Dermatologic findings of vitamin B deficiency in infants.

Background/objectives: Vitamin B deficiency in infants is uncommonly reported from developed countries and generally lacks dermatologic manifestations. On the contrary, infantile vitamin B deficiency is common in India and cutaneous manifestations are a constant feature, although often overshadowed by neurologic and hematological manifestations. The aim of this study was to describe the skin changes of vitamin B deficiency in infants.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective chart review of vitamin B deficient infants for clinical and laboratory parameters was performed and data analyzed.

Results: Forty-three infants, 30 boys and 13 girls, aged 4 to 27 months, with vitamin B deficiency were identified. Skin hyperpigmentation was present in 41 infants; it was localized to the dorsa of hands and feet in 26. Fifteen infants had generalized hyperpigmentation; 10 had a reticulate pattern, and 5 had a homogeneous pattern. Brown and sparse scalp hair were present in all. Glossitis was seen in 5 infants and cheilitis in 3. Of the 32 infants who underwent laboratory investigations, 28 had anemia and 21 macrocytosis. Serum vitamin B was measured in 30 infants; it was low in 19. Of the 11 with normal serum vitamin B , 9 had received vitamin B before referral but had macrocytosis and low maternal serum vitamin B . The infants were treated with vitamin B . Skin pigmentation and mucosal changes resolved completely by 3-4 weeks, but hair changes were slower to reverse.

Conclusion: Cutaneous findings are a common feature of vitamin B deficiency in Indian infants and resolve with treatment.