Research suggests that vitamin D, which is called the sunshine vitamin because your body produces it naturally when it’s exposed to sunlight, can help treat eczema and reduce the severity of its symptoms.
Yet the science behind the benefits of vitamin D for eczema is not definitive.
Eczema is a skin condition that affects 31.6 million people in the United States. Looking at the link between vitamin D and eczema, its potential benefits, and other treatment options can help you manage your condition.
Vitamin D and eczema
Eczema is a chronic skin condition characterized by itchy, inflamed, and scaly skin. It commonly affects infants and children and can continue into adulthood. The most common form is atopic dermatitis.
It’s not clear what exactly causes eczema, which varies in severity from mild to severe. It’s believed that eczema stems from genetic and environmental factors, like dryness, soaps, and stress.
While there is no cure, treatment for eczema usually includes:
- topical and oral medications
- antihistamines and pain relievers
- steroids
- biologics
- light therapy
Some research shows that vitamin D can have benefits for people with eczema by reducing the severity of their symptoms. Along with being produced by your body when it’s exposed to the sun, vitamin D occurs in different foods and is available in supplement form.
One 2016 review and analysis of several studies found that vitamin D levels are lower in people, particularly children, with atopic dermatitis. It also found that supplementing with vitamin D may be beneficial.
Vitamin D also has anti-inflammatory properties and helps strengthen your immune system. Both qualities are important in reducing the effects of eczema.
Plus, vitamin D can help boost and strengthen your skin barrier and microbiome. This may help prevent potential bacterial and viral infections.
Finally, vitamin D can also help lessen allergies, which are a common trigger for eczema.
But studies note that, although vitamin D is a potentially viable treatment option for eczema, more research is needed into the link between vitamin D and the beneficial effects on eczema.
The American Academy of Dermatology says that vitamin D supplements can help with eczema symptoms during the winter, but cautions people not to take too much. This is because vitamin D tends to stay in the body longer and a buildup can become toxic.
A healthcare professional can help you determine how much vitamin D, if any, is right for you or a child.
How to consume vitamin D
Dosages of vitamins are measured in international units (IU). According to the National Eczema Association (NEA), experts recommend taking the following dosages of vitamin D supplements to help with eczema symptoms:
- Infants and toddlers: 400 IU per day in the form of drops
- Older children: 1,000 IU a day in the form of drops
- Adults: 4,000 IU per day in the form of tablets or gummies
Before considering taking a vitamin D supplement, it’s recommended that you check your levels first and talk with a healthcare professional.
A significant number of people in the United States have vitamin D deficiency — 40% of adults and 61% of children, according to the NEA. But it’s always best to talk with a healthcare professional before adding a supplement into your routine.
When looking for vitamin D supplements, you have to consider factors like:
- Type of vitamin D: Is it vitamin D2 or vitamin D3?
- Ingredients: Does it have any added sugars and coloring?
- Quality: Does it have third-party testing and certifications?
- Dosage: How much vitamin D is included in each unit?
Vitamin D is also found naturally in several foods. Foods high in vitamin D include:
- oily fish like salmon, sardines, and trout
- cod liver oil
- mushrooms
- tuna
- soy, almond, and oat milk
- broccoli
- carrots
- apple
- bananas
- lentils
- rice
Other eczema treatments
You can treat symptoms of eczema with medication, therapy, and lifestyle strategies.
Medication
Medications for eczema come in topical, oral, and injected forms. These include:
- Topical creams: These topical treatments are applied to the affected areas and can help moisturize the skin to prevent cracking. Creams containing steroids can help ease inflammation, itching, and redness. Examples of these include hydrocortisone (Cortef) and betamethasone (Sernivo).
- Oral medications: You can take over-the-counter antihistamines, or your doctor may prescribe stronger antihistamines and corticosteroids (such as prednisone) to reduce inflammation and swelling. A healthcare professional can also prescribe systemic medications like azathioprine (Imuran) and methotrexate (Trexall). You may also need to take antibiotics if eczema has led to a bacterial skin infection.
- Injections: You may need injected medication to relieve your eczema symptoms. These include corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and biologics to lower the response of your immune system.
If you need help covering the cost of medications, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Follow the links on drug names for savings on that medication, or search for a specific drug here.
