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Are Itching On The Legs, Brittle Nails And Hand Tremors Signs Of Nutritional Deficiency?

Posted on Thu, 7 Sep 2017

Question: Hello Doc,

I am XXXXXXX An XXXXXXX a vegetatrian (recently started eating egg). I am living in Japan.

After coming to Japan an year ago. I feeI, I have starred to develop some kind of nutritional deficiency. Because of japanese workig culture. Sometimes, when I don't have enough time to prepare good food. During such times, I see my hands tend to shake a bit .. temours you can say. And during weather change from cold winter to hot & humid summer, I get itching sensation around the socks area on legs. Sometimes skin around the edges of fingers seem peeling off - after 2-3 days of having eggs. I gets alright.

But since 2-3 months I have notice a strange black strip on my left feet toe. With the nails seems strached. I am afraid if it is because of nutrition or it hides some very serious.

Its pretty difficult to find an English speaking doc here. So, could you please help me.
If I have to take any suppliements to test the seriousness of the issue, I can do it.

I have uploaded a pic of my toe.

Regards,
XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (28 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Regarding your concerns related to nail and skin

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I am Dr..Kakkar (Dermatologist). I have gone through your query and I have viewed the image.
Last thing first..the linear black line extending along the length of nail is Linear Melanonychia. It is racial and because of overactive melanocytes in the nail matrix. It is not of much significance and can be simply ignored.
Secondly this image shows that you seem to have brittle nails. For that I would suggest an oral biotin supplement once daily for 4-6 months.
You may use a moisturizer for your fingers and legs. That would help you with skin peeling on fingers and itching on legs.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (45 hours later)

Dear Dr. Kakkar,

Thank you very much for your quick response.
I have uploaded a pic of biotin tablet which I purchased here.

Could you please tell me more about Linear Melanonychia?
1. Why does it happen?
2. Is there a cure for it? If so then long does it take?

I am usually physically active but I dont go for a gym. Daily walk for about 5-6 kms. 2-3 days a week, I go for a job as well.

As, I already mentioned to you. As a vegetarian, its a little difficult for me get right nutrition. And I can sense it.

I will happy to read from you.

Best Regards,
XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (18 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Melanonychia

Detailed Answer:
Thank you. I have viewed the image.

You may take a tablet of biotin 5mg, twice daily for 3-4 months.
Linear Melanonychia is most commonly due to overactive melanocyte in the nail matrix (at the base of the nail plate). Most commonly it presents as narrow, smooth, well defined band of uniform color as in your case too. Some drugs can cause melanonychia. Vitamin deficiency, in particular B12 deficiency (non vegetarian food is rich in vitamin B 12) may also cause melanonychia. It is mostly benign and commonly racial due to overactive melanocytes, however, melanonychia is rarely a sign subungual melanoma where it is broader, irregular, multicolored. No treatment is required for melanonychia in most cases as it is benign in majority of cases.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (5 hours later)

Thank you very much Dr. Kakkar.
I apperiate your time & patience.

Thanks again.
Have a good evening.

Warm regards,
XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You are welcome

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for writing to us

Regards

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar