report highlighted her struggles with intractable dermatitis, yellow hair, and alopecia—symptoms that pointed to the underlying deficiency.
Biotin, a vital nutrient, was administered at a dose of 20 mg per day as a replacement therapy. Within one month, we observed a substantial improvement in her dermatitis, and by the three-month mark, her hair color had returned to near normal. The significant change in her condition illustrates how effective biotin can be for individuals suffering from both biotinidase deficiency and associated eczema-like symptoms.
This case serves as a reminder for healthcare providers, especially dermatologists, to consider biotinidase deficiency as a potential factor when treating similar conditions in children. By recognizing the importance of biotin, we can help improve health outcomes for those experiencing dermatological challenges tied to this rare disorder.
Read More
We observed the case of a Japanese boy who suffered from a severe skin rash caused by biotin deficiency. This child had unique health challenges, including an intracranial malformation, and was fed through a tube using a single formula for more than a year. This feeding method led to a deficiency in biotin, an essential nutrient known for its role in maintaining skin health and other bodily functions.
Upon analysis, we found the boy had low biotinidase activity, which is important for processing biotin in the body. The good news is that after introducing biotin supplementation into his routine, not only did his skin rash improve significantly, but his biotinidase activity also returned to normal levels.
This case suggests that biotin plays a key role in regulating the production of biotinidase, highlighting its potential benefits in treating conditions like eczema, especially when linked to a deficiency. It's a promising finding, although we must acknowledge that this is a report based on a single patient’s experience.
Read More
We explored the potential benefits of biotin in treating eczema, particularly in pediatric patients. In the context of a study involving 42 children, we assessed nutritional deficiencies that might be affecting their skin health, especially considering some were on enteral feeding.
Among the findings, we discovered one patient with therapy-resistant eczema responded positively to treatment with additional biotin. Alongside this treatment, they also switched to a non-hydrolyzed formula. However, since biotin was administered in combination with other interventions, we cannot conclude that biotin alone was responsible for the improvement.
Overall, while the results suggest that biotin may have a role in addressing eczema in specific cases, the effects are not isolated. Further research would be needed to fully understand the impact of biotin on eczema management.
Read More
HLCS deficiency improves with biotinHolocarboxylase Synthetase Deficiency: Clinical, Biochemical and Molecular Findings in Five Malaysian Patients Including a Newborn Presenting as Collodion Baby.
Translational importance for treatment
We examined a rare condition called holocarboxylase synthetase (HLCS) deficiency, which affects biotin metabolism in patients. Our study focused on five patients diagnosed between 2015 and 2024.
Each patient presented with skin rashes and severe symptoms, including respiratory distress and seizures. Remarkably, four out of five patients showed improvement with biotin therapy, receiving daily doses of 10-30 mg that helped maintain their metabolic health.
This study highlights the importance of early detection and intervention with biotin to prevent serious complications, making a strong case for screening specific gene mutations in affected individuals.
Read More
Vitamin E may aid eczema reliefBiochemical and Clinical Effects of Vitamin E Supplementation in Hungarian Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome Patients.
Study shows mixed symptom improvements
We explored the effects of vitamin E supplementation on patients with Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome (SLOS), particularly focusing on symptoms like eczema. In a three-year study, six patients who were already on dietary cholesterol treatment received vitamin E. Their vitamin E levels were initially low, but following supplementation, all patients showed a significant increase in plasma vitamin E concentrations.
Among the various symptoms assessed, including aggression, irritability, and skin issues like eczema, some patients reported improvements. Our findings indicated that three out of the six patients experienced a reduction in symptoms, including skin photosensitivity and eczema. Notably, those who responded best to therapy had lower baseline ratios of certain cholesterol-related compounds.
While the study suggests that vitamin E could provide benefits to SLOS patients—possibly contributing to improvements in skin conditions like eczema—individual responses varied. Thus, vitamin E supplementation may be worth considering in the management of SLOS, especially for those with low initial vitamin E levels and certain biochemical markers.
Read More