Can a Vitamin Deficiency Cause a Rash?

Original Date of Publication: November 21, 2023

Original Author: Judy Blatman is OmegaQuant’s consumer health writer. Her blogs tee-up practical suggestions for health, with an emphasis on omega-3s and omega-3 testing, so readers can decide their own path to good health. Judy’s knowledge about dietary supplements developed during her 16 years spearheading communications for the Council for Responsible Nutrition, where she led an award-winning healthy lifestyle consumer education initiative focused on diet, dietary supplements and exercise. Learn more

Date of Review/Update: May 3, 2026

Reviewer: Stacy Cappadona MS, RD, CSSD, CSCS, TSAC-F 

Stacy Cappadona is OmegaQuant’s science writer and reviewer. She is a registered dietitian and board-certified specialist in sports dietetics. Stacy has spent most of her career supporting the health and performance of United States military communities, applying evidence-based nutrition strategies to meet the demands of high-stress, high-performance environments. Learn more

 

 

Skin rashes can be unsightly, annoying and often unbearably itchy.  They can also be tingly and mysterious, but not in a budding romance, second date filled-with-excitement kind of way. In fact, quite the opposite. If you’ve ever been saddled with a skin rash—including the more common ones like dermatitis, eczema, hives or heat rash—you know what we’re talking about.

So, what are the drivers of skin rashes? There are more types of skin rashes than we’d care to count, and they can be caused by allergic reactions, excessive heat, and more. But in today’s blog, let’s focus on whether vitamin deficiencies may play a role in the development of skin rashes.

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Vitamins, You Say? 

Although it’s not talked about much, micronutrients (vitamins and minerals)—more specifically a lack of micronutrients—could be to blame for your skin rashes.

Micronutrients are important for health because they perform a wide range of functions, including playing key roles in the development of enzymes, hormones, and energy production (1). As you may have already noticed if you’ve investigated products for your skin, many often boast the benefits of the unique vitamins and minerals they contain—claiming they are the secret to younger, brighter-looking skin. So, maybe it does make sense that being deficient in a nutrient may lead to unwanted skin conditions.

Nutrient deficiency occurs when you’re not getting enough of a nutrient that your body needs (2). Although vitamin or mineral deficiencies may not be something that pops up in your mind while you’re trying to scratch your rash away; micronutrient deficiency is more common than many assume. The World Health Organization has reported that over 2 billion people are estimated to be deficient in key vitamins, like vitamin A, iodine, iron, and zinc (3).

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Vitamin Deficiencies and Skin Health

So, let’s talk about some specific vitamin deficiencies as they relate to skin issues.

Vitamin A. Adequate intake of vitamin A is necessary for healthy skin and hair and too little can have negative consequences (4). When vitamin A is too low, skin cells start to behave abnormally, which can lead to a build up of keratin and rough, bumpy skin (4). But don’t overconsume this vitamin either. Too much vitamin A can lead to other issues with your skin and hair (4). Vitamin A can be found in a variety of foods, including fish, green leafy vegetables, and fruits and vegetables that have yellow/orange colors like cantaloupe, mangos, apricots, carrots, and sweet potatoes (5).

Vitamin B2. Lack of sufficient vitamin B2 can lead to deep red skin inflammation, inflamed lips with small bumps or sores, and a facial rash that commonly appears around the nose, forehead, cheeks, or behind the ears (6). Vitamin B2, also called riboflavin, is found naturally in eggs, organ meats, lean meats, low-fat milk, and mushrooms, but is also commonly consumed in fortified products like cereals, bread, and grain products (7).

Vitamin B3. Deficiency in vitamin B3, also known as niacin, results in pellagra—a condition in which dermatitis is a well-known sign and symptom (6). In pellagara, sun-exposed areas of the skin seem to be most affected, such as the face, neck, arms, hands, and feet (8). Rashes can resemble a sunburn at first, but then progress to rough, scaly plaques (8). Niacin can be found in poultry, beef, pork and fish, some nuts, and legumes, as well as enriched and fortified foods like breads and cereals (9).

Vitamin B6. Lack of vitamin B6 can also lead to skin rashes that appear on the face, scalp, neck, shoulders, buttocks, or groin areas (6). The rash may look red, flaky, or irritated, and sensitive to sunlight (6). Vitamin B6 can be found in poultry, fish, and organ meats, and some plant sources such as potatoes, other starchy vegetables, and fruits (other than citrus) (10).

