Pellagra in Zanzibar: a rare diagnosis

Background Pellagra is a nutritional disease resulting from a deficiency of vitamin B3 (niacin) primarily due to corn consumption, especially in developing countries, but in developed countries, it can occur secondarily as a consequence of chronic alcoholism, malabsorption, certain drugs, and bariatric surgery. Results We present a case of a 32-year-old woman from a rural area in Zanzibar who was a heavy alcohol consumer and came in with features suggestive of pellagra. Conclusion Our therapeutic approach consisted of niacin 500 mg once daily and betamethasone + salicylic acid ointment twice a day until lesions resolved and showed noticeable improvement.