Skin irritation related to Vitamin A deficiency?

[dazeyblue]

For the past couple years I have had "bumps" on my upper arms that are now also appearing on my forearms. They seem to be in the hair follicle (but are not ingrown hairs). If I squeeze the bump something comes out but it's not acne. I used to think it was related to being in aquatic/chlorine environment but changed jobs almost a year ago and no difference. I started raw this summer but has not yet affected the problem. I have tried a variety of cleansers but nothing really solves the issue though volcanic ash scrub seems to help a little.

Anyway, today I was at the food co-op and was looking for more of the volcanic ash cleanser and asked one of the workers if she was aware of anything that might help. She first said it could be an allergic reaction to dairy- I told her I hadn't eaten dairy in a while and had never had any obvious reactions to it previously (I used to be a huge yogurt eater). She also said the "bumps" were indicative of a Vitamin A deficiency. I find this really hard to believe as have had high intake of A in my diet my whole life, especially since going raw.

I did get some bentonite clay to use on the affected areas, but am hoping to find something that will take care of it completely. Anyone have any ideas?

[Revvell]

Without knowing what your food program is like, what you're washing your clothes in, what your other environmental factors are like, it's hard to say.

For me, I'd put a lot of focus on fruit, red and orange veggies and greens.

[curlygirl82]

Oh my gosh I have these, too! I know exactly what you're talking about, they're so weird! I've always, always had them, and I always assumed they were from wearing shirt sleeves (that was my childhood explanation for them, anyway). I have no idea what they're from. Anyway, I'm on day 6 of a Master Cleanse, and a couple days ago I started noticing them going away. Nothing I've ever done in my life has helped clear them up before, nothing. So maybe it's not so much a deficiency, but an overload - of toxins? I have no idea. They're not all gone yet, but my skin is smoother than it's been in ages. Just an idea, hope that helps. If nothing else, it's kinda cool to know there's someone else out there with these mysterious bumps!

[dazeyblue]

Thanks for the suggestions, Revell. My food intake is greens, fruit and nut focused. I switched from regular commercial detergent to seventh gen about a month ago- no change yet. Will be switching to homeade detergent after this bottle is gone. Hopefully will help!

Curlygirl 82, I'm so glad your bumps are disappearing! I also thought the irritation was from long sleeves (was told so by a doctor 5-6 years ago). I am plannig a MC as soon as garden produce has dwindled. Hopefully that will do the trick :)

[Coconutcutie]

Some people lack the ability to convert beta-carotene found in fruits and veggies to pro-vitamin A, and therefor become deficient...Off-hand I know that people who are hypothyroid can lack the ability to convert and I also know that zinc and iodine are crucial to the conversion...google it...it's been awhile since I read it, but just wanted to throw that out there