biotin deficiency

Etiology

• excessive consumption of raw eggs than contain avidin a protein that binds biotin & renders it unavailable
• pregnancy disposes

Epidemiology

• rare

Pathology

• impaired immune system

Clinical manifestations

• alopecia, fine & brittle hair
• conjunctivitis
• dermatitis
  • seborrheic dermatitis
  • scaly, erythematous
  • around eyes, nose, mouth, genitals
• neurologic manifestations
  • lethary, depression
  • hallucinations
  • myalgias
  • numbness & paresthesias of extremities
  • sensorineural hearing loss
• GI manifestations
  • nausea, vomiting
  • anorexia
• unusual facial fat distribution

Management

• biotin supplementation

More general terms

• vitamin B deficiency

Additional terms

• biotin (vitamin B7, vitamin H)