Pellagra Information - symptoms, picture, cause of Pellagra disease

Pellagra Information

Pellagra can be defined as disease which is due to vitamin deficiency and it is characterized by scaly skin sores, diarrhea, inflamed mucous membranes, and mental confusion and delusions. It may develop after gastrointestinal diseases or alcoholism. Pellagra defines the systemic disease resulting from niacin deficiency. Pellagra is a disorder brought on by a deficiency of the nutrient called niacin or nicotinic acid, one of the B-complex vitamins. Pellagra can also occur when a hospitalized patient, unable to eat for a very prolonged period of time, is given fluids devoid of vitamins through a needle in the vein.

Symptoms of Pellagra disease

Pellagra disease manifests itself in lesions of the skin and mucous membrane, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms, neurological derangement, and mental confusion. Here are the list of some common Symptoms of Pellagra disease:

• diarrhea
• cirrhosis of the liver
• alcoholism

Pellagra causes a variety of symptoms affecting the skin; mucous membranes (moist linings of the mouth, organs, etc.); central nervous system (including the brain and nerves); and the gastrointestinal system.

Pellagra Treatment

Treatment of pellagra includes large doses of niacin and the institution of a proper diet to prevent recurrences. Because many B-complex vitamin deficiencies occur simultaneously, patients will usually require the administration of other B-complex vitamins as well.