Dermatitis
What is it?
Dermatitis is the term used to refer to inflammation of the skin. Symptoms include rash, itching, burning, dryness, blemishes or other skin disorders. The treatment depends on the cause.
Causes of dermatitis
There are many causes of dermatitis, including chafing of the skin, allergies, side effects of long-term medication, nutrient deficiencies or nervous irritability. Contact dermatitis can occur when the skin is touched by irritating substances such as industrial solvents, dyes, nickel and other metals, and some soaps.
Vitamins, minerals and dermatitis
B vitamins
A symptom of all B vitamin deficiencies is dermatitis. Symptoms of severe riboflavin deficiency include greasy, scaly skin on the nose, eyebrows, hairline, trunk and limbs. It may also lead to red, swollen, cracked lips, mouth and tongue.
Early signs of niacin deficiency include skin eruptions and dermatitis. Severe deficiency causes the disease known as pellagra, in which a reddish skin rash on the face, hands and feet becomes rough and dark when exposed to sunlight.
Vitamin B6 deficiency can lead to greasy inflammation of the skin around the nose, eyebrows and hairline. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to reduced tissue repair and dermatitis.
Biotin deficiency in children can lead to skin disorders such as seborrheic dermatitis, which has symptoms of reddened bumps and scaly eruptions on the scalp, cheeks, armpits, groin and neck. Supplements have been shown to improve these symptoms and may be given either directly to the infant or to the mother if she is breastfeeding. Intravenous administration of biotin is less painful and less dangerous than multiple intramuscular injections.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the growth and repair of epithelial cells. These cells cover the internal and external surfaces of the body and are found in the skin. Prolonged vitamin A deficiency leads to thickened dry skin which is prone to infections. Small hardened bumps of a protein known as keratin may develop around the hair follicles. Because of its important role in the formation of healthy skin vitamin A is used to treat skin disorders including rashes, ulcers and wounds. However, excess vitamin A can lead to hair loss, skin dryness, itching and flaking.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is vital for the production of collagen, and inadequate intake may affect the skin. Small hemorrhages under the skin and poor wound-healing are symptoms of deficiency. A 1980 study tested the therapeutic effect of a combination preparation of vitamins E and C in the treatment of pigmented contact dermatitis. The results showed that symptoms improved.1