Can vitamin B12 cause skin problems?

Author: Dr. Chaim Jakubowski V  |  Last update: Sunday, April 13, 2025

Additionally, several dermatologic conditions, including vitiligo, aphthous stomatitis, atopic dermatitis, and acne are related to cobalamin excess or deficiency. The cutaneous complications of cobalamin therapy include acne, rosacea, and allergic site reactions, or anaphylaxis with cobalamin injections.

What does a B12 skin rash look like?

The allergy can be triggered by taking vitamin B12 supplements because B12 contains cobalt atoms. Cobalt allergies most often develop in people exposed to it in eye makeup, tattoos, or industrial products, causing an itchy, red, scaly rash.

Can too much B12 cause skin problems?

Skin rashes are one of the most common side effects of vitamin B12 overdose.

What does B12 do to your skin?

Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in skin health by providing essential nutrients for collagen production and by helping to maintain the skin's natural moisture balance. Vitamin B12 also helps to promote healthy cell growth, which can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging [1].

What are the symptoms of B12 deficiency on the skin?

Cutaneous manifestations associated with vitamin B12 deficiency are skin hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair changes. A diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency is often overlooked in its early stages because these signs are not specific to vitamin B12 deficiency alone.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency Weird Skin Findings (& Hair and Nails)

What are the negatives to taking B12?

High doses of vitamin B-12, such as those used to treat a deficiency, might cause:
  • Headache.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Fatigue or weakness.
  • Tingling sensation in hands and feet.

What vitamins are good for skin repair?

Multivitamin. There is evidence that vitamin A, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, biotin, and the minerals chromium, iron, selenium, and zinc play important roles in maintaining skin heath. Additional supplementation may be helpful for specific skin conditions.

What are the facial signs of B12 deficiency?

The deficiency of vitamin B12 can cause specific skin manifestations, such as hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair and nail changes [1].

Can vitamin B12 stop gray hair?

Premature graying may be reversed with vitamin B12 supplementation only if vitamin B12 deficiency is the cause. If you are graying due to other factors, such as genetics, zinc deficiency, and medications, your gray hair cannot be reversed.

What happens to your body when you start taking vitamin B12?

What is vitamin B12 and what does it do? Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that helps keep your body's blood and nerve cells healthy and helps make DNA, the genetic material in all of your cells. Vitamin B12 also helps prevent megaloblastic anemia, a blood condition that makes people tired and weak.

Can B12 cause dermatitis?

The cutaneous manifestations of cobalamin deficiency include hyperpigmentation (most commonly); hair and nail changes; and oral changes, including glossitis. Additionally, several dermatologic conditions, including vitiligo, aphthous stomatitis, atopic dermatitis, and acne are related to cobalamin excess or deficiency.

Who should not take B12?

If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this medication: a certain eye disease (Leber's optic neuropathy), a certain blood disorder (polycythemia vera), gout, iron or folic acid deficiency anemia, low potassium blood levels (hypokalemia).

Can vitamin B12 build up in your system and cause damage?

The body does not store excess vitamin B12, so taking extra is not harmful. Vitamin B12 is vital for human life due to its role in making red blood cells and supporting the function of the brain and nerves. There are no documented adverse effects from taking excess vitamin B12.

How to get rid of B12 rash?

Topical Treatments: Use corticosteroid creams or ointments to reduce inflammation and itching caused by skin reactions. Oral Medications: Antihistamines can help alleviate allergic symptoms such as itching and swelling.

What does a kidney rash look like?

Rash symptoms

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), people with chronic kidney disease may have: small, dome-shaped, very itchy bumps. small bumps that have joined to form raised, rough patches. blisters on the hands, face, and feet that may crust over.

What organ is affected by B12 deficiency?

If vitamin B12 deficiency is left untreated, it can cause lasting side effects that affect the nervous system and brain. More severe side effects of vitamin B12 deficiency include: Peripheral neuropathy. Degeneration of the spinal cord.

Why is my gray hair turning black again?

That said, certain conditions may temporarily restore pigmentation. For example, if greying is caused by a vitamin deficiency, stress, or an underlying medical condition, addressing these issues may slow or even partially reverse greying. However, the complete reversal of naturally aged hair remains a challenge.

Which fruit is rich in vitamin B12?

There are ten major sources of vitamin B12 fruits. These are apples, bananas, oranges, mangoes, strawberries, guava, avocado, pomegranate, kiwi, and blueberries. Apples- Apples rank first in the vitamin B12 fruits list.

How much B12 per day for a woman?

How much vitamin B12 do I need? Adults (aged 19 to 64) need about 1.5 micrograms a day of vitamin B12. If you eat meat, fish or dairy foods, you should be able to get enough vitamin B12 from your diet.

What do you crave when your B12 is low?

The expert added: “Your body can crave foods that are high in iron such as marmite, twiglets, milk, salmon, egg yolks, tuna, chicken and other meats. “These are all good sources of vitamin B12, so if your body is craving them, listen to it.”

Is it okay to take 1000 mcg of B12 a day?

Even the lowest doses in B12 supplements are many times the recommended dietary allowance. Doses up to 1,000 mcg, though unnecessary, aren't harmful. Fortified foods. Many breakfast cereals, soy products, and yeasts are fortified with B12.

What vitamin is lacking for crepey skin?

To try and reduce the chances of developing crepey skin, people can include the following in a balanced diet:
  • water.
  • proteins.
  • vitamins A, C, D, and E.
  • antioxidants such as carotenoids and flavonoids.
  • omega-3 fatty acids.

What is the most powerful skin vitamin?

For over seven decades, vitamin E has been studied for its powerful antioxidant properties and ability to protect the skin from free radicals. Vitamin E is also an intensely hydrating molecule with moisturizing and soothing properties that help to preserve the integrity of the skin's moisture barrier.

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