On the skin and mucous membranes, vitamin B6 deficiency can cause a seborrheic dermatitis‑like rash with redness, scaling, and itching on the face, scalp, neck, or upper chest, along with fissuring at the lips. Clinical descriptions note that B6‑related mucosal changes can include cheilitis, stomatitis, and glossitis, and some field studies in children have linked low pyridoxine status with a higher prevalence of angular stomatitis and tongue inflammation that improve with B‑complex supplementation. The practical implication is that, when patients present with persistent seborrheic dermatitis‑like eruptions plus mouth sores or tongue soreness, particularly in the setting of poor diet, alcoholism, or malabsorption, assessing vitamin B6 (and other B‑vitamin) status can be an important step toward resolving these dermatologic and mucosal lesions. This medication is commonly used for High Cholesterol.
Fabrizio Galimberti, et al. Skin findings associated with nutritional deficiencies. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine Volume 83. Number 10 October 2016. Kseniya Perminova. Lesions of the mucous membrane due to hypovitaminosis. 30 January 2024. Mary J. Brown; Sharon F. Daley; Kevin Beier. Vitamin B6 Deficiency. StatPearls. August 8, 2023. Sousou JM, Griffith EM, Marsalisi C, Reddy P. Pyridoxine Deficiency and Neurologic Dysfunction: An Unlikely Association. Cureus. 2023 Oct 25;15(10):e47647.
Some side effects may be linked to nutrient depletion caused by this medication.
Fenofibrate has been shown in studies to increase the toxic effect of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that may lead to side effects such as hives, itching, and skin rash. Taking vitamin E before UV exposure is found in research to significantly help block UV-fenofibrate effects on the skin. Vitamin E supplementation should be considered when taking this drug therapy.
Research demonstrates that fibrates, particularly fenofibrate, are known to increase homocysteine levels. Elevated levels of homocysteine is associated with increased risk of a range of health problems including atherosclerosis, stroke, and neurological diseases, and vitamin Bs including vitamin B6 helps facilitate the breakdown of homocysteine and may be helpful in reducing homocysteine levels.
Fenofibrate has been shown in studies to increase the toxic effect of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that may lead to side effects such as hives, itching, and skin rash. Taking vitamin C before UV exposure is found in research to significantly help block UV-fenofibrate effects on the skin. Vitamin C supplementation should be considered when taking this drug therapy.