People often forget about the importance of vitamins. Their deficiency is often disregarded as a reason for developing skin issues and conditions, but it is one of the top causes of acne, rashes, discolored or cracked skin or the hemorrhages that manifest themselves as bruises. Vitamins play a major role in overall health and we have to carefully add them to our diets. Before taking any supplements, you should see your doctor and seek the advice. Skin disorders are a good measure of what should be changed in our daily habits and can be a good and helpful lesson for the future. We will mention the most important vitamins and the issues which can happen if you deprive your body of them.
Vitamin A
It is a fat-soluble vitamin important in keeping our skin in good condition. Deficiency can cause acne, psoriasis, dry and scaly skin and even more serious problems. The eye cornea and conjunctiva can become dry and irritable, and it can lead to tissue thickening. The cornea can become hazy, which decreases the quality of vision. Erosion of the cornea can damage the eye so much to the point a person becomes blind without the transplant.
Folic Acid, Vitamins B2 and B3
If you notice some cracks around the mouth and lips, your body probably lacks B2 vitamin. Less often, a deficiency causes tongue soreness and burning, scaly rash. Deficiency in niacin, or most commonly known as vitamin B3, can cause a rare but serious condition called pellagra. It manifests itself in dry, cracked and scaly skin and burning mouth with red and sore tongue. Lack of another B vitamin – called folic acid – can cause mouth ulcers and glossitis – not so common, but still serious – tongue inflammation.
Vitamins B6 and B12
If you abuse alcohol or have some nutrient malabsorption condition, you probably suffer from vitamin B6 deficiency, which can manifest itself in numerous skin conditions. Luckily, this vitamin is found in many foods like fish, starchy vegetables, potatoes, fruit and organ meats. Some medications also cause a deficiency, but it doesn’t happen very often. When it happens, skin becomes scaly and inflamed, with rashes. People who lack this vitamin often have painful and irritating cracks in corners of the mouth, or a swollen and sore tongue.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause skin hyperpigmentation most visible on the limbs. S. Aaron from Christian Medical College in his article published in “Neurology India” reported that 41 percent of people with B12 deficiency had skin problems.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C deficiency is most common in sailors who spend much time at sea. It can take around three months without vitamin C consumption to develop a deficiency. Skin issues include reddish spots around hair follicles which resemble bruises and scurvy hemorrhagic papules. These hairs often resemble the corkscrews. These small red spots often blend together and form large bruise-like shapes. Vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits, dark leafy green vegetables, tomatoes, papayas, peas and most of the berries.
For healthy skin, consume everything in moderation!
