What vitamin deficiency causes brown spots on skin?

Author: Mrs. Trycia Terry  |  Last update: Tuesday, September 23, 2025

The hyperpigmentation related to vitamin B12 deficiency is more common in darker-skinned patients. Few other cases of skin hyperpigmentation due to vitamin B12 deficiency have been reported in the literature. The mechanism of hyperpigmentation is due to increased melanin synthesis rather than a defect in melanin.

Can B12 deficiency cause brown spots?

Skin hyperpigmentation in B12 deficiency was most commonly observed on the hands and feet (dorsal aspect), with the knuckles being the most prominent site. The darkening of sole and palmar creases, interphalangeal joints, and terminal phalanges was also observed [3,4,5].

What deficiency causes brown spots on skin?

Melasma, a common skin condition causing brown or gray patches, can be influenced by deficiencies in vitamin B12 and iron. Addressing these deficiencies through diet or supplements, along with protective measures against sun exposure, can help manage melasma.

What vitamin gets rid of dark spots?

Vitamins can be used to lighten your skin and lighten dark spots. 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.

How do you feel if your B12 is low?

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.

The #1 Deficiency behind Aging Spots

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.

Does apple cider vinegar really get rid of age spots?

There's also evidence that it may help manage dry skin, acne, and age spots, among other conditions. ACV is generally safe to use, but it does come with a risk of irritation or worsening skin symptoms, especially for people with sensitive skin or skin conditions.

Why do I suddenly get brown spots on my skin?

What causes brown spots to suddenly appear on the skin? Brown spots can appear suddenly due to increased melanin pigment, often triggered by factors like sun exposure, changes in hormones, age, or skin conditions.

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.

What are the facial signs of B12 deficiency?

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.

What autoimmune disease causes brown spots on skin?

Chronic Cutaneous Lupus

Lesions most often appear on the face, ears, scalp, neck, and hands. They are usually not itchy or painful, but they may cause dark spots or scars that remain on the skin after they heal.

Which vitamin deficiency causes sleepiness?

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies, including B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12, C, D, iron, and magnesium, are among the most common causes of unexplained fatigue. Vitamin D deficiencies affect over 50% of the global population, and approximately 12.5% have iron deficiency anemia.

Can iron deficiency cause brown spots?

Background — Melasma is a chronic acquired localized hypermelanosis, causing aesthetic problem for women and impairing their quality of life. Evidence has suggested that hyperpigmentation can occur as a result of iron deficiency anemia and vitamin B12 deficiency.

How long after starting vitamin B12 will I feel better?

It may take a few weeks before your vitamin B12 levels and symptoms (such as extreme tiredness or lack of energy) start to improve. If you have hydroxocobalamin injections to boost your vitamin B12 levels at the start of treatment, the cyanocobalamin tablets may start to work within a few days.

What does a B12 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.

How do I stop getting brown spots?

To help avoid age spots and new spots after treatment, follow these tips for limiting your sun exposure:
  1. Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Because the sun's rays are most intense during this time, try to schedule outdoor activities for other times of the day.
  2. Use sunscreen. ...
  3. Cover up.

Can stress cause brown spots?

Stress can trigger various types of hyperpigmentation, including post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and melasma. PIH occurs when the skin produces excess melanin in response to inflammation or injury. Stress can increase inflammation in the body, leading to the development of PIH.

How to remove age spots with hydrogen peroxide?

Gently massage it into the skin for a couple of seconds. Let it sit and rinse: Allow the hydrogen peroxide to sit on the age spots for about 5 minutes. If you feel extreme irritation, rinse it immediately. But if you feel only mild tingling, let it sit for another 5 to 10 minutes.

What household ingredient gets rid of age spots?

Some natural remedies like Lemon juice, Aloe Vera, Apple Cider Vinegar, and Green Tea extract may help lighten age spots when applied topically. However, it's essential to use these remedies with caution and perform a patch test to avoid skin irritation.

How many days does apple cider vinegar take to remove dark spots?

How long does it take to see results with ACV for dark spots? Results can vary, but many people start to see improvements in their dark spots within a few weeks of consistent use.

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 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.

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.

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