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Pelagra, also known as Lombardic erythema or 3D disease, is caused by a lack of vitamins, especially B3. Pellagra occurs where there is poverty or where alcohol is poured.
Pelagrawas a fatal disease until the 1930s. It was then that the anti-pelagic factorvitamin B3was discovered. Perhaps that is why today vitamin B3 is most commonly found under the namevitamin PP . It is also referred to by the chemical term -niacin . A slight niacin deficiency causes rashes, dermatitis, deterioration of mood and memory. Therefore, dermatologists often advise their patients to take B vitamins, especially vitamin PP, in addition to treatment with ointments and creams. A severe deficiency of this vitamin can lead to pellagra. Today, this disease occurs mainly in areas where there is malnutrition, such as in Africa. Pelagra cases also occur in developed countries. People suffering from alcoholism are at risk of it.
Pellagra symptoms
The symptoms of pellagra appear in three areas - skin, digestive system and nervous system. Hence the name - 3D disease:
- dermatitis - skin inflammation
- diarrhea - diarrhea
- dementia - memory problems.
Skin lesions appear mainly on exposed parts of the body: hands and forearms (pelagra gloves) and on the neck (Cassal's necklace). They are:
- blush
- eczema
- rashes
- blisters
- acne.
They are accompanied by general weakness and diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, as well as mood changes - depression, apathy, fatigue and headaches as well as problems with memory and concentration, or on the contrary - irritability, outbursts of anger and excessive agitation. Pellagra is fully treatable provided the correct diagnosis is made.
Pellagra treatment
It consists in administering high doses of vitamin PP. Therefore, with a large shortage, you have to take it in tablets. But in addition to this, your doctor will recommend a diet rich in niacin-containing products. It should include: lean meat, liver, hearts and fish. Also rich in vitamin B3 (PP) are: beans, peas, brewer's yeast, whole grains, almonds, peanuts, peanut butter and fruits: peaches (especially dried), bananas and dried dates. It is also worth eating dairy products and eggs. Sometimes there is pellagracaused by general avitaminosis. Then you need to supplement vitamin A and C.