Iron Deficiency Anemia Pruritus: A Review with Proposed Mechanisms of Action
March 2024
in “
Skin
”
iron deficiency anemia pruritus chronic generalized pruritus iron supplementation CBC complete blood count skin thickness skin elasticity skin barrier function neurologic damage serotonin opioids neurotrophins iron deficiency itching iron supplements blood test skin health nerve damage itch mediators
TLDR Iron deficiency anemia can cause itching, which often improves with iron supplements.
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is identified as a potential cause of chronic generalized pruritus without primary skin lesions. The review highlights several studies and case reports that link pruritus with IDA, noting that pruritus often resolves with iron supplementation. The authors recommend conducting a CBC and iron studies in such pruritus cases. They propose novel mechanisms by which iron deficiency may cause pruritus, including decreased skin thickness, elasticity, barrier function, neurologic damage, and altered levels of itch mediators like serotonin, opioids, and neurotrophins. The pruritus likely results from a complex interaction of these factors.
