Eczema is a common skin problem that causes your skin to become inflamed and itchy, and it may cause changes in color like redness or darkening. It also increases your risk of microbial skin infections and can lead to serious complications.
There is no cure for eczema yet, but the condition can usually be well managed with careful attention to hygiene, skin care, and medication routines.
There is increasing scientific evidence that some supplements can help reduce the frequency and severity of eczema symptoms in a variety of ways.
Vitamin D
Some people may find that their eczema becomes worse in the winter because vitamin D levels can drop when there is less sunshine and you spend more time indoors.
There is some evidence that people with atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema, have lower-than-average vitamin D levels and that supplementation with vitamin D can be of benefit in the following ways:
- Immune system regulation: It plays an important role in regulating your immune system, potentially reducing inflammation that comes with eczema.
- Skin barrier function: Vitamin D helps maintain your skin’s barrier function, keeping moisture in and harmful substances out.
Taking too much vitamin D can be harmful to your health and may lead to kidney failure. Speak with a healthcare professional before taking them, and only take them if it’s recommended to you.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that is often found in skin care products. Here’s how it might be beneficial in managing eczema:
- Antioxidant protection: As an antioxidant, vitamin E can protect skin cells from oxidative damage, which can worsen eczema.
- Reducing inflammation: Research suggests it has anti-inflammatory effects, potentially minimizing skin color changes and discomfort.
Fatty acids
Fatty acids such as omega-3 are found in fish oil, as well as other oils like sea buckthorn and hempseed oil.
Here’s how they might help:
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Fatty acids may help reduce inflammation and ease symptoms.
- Improving skin barrier function: They may enhance the skin’s barrier function, preventing dryness.
- Regulation of immune response: They can help modulate your immune response, potentially reducing eczema symptoms.
Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone primarily known for its role in regulating sleep. It may help manage eczema symptoms by:
- Protecting skin cells: It may protect skin cells from oxidative stress.
- Enhancing sleep quality: Improved sleep quality may lessen eczema’s severity, as sleep deprivation can worsen skin conditions.
- Reducing inflammation: Melatonin might reduce inflammation by acting on specific immune response pathways.
- Skin barrier enhancement: Emerging evidence suggests that melatonin may strengthen the skin’s barrier function.
Speak with a healthcare professional before taking melatonin, as it may interact with other medications or conditions.
