Understanding What Deficiency Causes Skin Burning and Paresthesia

October 9, 2025 •

3 min read

According to studies, vitamin B12 deficiency is a prominent cause of paresthesia, or a burning sensation, especially in the hands and feet. This type of nerve-related symptom highlights why understanding what deficiency causes skin burning is crucial for your overall health. Addressing these underlying nutritional gaps can alleviate discomfort and prevent further complications.

Quick Summary

Nutritional deficiencies, especially low vitamin B12, can trigger a burning skin sensation known as paresthesia due to nerve damage. Niacin (B3) deficiency causes pellagra, a condition marked by dermatitis that includes painful, burning, red skin. A lack of pyridoxine (B6) and certain other nutrients can also lead to similar neurological and dermatological symptoms.

Key Points

Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Low B12 levels can cause nerve damage (neuropathy) that leads to a burning or tingling sensation in the hands and feet.
Niacin (B3) Deficiency: Severe lack of niacin, known as pellagra, results in a painful, burning dermatitis that appears on sun-exposed skin.
Pyridoxine (B6) Deficiency: Inadequate B6 can cause peripheral neuropathy, leading to burning pain and tingling in the extremities.
Other Contributing Deficiencies: Vitamin D, essential fatty acids, and zinc deficiencies can cause general skin irritation, dryness, and inflammation that may be accompanied by itching or discomfort.
Diagnosis is Key: Self-diagnosing is not recommended. Consult a healthcare provider for a blood test if you have persistent burning sensations to confirm if a nutritional deficiency is the cause.
Dietary Prevention: Ensure a varied diet with animal products, fortified foods, nuts, and legumes to obtain sufficient B vitamins, vitamin D, and essential fatty acids.
Early Treatment Prevents Damage: Early treatment of B12 deficiency, for example with supplements or injections, can reverse symptoms and prevent permanent nerve damage.

The Connection Between Diet and Skin Sensations

Many factors can contribute to uncomfortable skin sensations, from allergies and topical irritants to underlying health conditions. Among these, nutritional deficiencies can impact nerve function and skin integrity, leading to symptoms like burning, tingling, or numbness. This article will explore specific deficiencies linked to these sensations and dietary approaches for prevention.

Vitamin B12: A Key Factor in Nerve Damage

Vitamin B12 deficiency is a significant cause of peripheral neuropathy, which can result in paresthesia, including burning skin. B12 is essential for producing myelin, the protective layer of nerve fibers. Low B12 can damage this layer, causing nerve signals to malfunction and producing sensations like burning or tingling. Other symptoms of B12 deficiency can include fatigue, muscle weakness, coordination problems, glossitis, and memory issues. Individuals at higher risk include vegetarians and vegans, as B12 is mainly found in animal products, and those with malabsorption issues, such as older adults or those with pernicious anemia.

Niacin (Vitamin B3) Deficiency and Pellagra

Severe niacin deficiency can lead to pellagra. Pellagra is known for the "4 Ds": dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia, and death. The skin symptoms, called pellagrous dermatitis, typically involve a symmetrical, dark red, painful, and burning rash on sun-exposed skin, which can become thick and scaly. Pellagra is uncommon in areas with fortified foods but can affect those with poor diets, alcoholism, or conditions impacting niacin absorption.

Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) Deficiency

Like B12, a lack of pyridoxine can affect nerve function and cause paresthesia. This may result in burning or shooting pain, particularly in the limbs. B6 deficiency can also cause seborrheic dermatitis, a red, flaky rash. Causes include poor diet, alcohol use, or certain medications.

Other Nutritional Factors Affecting Skin and Nerves

Beyond the B vitamins, other nutrient deficiencies can impact skin health and cause symptoms that may be perceived as burning or intense itching.

Vitamin D: Low vitamin D levels are linked to inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, which can cause dryness, itching, or burning.
Essential Fatty Acids: Deficiencies in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids can lead to skin inflammation, dryness, and irritation.
Zinc: Zinc deficiency can cause dermatitis and rashes.

Comparison of Deficiencies Causing Skin Symptoms


Nutrient	Associated Condition	Primary Skin Symptoms	Other Key Symptoms
Vitamin B12	Peripheral Neuropathy	Burning, tingling, or numbness (paresthesia) in extremities, sensitive skin.	Fatigue, memory issues, glossitis, poor balance.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)	Pellagra	Symmetrical, red, and painful burning rash on sun-exposed skin (dermatitis).	Diarrhea, dementia, depression.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)	Peripheral Neuropathy	Burning or shooting pain in hands/feet, seborrheic dermatitis.	Depression, irritability, anemia, seizures.
Vitamin D	Inflammation/Eczema	Dry, itchy, or irritated skin; exacerbation of inflammatory conditions.	Low mood, bone weakness.
Essential Fatty Acids	Dryness/Dermatitis	Inflamed, red, dry, or itchy skin; peeling fingernails.	Poor brain function, joint pain.

Dietary Strategies to Prevent and Address Deficiencies

A balanced diet is crucial for preventing nutrient deficiencies. While a healthcare professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment, incorporating specific foods can help.

For Vitamin B12: Include animal products like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy, or fortified plant-based foods and supplements for vegetarians and vegans.
For Niacin (Vitamin B3): Find niacin in chicken, turkey, fish, beef, nuts, legumes, and fortified grains.
For Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6): Good sources include chickpeas, fish, poultry, liver, and certain fruits and vegetables.
For Vitamin D: Obtain Vitamin D from sun exposure, fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified foods.
For Essential Fatty Acids: Incorporate oily fish, flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and avocados.

When to Consult a Healthcare Professional

Persistent burning, tingling, or numbness, especially with other symptoms like fatigue or balance issues, warrants medical attention. A doctor can perform blood tests to identify a nutritional deficiency or other causes like diabetes or nerve damage. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent potential irreversible nerve damage, particularly with B12 deficiency.

Conclusion

Skin burning and paresthesia can stem from nutritional deficiencies, especially in B vitamins like B12, B3, and B6, which impact nerve and skin health. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in these nutrients supports healthy skin and nerves. For ongoing symptoms, a medical evaluation is necessary for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Prioritizing nutrition can help prevent these painful sensory issues and support overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

Vitamin B12 deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies associated with a burning sensation, especially in the hands and feet, due to its effect on nerve health.

Vitamin B12 is critical for maintaining the myelin sheath that insulates nerve fibers. When B12 levels are low, this sheath can be damaged, causing nerve signals to malfunction and result in paresthesia, or a burning, tingling sensation.

Yes, a severe niacin (vitamin B3) deficiency can cause a disease called pellagra, which is characterized by dermatitis that includes a painful, red, and burning rash, particularly on sun-exposed skin.

Yes, a deficiency in pyridoxine (vitamin B6) can also lead to peripheral neuropathy, which often causes a burning, shooting, or tingling pain in the extremities.

Non-nutritional causes of burning skin can include diabetic neuropathy, nerve compression, autoimmune conditions, and other medical issues. It is important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment varies based on the specific deficiency. It can involve dietary changes, oral supplements, or, in severe cases of B12 deficiency, injections to quickly restore nutrient levels and support nerve healing.

In many cases, yes, especially with early and proper treatment. For B12 deficiency, symptoms related to nerve damage can improve with supplementation, though some long-term damage may be irreversible if left untreated.

A balanced diet that includes lean meats, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy, fortified cereals, legumes, and nuts can help prevent deficiencies in B vitamins and other nutrients vital for skin and nerve health.