Hair-zinc levels determination in Algerian psoriatics using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA)

Psoriasis is a multifactorial skin disease with an unknown etiology. Zinc has a positive impact on psoriasis. The aim of this study is to determine hair-zinc concentration in Algerian psoriatics. 58 psoriatics and 31 normal controls of both genders were selected. Hair zinc levels were determined using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis technique (INAA). Student's t-test and One-Way ANOVA were applied. The average zinc concentration for controls and patients were 152±53 μg/g and 167±52 μg/g respectively. They are not significantly different (p>0.05). Zn concentration for males and females controls and patients were 171±27 μg/g, 151±37 μg/g and 145±59 μg/g, 178±58 μg/g respectively. However, for females we have observed a significant difference (p<0.05).

► Psoriasis is a multifactorial skin disease with an unknown etiology.
► About 2–5% of global population in the world suffers from psoriasis.
► The aim of this study is to determine hair-zinc concentration in Algerian psoriatics.
► The average zinc concentration for controls and patients were 152±53 μg/g and 167±52 μg/g respectively.