Vitamin B12. Skin abnormalities are also common with vitamin B12 deficiency. The most common skin finding is darker skin pigmentation, or hyperpigmentation” that appears more often on the face, or in body folds—like armpits or groin areas (6). B12 deficiency can also include mouth soreness, or cracks at the corners of the mouth (6). B12 is only found naturally in animal foods, such as fish, meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products (11). You can also get vitamin B12 from fortified foods, like breakfast cereals and nutritional yeasts.

Vitamin C. Vitamin C, critical for collagen formation, plays a well-documented role in skin health (6). Similar to vitamin A deficiency, lack of vitamin C can lead to rough bumps around hair follicles due to excess keratin build up—known as follicular hyperkeratosis (6). Another classic sign of vitamin C deficiency, also known as scurvy, is “corkscrew hair,” where hair may become twisted or coiled (6). Bruising also occurs more easily with vitamin C deficiency, since this nutrient is essential for collagen production and tissue healing (12). Fruits and vegetables are the best sources of vitamin C, particularly citrus fruits (12). Additionally, some foods and beverages are fortified with vitamin C to increase accessibility.

Vitamin D. Vitamin D is most famous for its role in bone health. But the role of vitamin D goes beyond the regulation of bone metabolism, and can also influence skin health outcomes. Some of the skin conditions that have been associated with low vitamin D levels include psoriasis, eczema, acne, and more (13). While most studies do not suggest that vitamin deficiency is the cause of these skin conditions, evidence does show that people with these conditions often have lower vitamin D levels—and increasing vitamin D levels may decrease the severity of these conditions (13). Foods rich in vitamin D include fatty fish like trout, salmon, tuna, and mackerel, and various milks that have been fortified with vitamin D (14). Other options that provide small amounts of vitamin D include egg yolks, cheese, and some mushrooms.

Copper. While the primary effects of copper deficiency are related to the nervous system, copper is also needed for normal hair and skin pigment—so deficiency can lead to loss of normal pigment of the hair and skin (6). Many foods contain copper, like beef liver, shellfish, oysters, nuts, seeds, potatoes, mushrooms, avocados, chickpeas, wheat-bran cereals, and whole-grain products (15).

Zinc. A tell-tale sign of zinc deficiency is a skin condition known as acrodermatitis enteropathics (6). This rash usually appears around the mouth, hands, and feet, looks irritated, and can develop into blisters or open sores (6). What distinguishes this rash from other face rashes is that it is typically sharply outlined, and forms in a U-shape around the bottom of the mouth (6). Fortunately, zinc is not hard to come by, and can be found in seafood, meat, poultry, beans, nuts, whole grains, eggs, dairy, and fortified breakfast cereals (16).

Iron. A well-known symptom of iron deficiency is iron-deficiency anemia—a condition where you have a low number of red blood cells (17). A lesser known side effect of anemia, though, is anemia rash (17). Anemia rash describes the development of itchy skin or red dots that look like a rash in people with anemia. While not everyone with iron-deficiency will develop this rash, the Cleveland Clinic reports that it affects about 13% of people worldwide (17). Iron is found naturally in lean meats, seafood, poultry, white beans, lentils, spinach, kidney beans, and peas, as well as nuts, and some dried fruits (18). Iron can also be consumed in iron-fortified breakfast cereals and breads.

Keep in mind, however, that vitamin deficiencies are just one of many potential reasons for skin rashes. That’s why having the right dermatologist is important. The American Academy of Dermatology Association encourages people who are otherwise healthy to try to meet their nutrient needs through whole food diets (19). However, there may be circumstances where micronutrient supplementation is required.

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Who is at Risk for a Micronutrient Deficiency?

There are various reasons why someone may be at risk for micronutrient deficiencies (2). But, they can be broken down into three general categories: inadequate intake, poor absorption or utilization, and unique secondary causes.

Inadequate intake: People may develop a nutrient deficiency if they simply don’t consume enough of that nutrient. There are several reasons why a person might not consume enough of a nutrient, such as food insecurity, or the lack of physical or economic access to diverse, nutrient dense foods. Also, some people may avoid certain foods or food groups because of food allergies or dietary preferences (e.g. vegan or vegetarian lifestyle). Furthermore, people with eating disorders can also be at high risk for nutrient deficiencies due to frequent limitations of food intake.

