Can vitamin B12 deficiency cause pigmentation on the face?

Author: Cathryn Fisher  |  Last update: Friday, December 12, 2025

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

How do you know if your B12 is low on your face?

If you have anaemia caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency, you may have other symptoms in addition to those listed above, such as: a pale yellow tinge to your skin. a sore and red tongue (glossitis) mouth ulcers.

Which vitamin deficiency causes hyperpigmentation on the face?

Skin lesions associated with vitamin B12 deficiency are skin hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair changes. Cutaneous lesions that do not respond to conventional therapy can be an indication of vitamin B12 deficiency. Malabsorption is the most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency.

Can B12 deficiency cause red spots on skin?

A Vitamin B deficiency can wreak havoc on your skin, causing acne, rashes, dry and flaky skin, cracked lips, and wrinkles. It can also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, personal care products, and other potential aggressors, and can accordingly lead to redness and irritation.

What is clinically one of the first signs of vitamin B12 deficiency?

Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia can cause a wide range of symptoms. These usually develop gradually, but can worsen if the condition goes untreated.
  • rapid breathing or shortness of breath.
  • headaches.
  • indigestion.
  • loss of appetite.
  • palpitations.
  • problems with your vision.
  • feeling weak or tired.
  • diarrhoea.

Best Remedy for Hyperpigmentation

What is the fastest way to fix B12 deficiency?

Vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia is usually treated with injections of vitamin B12, called hydroxocobalamin. At first, you'll have these injections every other day for 2 weeks or until your symptoms have started improving.

Which supplement is best for hyperpigmentation?

Three of the best vitamins for lightening dark spots are vitamin C, vitamin B12, and vitamin E. Vitamin C helps your skin produce more collagen while inhibiting the formation of melanin. Vitamin B12 also promotes collagen formation while supporting the growth of new skin cells.

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.

What are unusual symptoms of B12 deficiency?

Some may experience mood swings or signs of depression. Vision problems: Unexplained vision issues such as blurred vision or disturbances in the visual field can occur, although this is rare . Dental issues: Oral problems, including tongue discomfort, mouth ulcers, and a burning sensation in the mouth, may develop .

Why am I suddenly getting hyperpigmentation on my face?

The most common cause of hyperpigmentation is sun exposure. The body darkens the skin to protect it from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Therefore, the best preventative treatment for hyperpigmentation is daily use of sunscreen and sun-protective clothing.

Can B12 reverse hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is an early and reversible sign of vitamin B 12 deficiency, which must be promptly recognised and corrected. The cause of B12 deficiency must be identified and additionally treated.

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.

Which vitamin deficiency causes pigmentation on the face?

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

How long does it take to recover from vitamin B12 deficiency?

If the cause of your vitamin B12 deficiency is down to a lack of B12 in your diet, then you can gradually remedy this by eating more food with B12 in it. Through this method, it can take up 6 months to a year to fully recover from a B12 deficiency. The best food groups for B12 levels are meat, fish, and dairy.

What are the symptoms of B12 deficiency on the face?

If you have a very low level of B12, you may be subject to hyperpigmentation (dark spots) on your skin, as well as to vitiligo (light patches on your skin), mouth ulcers, eczema, and acne. On the other hand, too much B12 in your body can also give you vitiligo, mouth ulcers, eczema, and acne.

What happens to your body when you take vitamin B12 every day?

Your body absorbs only as much as it needs, and any excess passes through your urine. High doses of vitamin B-12, such as those used to treat a deficiency, might cause: Headache. Nausea and vomiting.

What blocks B12 absorption?

Conditions affecting the stomach

Some stomach conditions or stomach operations can prevent the absorption of enough vitamin B12. For example, a gastrectomy, a surgical procedure where part of your stomach is removed, increases your risk of developing a vitamin B12 deficiency.

How can I reduce pigmentation on my face?

Aloe vera. Applying aloe vera gel directly to the pigmented skin may also be a good way to reduce pigmentation over time. A study in the journal Planta Medica , which involved tadpole cells, notes that aloe vera's active ingredient, called aloesin or aloin, could help reduce pigmentation of the skin.

Why is my skin getting darker without sun?

If you've been wondering, "Why is my skin becoming darker?" without obvious sun exposure, it's essential to understand that several factors could be at play. Your skin can react to many triggers, both internal and external. These include hormonal changes, medications, ageing, and stress.

What happens if your B12 is low for too long?

Complications of vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia

problems with the nervous system. temporary infertility. heart conditions. pregnancy complications and birth defects.

What is the #1 food highest in B12?

Top foods with B12
  • Clams, 3 ounces: 84 mcg.
  • 100% fortified breakfast cereal (check the label), 1 serving: 6.
  • Trout, 3 ounces: 5.4.
  • Salmon, 3 ounces: 4.9.
  • Canned tuna fish, 3 ounces: 2.5.
  • Fortified soy milk, chocolate (check the label): 1.7.
  • Beef, 3 ounces: 1.5.
  • Nonfat plain Greek yogurt, 6 ounces: 1.3.

Why are doctors stopping B12 injections?

Coronavirus has made it necessary to move patients on B12 injections to oral treatment. Reason: RISK REDUCTION in terms of limiting your movement outside your home and contact with our staff and nurses. Nationally all NHS organisations will be stopping injections during this difficult time.

Previous article
How to have a hairless armpit?
Next article
Can you leave normal shampoo in your hair?