Nutritional Deficiency Dermatoses

Conclusions

• Nutritional deficiencies can present with specific dermatological symptoms that may be overlooked by healthcare providers.
• Clinical signs such as night blindness and skin rashes can indicate vitamin A deficiency (phrynoderma), especially in patients with dietary restrictions.
• Pellagra, a result of vitamin B3 deficiency, can manifest as photodistributed rashes and is commonly seen in those with poor dietary habits or alcohol abuse.
• Vitamin C deficiency (scurvy) presents with symptoms like bleeding gums and perifollicular purpura, often related to inadequate dietary intake.
• Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent and can cause fatigue and hair thinning, necessitating dietary assessment and supplementation.
• Zinc deficiency may lead to psoriasiform dermatitis, particularly in patients with malabsorption issues such as Crohn's disease.
• Common oral and dermatological findings, such as glossitis and angular cheilitis, are linked to deficiencies in vitamins B complex, iron, and zinc.
• Different diets, like vegan and ketogenic, carry specific risks for nutritional deficiencies and should be monitored carefully.
• It is important for dermatologists to inquire about patients' dietary practices to identify potential nutritional deficiencies as underlying causes of skin conditions.
• Nutritional deficiencies may coexist, requiring comprehensive assessment and treatment strategies to address multiple deficiencies for effective symptom resolution.