Iron Deficiency Without Anemia: Dermatological Manifestations

The document discusses the dermatological manifestations of iron deficiency without anaemia (IDWA), highlighting that pruritus, or itching, is a common symptom often overlooked. Other symptoms include dry skin, hair loss, angular cheilitis, and koilonychia. The authors note that iron deficiency can cause chronic telogen effluvium, a form of hair loss. Iron deficiency is a common cause of pruritus, even in the absence of anemia, and in some cases, iron replacement therapy can lead to the cessation of pruritus. A previous case-control study found iron deficiency anaemia to be the most common cause of generalized pruritus in patients with underlying systemic disease, leading to the recommendation that full blood count and ferritin levels should be checked in all patients with chronic generalized pruritus without rash. The authors remind medical practitioners that a patient with itching but no rash can be a classic presentation of iron deficiency, with or without anaemia.