A Rash From A Lack Of Vitamins And Minerals

A vitamin or mineral deficiency can cause a host of symptoms depending on the function of the specific vitamin or mineral. Insufficient dietary consumption of some vitamins and minerals can result in a skin rash, for example. If you notice changes in your skin you suspect to be the consequence of a vitamin or mineral deficiency or due to some other health issue, consult with your health care provider for advice and treatment.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A keeps your skin healthy due to its role in maintaining the integrity of epithelial cells. As such, it functions in immunity by preventing foreign matter from penetrating the layers of your skin. Lack of vitamin A in your diet may lead to your skin becoming thick, dry and scaly and may increase your risk of infection. You can remedy this type of skin rash by consuming foods rich in vitamin A -- or its precursor beta-carotene -- including carrots, squash, cantaloupe and green leafy vegetables.

Niacin

Insufficient dietary niacin, a B vitamin involved in the conversion of food to usable energy, can lead to the deficiency disease pellagra. Pellagra, meaning raw or rough skin, presents a characteristic rash of dark, thick, scaly skin in addition to digestive and neurological symptoms that may prove fatal if untreated. Poultry, beef, seafood and fortified cereals all provide niacin to prevent and treat this deficiency disease.

Riboflavin

Riboflavin, another B vitamin, is rarely deficient without other water-soluble vitamins also lacking in your diet. Riboflavin helps you derive energy from food and functions as an anti-oxidant. Lack of this vitamin may cause a scaly, moist skin rash, along with irritation of your lips, your tongue and the corners of your mouth. Fortified cereal products are a rich source of riboflavin, and milk, almonds and spinach supplies this nutrient to your diet as well.

Zinc

Zinc is a cofactor for many critical reactions in your body, contributing to the structure of cell membranes and to your body's ability to use vitamin A. A diet severely lacking in zinc may cause a skin rash and heightened susceptibility to infection. Increasing your consumption of zinc can reverse these symptoms. Protein-rich foods, including seafood, poultry, beef, pork and dairy products, contain high levels of this mineral.

Manganese

Manganese functions as a cofactor for enzymes involved in metabolism, growth and tissue repair. Its role in synthesizing collagen makes it a critical component of the wound-healing process. Although uncommon, a lack of dietary manganese can cause a temporary skin rash. Consuming foods that contain significant manganese, such as nuts, legumes and cereals, can reverse deficiency symptoms.