The NHS has said that around 1 in 6 adults in the UK have low levels of Vitamin D – and this can lead to a variety of skin and leg symptoms
Vitamin D, often dubbed the sunshine vitamin, is crucial for our bodies. It’s instrumental in everything from maintaining bone health to bolstering immune function.
The NHS has revealed that approximately 1 in 6 adults in the UK suffer from low levels of vitamin D, which can result in rickets, bone pain and disabilities. In the UK, the majority of our vitamin D intake comes from sunlight on our skin during the spring and summer months, as dietary sources of vitamin D are scarce.
The current guidance suggests all adults and children should consider taking a daily supplement of 10 micrograms of vitamin D between October and March. Certain at-risk groups are advised to contemplate taking a supplement all year round.
However, uptake is minimal with only 1 in 6 adults reporting taking a daily supplement.
This deficiency can manifest itself in various ways, particularly on the skin and legs. What you might brush off as mere itching could actually be a sign of a vitamin D deficiency.
Identifying these symptoms early can lead to swift treatment.
Here are six primary signs of Vitamin D deficiency that can appear on the skin and legs.
Delayed wound healing.
If you’re lacking in vitamin D, you may observe that wounds take longer than usual to heal. This nutrient is vital for skin cell regeneration and wound repair.
Research has revealed that Vitamin D is crucial for the creation of compounds necessary for new skin tissue growth, meaning that if you’re experiencing persistent cuts, grazes, or sores, or they become infected easily, it could be a sign of low Vitamin D levels as your body’s ability to heal is compromised.
Chemist 4 U has issued advice saying: “If you have a wound that won’t heal, see your doctor. Whilst a vitamin D deficiency could be at fault, it’s best not to make assumptions. Slow wound healing can also be a symptom of an infection, poor circulation or even diabetes.”
Suffering from itchy skin?
A lack of Vitamin D can lead to dry and itchy skin, which might result in conditions such as eczema or psoriasis due to the vitamin’s role in skin moisture and health maintenance. The Nutritionist warns: “Dry, itchy skin is often a sign of a vitamin D deficiency. As vitamin D is created through skin exposure to the sun and cholesterol in the skin, in the winter months, when sunlight exposure is less, people often experience dry, itchy skin attributing it to the cold weather. However, a vitamin D deficiency might be a more likely cause.”
They further explain that in severe cases of vitamin D deficiency, coupled with other factors, autoimmune conditions like eczema and psoriasis can develop, highlighting the importance of early detection of symptoms. To combat this, one can include vitamin D-rich foods such as oily fish, eggs, and organ meat in their diet.
Additionally, topical vitamin D oils can be applied to areas with significant redness and itching if that’s identified as an underlying issue.
Watch out for eczema-like symptoms.
There might be more to Vitamin D than just bone health – emerging studies suggest it could be a combatant against eczema. Experts delve into the vitamin’s possible connections to the skin condition, with lower levels of Vitamin D potentially leading to worse bouts of eczema due to its role in managing inflammation and bolstering the skin’s defences.
The National Eczema Society warned: “There has been some research into whether low levels of vitamin D trigger the development of eczema, and if taking supplements can improve symptoms. A key clinical review in 2015 proposed a link between eczema and lower levels of vitamin D, and found that vitamin D helped protect the skin barrier and suppress inflammation.”
They added, “A 2018 systemic review found that children under 18 with low vitamin D levels had more severe eczema, with 67% seeing improvements after taking vitamin D supplements.”
Moreover, a study featured in the British Journal of Dermatology uncovered that infants were less likely to develop atopic eczema in their first year if their mothers consumed 25mcg of vitamin D each day from the second trimester until birth. However, claims about Vitamin D’s influence on the onset of atopic eczema still need stronger proof.
“Nevertheless, supplements may be beneficial. Only a very small amount of sun exposure is required to build vitamin D levels, but the UK climate provides enough sunlight only six months of the year. For that reason, NHS guidelines recommend that everyone in the UK should consider taking a vitamin D supplement from October to April, and that those at high risk of not getting enough, including all children aged 0–4 (except for babies drinking more than 500ml of formula milk every day) should take it every day, all year long.”
Dull skin.
The Centre for Surgical Dermatology who has flagged dull skin as a sign of trouble, remarking: “Symptoms of deficiency may include dry, dull, or flaky skin. Vitamin D plays a vital role in skin cell growth and repair, making it essential for healing wounds or recovering from skin conditions like acne and eczema. When your skin cells regenerate efficiently, it helps maintain a smooth, radiant complexion, even during the harsh winter months.”
They also note that while dry, dull, or flaky skin could indicate a lack of vitamin D, other factors such as dehydration, a poor diet, or insufficient sleep could contribute too.
Leg pain.
Vitamin D deficiency can lead to muscle weakness and bone pain, which might be why you’re struggling with everyday activities like climbing stairs or getting up from a chair. This lack of vitamin D can cause leg pain, and in severe cases, it may result in bowing of the legs in children (known as rickets) or bone deformities.
If your muscles feel weak and you’re experiencing bone pain in your legs, especially when pressure is applied to your shins, it could be a sign that your vitamin D levels are low.
Yale Medicine warns: “When vitamin D levels are low and the body isn’t able to properly absorb calcium and phosphorus, there is an increased risk of bone pain, bone fractures, muscle pain, and muscle weakness. In older adults, severe vitamin D deficiency (levels less than 10 ng/mL) may also contribute to an increased risk of falls.”
Excessive sweating.
One of the early signs of vitamin D deficiency is excessive sweating. It is often an overlooked sign. Excessive sweating, particularly on the head and face, is an early sign. Vitamin D plays a role in regulating sweat gland activity, and a deficiency can lead to overactive sweat glands.
Dr Stephanie Barrett said: “It doesn’t sound attractive and it probably doesn’t feel it either. Sweating from the head is a classic first sign of vitamin D deficiency. Excessive sweating not in line with the temperature or any other related conditions should be investigated as it could be an increase of vitamin D is needed.”