Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 30, 2026
06:08
Quantification of Hypopigmentation Activity In Vitro
Published on: March 6, 2019
11.2K
Skin Hyperpigmentation: An Under-Recognized Dermatological Clue to Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Mahesh Mathur1, Sumit Paudel1, Sambidha Karki1
1Department of Dermatology College of Medical Sciences Bharatpur Nepal.
Clinical Case Reports
|April 29, 2026
Summary
Skin hyperpigmentation can signal vitamin B12 deficiency, especially in vegetarians. Early diagnosis through recognizing subtle skin changes like hand pigmentation leads to effective treatment and symptom reversal.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Nutritional Science
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Cutaneous hyperpigmentation is an underrecognized sign.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency can present with dermatological manifestations.
- Vegetarian diets increase the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight cutaneous hyperpigmentation as an early indicator of vitamin B12 deficiency.
- To present a case study of a vegetarian with symmetric hand and palm pigmentation.
- To emphasize the clinical relevance of recognizing subtle skin changes for early diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- Case report presentation.
- Clinical observation of dermatological signs.
- Review of vitamin B12 deficiency and its cutaneous manifestations.
Main Results:
- Symmetric hyperpigmentation on the dorsum of hands and palms was observed.
- The patient was a long-term vegetarian.
- The findings suggest a link between skin changes and vitamin B12 deficiency.
Conclusions:
- Cutaneous hyperpigmentation can be an early, overlooked sign of vitamin B12 deficiency.
- Recognition of subtle skin findings is crucial for timely diagnosis.
- Treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency resolves both skin and systemic symptoms.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives
3.6K
The first thing a clinician sees is the skin, so the examination of the skin should be part of any thorough physical examination. Most skin disorders are relatively benign, but a few, including melanomas, can be fatal if untreated. A couple of the more noticeable disorders, albinism and vitiligo, affect the appearance of the skin and its accessory organs.
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
3.6K
01:19Pigmentation
3.8K
The color of the skin is influenced by a number of pigments, including melanin, carotene, and hemoglobin. Recall that melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, which are found scattered throughout the stratum basale of the epidermis. The melanin is transferred to the keratinocytes via melanosomes.
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
3.8K
01:23Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis
8.1K
The skin plays a crucial role in the synthesis of vitamin D, a vital nutrient for various physiological processes in the body. Vitamin D is unique because it can be synthesized in the skin through a series of chemical reactions triggered by exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from sunlight.
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin...
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin...
8.1K
01:30Vitamins
2.7K
Vitamins, derived from the Latin word for life, are essential organic substances required in small quantities for optimal growth and overall well-being. Unlike other organic nutrients, vitamins don't act as sources of energy or building materials but rather facilitate these nutrients' utilization by the body. Vitamins are predominantly coenzymes, assisting enzymes in specific chemical actions, like the oxidation of glucose for energy involving B vitamins. Most vitamins are not produced...
2.7K
01:23Skin Diseases and Disorders
5.4K
Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
5.4K
01:30Skin Cancer
5.2K
Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
5.2K