Knuckle Hyperpigmentation as a Preliminary Marker of Vitamin B12 Deficiency: A Case Series

July 2021 in “ PARIPEX INDIAN JOURNAL OF RESEARCH ”

Manali Patil, Shashank Agrawal, Virendra Vijay Saoji

knuckle hyperpigmentation vitamin B12 deficiency cutaneous marker megaloblastic anemia pancytopenia neurological deficits

TLDR Knuckle darkening can be an early sign of vitamin B12 deficiency.

This case series highlights knuckle hyperpigmentation as an early cutaneous marker of vitamin B12 deficiency, particularly in the vegetarian population in India. While vitamin B12 deficiency commonly presents with systemic manifestations such as megaloblastic anemia, pancytopenia, and neurological deficits, knuckle hyperpigmentation can serve as a preliminary dermatological sign. Recognizing this symptom can provide an important clue towards diagnosing the underlying cause of megaloblastic anemia.

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research Reversible Facial Hyperpigmentation Associated With Vitamin B12 Deficiency

2 citations, October 2016 in “Nutrition in clinical practice”

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause facial dark spots that go away with treatment.