Effects of iron deficiency anemia on skin and hair

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Iron deficiency anaemia is a common problem, especially in women, and is a disease in which the blood does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Iron is involved in the production of haemoglobin, a molecule that carries oxygen in the blood, and when iron is low in the body, this molecule is unable to carry oxygen, and cells and tissues in the body become hypoxic, which leads to many problems.

Iron is needed to protect all cells in the body, including skin, hair and nails. Iron deficiency anaemia occurs when a person does not consume enough iron or has gastrointestinal bleeding or insufficient absorption of iron from the digestive system for various reasons and has heavy bleeding in women during menstruation. Changes in the skin, hair and nails can appear sooner than the clinical and laboratory signs of anaemia. The appearance of skin is pale, which is one of the most common symptoms of anaemia. Itching can be a symptom of iron deficiency anaemia even when the skin looks healthy. Anemia can also predispose the skin to bacterial and fungal infections such as jaundice, boils, and candida. The nails become brittle and flaky around the areas. Vertical lines may form on them, forming a spoon if the disease worsens. The tongue may become swollen and flat, with a vague burning sensation with or without dry mouth. Another condition that results from anaemia is oral plague, which can be recurrent. Patients experience cracking and dryness of the corners of the lips, which in some cases can be painful. The hair becomes dry and brittle and the person notices an increase in hair loss, which is called telogen effluvium. This is usually a temporary hair loss, but if left untreated, it can become chronic, and this hair loss may start while haemoglobin is normal in tests but iron stores are low. In some cases, pain at the roots of the hair has been reported following iron deficiency anaemia. Iron deficiency anaemia can also exacerbate inherited hormonal hair loss. Other symptoms include weakness, lethargy, restlessness, fatigue and oversleeping or sleep deprivation, dizziness and headache, palpitations and irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing, cold hands and feet, restless legs syndrome, and cognitive problems, aggression and nervous tension. Other helpful signs are the desire to eat non-food items such as dirt, paper and hair, etc. It should be noted, however, that none of the above symptoms are specific.

People with iron deficiency anaemia should eat foods rich in iron, which include dark green leafy vegetables, artichokes, apricots, beans, lentils, peas, soy, red meat, nuts, prunes and raisins In severe cases, consult your doctor about iron supplements. Eating foods rich in vitamin C helps in better absorption of iron. Avoid tea after meals because it prevents the absorption of iron.