Because the skin reflects the general health condition of the body it
encapsulates, important nutritional imbalances are often first signaled by
irritation of the skin. Iron deficiency is associated with erythroderma,
dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema and many other skin disorders, as well as
changes in the integrity of the hair and nails.1

Inadequate levels of zinc can alter the structure of collagen fibers, and both moderate and severe zinc deficiencies can be expressed as roughened skin or dermatitis, respectively.2,3

The skin also serves as a crucial permeable membrane for the release of
toxins from the body. Skin irritations may directly result as these toxins
permeate the cutaneous layer, and/or the toxins themselves may provoke
skin problems even before that--as they accumulate inside the body. Oral
ingestion of nickel is a generally accepted cause of chronic eczema.4

One controlled study found that, after adjusting for age, patients with atopic eczema excreted significantly higher amounts of nickel than healthy
individuals, possibly signifying increased intestinal absorption of this toxin.5

Cobalt, although considered a nutrient element and not a cumulative toxin, has been associated with skin disorders when inhaled.6 Cobalt is found in many food and beverages; blood and urine levels reflect more recent exposure.

Great Smokies' Elemental Analysis provides a thorough assessment of toxic
and nutrient elements in the body, using a hair, urine, or blood sample.
Each sample type offers a unique insight into how trace element
imbalances may be triggering skin problems and other chronic health
disorders.

References:

1 Sato S. Iron deficiency: structural and microchemical
changes in hair, nails, and skin. Semin Dermatol
1991;10(4):313-319.

2 Prasad AS. Clinical, endocrinological and biochemical
effects of zinc deficiency. Clin Endocrinol Metab
1985;14(3):567-589.

3 Serrano Ortega S, Aneiros Cachaza J, Tovar IV,
Feijoo MF. Zinc deficiency dermatitis in parenteral
nutrition: an electron-microscopic study. Dermatologica
1985;171(3):163-169.

4 Bresser H. Oral nickel provocation and a nickel-free
diet. Hautarzt 1992;43(10):610-615.

5 Hindsen M, Christensen OB, Moller H. Nickel levels in
serum and urine in five different groups of eczema
patients following oral ingestion of nickel. Acta Derm
Venereol 1994;74(3):176-178.

6 Lauwerys R, Lison D. Health risks associated with
cobalt exposure--an overview. Sci Total Environ
1994;150(1-3):1-6.