Itchy Skin Won't Go Away? It Could Be a Sign of Certain Vitamin Deficiency
YOGYAKARTA - Itchy skin is often considered a trivial problem that arises due to allergies, hot weather, or the use of care products that are less suitable. However, the cause of itchy skin turns out to be more complex than that. In some cases, itchy skin can be one of the signs that the body is deficient in certain vitamins or nutrients that play an important role in maintaining skin health. Several nutritional deficiencies are known to be related to the appearance of dry skin, redness, to the annoying itching.
Vitamin D deficiency can make the skin drier.Vitamin D is known to be important for bone health and the immune system, but its role does not stop there. This nutrient also helps maintain the protective function of the skin so that it works well. When vitamin D levels are low, the skin can become drier, more sensitive, and itchy. According to the expert in autoimmune diseases V. J. Hamilton, BSc., DipION., mBANT., reported by Nutritionist Resource, Monday, June 22, this condition is often more felt when exposure to sunlight is reduced, for example during the rainy season or when a person rarely goes outdoors.
Apart from sunlight, vitamin D can also be obtained from fatty fish, eggs, and some fortified foods. If the deficiency is severe enough, the skin problems that appear can become more serious and related to certain skin inflammatory disorders. Therefore, it is important to recognize the symptoms early.
Not only vitamins, the body also needs essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6 to maintain skin health. These two types of fat help regulate the inflammatory response and maintain the skin's natural moisture. When the intake is low, the skin can become red, dry, and itchy.
Another sign that sometimes appears is a small reddish lump on the back of the arm or nail that easily peels off. Because the body cannot produce essential fatty acids itself, this need must be met through food. Fatty fish, chia seeds, flax seeds, walnuts, and egg yolks are some sources that can help meet these needs.
Iron deficiency can also cause itchy skin.Many people know that iron deficiency is a cause of fatigue or anemia. In fact, this condition can also affect skin health. According to Hamilton, some people with low iron levels experience itchy skin that improves after their iron needs are met.
Iron plays an important role in carrying oxygen to all body tissues, including the skin. When the supply is reduced, the function and regeneration of the skin can be disrupted. Sources of iron that are easily absorbed by the body include red meat, liver, and seafood, while plant sources such as spinach and lentils will be more optimal if consumed with foods rich in vitamin C.
Vitamin B12 and vitamin A also have an effect on skin health.
Vitamin B12 and vitamin A deficiencies are also associated with the appearance of itchy and sensitive skin. In addition to skin problems, the deficiency of these two vitamins is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue, vision disorders, decreased body balance, or blood circulation problems. Because the symptoms are quite diverse, checking vitamin levels can help find the underlying cause of skin complaints.
Various studies also show that a lack of certain vitamins is often reflected in changes to the skin, hair, and nails. Therefore, a constantly problematic skin condition should not only be treated from the outside, but also evaluated from the nutritional side.
Don't forget about gut healthIf you have been eating nutritious foods but itchy skin still appears, it is possible that the problem is related to the health of the digestive tract. Disorders in the intestines can affect the body's ability to absorb various important vitamins and minerals. As a result, even though the intake of nutrients is sufficient, the body is still at risk of experiencing certain nutritional deficiencies.
Therefore, it is important to see skin conditions as part of overall body health, advises Hamilton. A varied diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats can help maintain skin health and reduce the risk of disturbing complaints.
Itchy skin does not always mean you are deficient in vitamins. However, if the complaint lasts a long time, often recurs, or is accompanied by dry skin and other changes in body conditions, it is worth considering the possibility of nutritional deficiencies. By recognizing the relationship between itchy skin and vitamin deficiencies, you can take the right steps to maintain skin health while meeting your body's nutritional needs optimally.