Poor absorption or utilization: Some people may have a clinical condition that makes nutrient absorption and utilization a challenge. This can include conditions like chronic diarrhea, intestinal parasites, diseases or surgeries that affect the gut, mouth, or throat. Furthermore, aging is associated with a decline in functions that may hinder nutrient absorption and utilization, such as decreased digestion, chewing or swallowing problems, or use of medications that may hinder nutrient bioavailability (20) Last but not least, certain medications can infere with nutrient absorption. A well-known example is metformin use, which has been shown to impair vitamin B12 absorption.

Secondary causes: There are other unique circumstances that might put a person at greater risk of micronutrient deficiencies. For example, pregnant women are at greater risk for nutrient deficiencies because their bodies require more nutrients to support both them and a rapidly growing fetus. For example, the CDC reports that approximately 1 in 4 U.S. women has an iron deficiency during pregnancy (21). People with alcohol use disorders also tend to experience nutrient deficiencies (22).

Bottom line: If you’ve developed a skin rash, talk with your dermatologist or healthcare provider about the potential causes and possible solutions. Testing your nutritional status could be one of the first steps to determining if you have a vitamin deficiency. And if you do, changing your diet and/or adding supplements could be a simple solution to fixing a deficiency. It’s important to have those conversations with your doctor.

 

References:

1. World Health Organization. Micronutrients. World Health Organization. Accessed May 17, 2026. https://www.who.int/health-topics/micronutrients#tab=tab_1
2. Cleveland Clinic. Vitamin Deficiency: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Cleveland Clinic. Accessed May 17, 2026.
3. World Health Organization; World Food Programme; UNICEF. WHO-WFP-UNICEF statement: Preventing and controlling micronutrient deficiencies in populations affected by an emergency. World Health Organization. Accessed May 17, 2026.
4. VanBuren CA, Everts HB. Vitamin A in Skin and Hair: An Update. Nutrients. 2022;14(14):2952. Published 2022 Jul 19. doi:10.3390/nu14142952
5. Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin A – Consumer Fact Sheet. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Accessed May 17, 2026.
6. Wong CY, Chu DH. Cutaneous signs of nutritional disorders. Int J Womens Dermatol. 2021;7(5Part A):647-652. Published 2021 Sep 22. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2021.09.003
7. Office of Dietary Supplements. Riboflavin – Consumer Fact Sheet. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Accessed May 17, 2026.
8. Cleveland Clinic. Pellagra: Definition, Symptoms & Treatment. Cleveland Clinic. Accessed May 17, 2026.
9. Office of Dietary Supplements. Niacin – Consumer Fact Sheet. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Accessed May 17, 2026.
10. Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin B6 – Consumer Fact Sheet. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Accessed May 17, 2026.
11. Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin B12—Consumer Fact Sheet. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-Consumer/. Accessed May 17, 2026.
12. Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin C—Consumer Fact Sheet. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-Consumer/. Accessed May 17, 2026.
13. Navarro-Triviño FJ, Arias-Santiago S, Gilaberte-Calzada Y. Vitamin D and the Skin: A Review for Dermatologists. Vitamina D y la piel. Una revisión para dermatólogos. Actas Dermosifiliogr (Engl Ed). 2019;110(4):262-272. doi:10.1016/j.ad.2018.08.006
14. Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin D—Consumer Fact Sheet. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Accessed May 17, 2026.
15. Office of Dietary Supplements. Copper—Consumer Fact Sheet. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Copper-Consumer/. Accessed May 17, 2026.
16. Office of Dietary Supplements. Zinc—Consumer Fact Sheet. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-Consumer/. Accessed May 17, 2026.
17. Cleveland Clinic. Anemia Rash: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22929-anemia-rash. Accessed May 17, 2026.
18. Office of Dietary Supplements. Iron—Consumer Fact Sheet. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-Consumer/. Accessed May 17, 2026.
19. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Supplements for Your Skin. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/supplements-for-your-skin. Accessed May 17, 2026.
20. Brownie S. Why are elderly individuals at risk of nutritional deficiency?. Int J Nurs Pract. 2006;12(2):110-118. doi:10.1111/j.1440-172X.2006.00557.x
21. Office of Dietary Supplements. Micronutrients—Nutrition. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/php/micronutrients/index.html. Accessed May 17, 2026.
22. Jophlin L, Liu TY, McClain CJ. Nutritional deficiencies in alcohol use disorder/alcohol-associated liver disease. Curr Opin Gastroenterol. 2024;40(2):112-117. doi:10.1097/MOG.0000000000000999