Hair, Skin & Nails 4 MIN READ 13062 VIEWS December 12, 2021

Eczema And Vitamin Deficiency — Understanding The Connection And What You Can Do

Written By HealthKart
Medically Reviewed By Dr. Aarti Nehra

Eczema and vitamin deficiency

Are you or a loved one suffering from Eczema? Are you tired of looking for a cure and don’t know what to do? Did you know that Eczema and vitamin deficiency are correlated? 

Well, it has been found that vitamin deficiency can cause eczema in several individuals for different reasons. Eczema is a skin problem that causes skin irritation, itchiness, roughness, and inflammation. There are different stages of eczema that are noticed in people from several age groups across the globe. The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis. It causes skin inflammation and irritation.

More than 20% of the population gets affected by eczema every year and even though there are several treatments available for this disease, very few offer a long-term solution except steroids. However, lately, studies have shown a deep connection between eczema and vitamin deficiency. It has been found that deficiency of both Vitamin A and D may increase the risk of development of eczema, especially, itchy and dry skin, in many adults across the globe. This has further led to studies exploring what vitamins are good for eczema and how to consume them.  

In the following paragraphs, we will take a look at the different supplements, applications and vitamins for eczema and how they help. However, if you wish to try any of these, it is best to first consult your skin specialist for the best results.  

Which Vitamins are Good for Eczema?

Let us take a look at what vitamins are good for eczema and why:

1. Vitamin D

Our skin produces vitamin D when it is exposed to the sun in the daytime. Vitamin D is found in several foods naturally such as salmon fish, herring, sardines, etc. Several studies have shown how vitamin D helps with this skin condition. 

It aids in the faster repair of damaged skin and facilitates a boost in cell growth. It also enhances overall immunity. A dosage of 600 IU of vitamin D rapidly helps in maintaining skin hydration and improves skin barriers.

2. Vitamin A

Vitamin A helps the skin to fight inflammation and skin irritation caused by eczema. Not getting enough vitamin A may damage the skin barrier and  predispose you to develop eczema. Consumption of carrots, broccoli, sweet red pepper, and other food items that are rich in vitamin A can help the skin fight eczema.

3. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is one of the most powerful antioxidants that protect skin barriers and help prevent skin-damaging diseases. Consuming vitamin C along with other vitamins can help treat eczema and vitamin deficiency

Vitamin C also helps prevent water loss from the skin and therefore, maintains the skin hydration and the pH balance of the skin. A concentration of 65 gm-100 gm is extremely beneficial for the epidermal skin layers.

4. Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an essential micronutrient and one of the most essential vitamins for eczema that protects the skin from oxidative stress and reduces symptoms such as dryness, itching or flaking of skin. Studies have shown how the consumption of vitamin E can prevent skin diseases like eczema. A daily dosage of 600 IU is extremely beneficial for the skin, helping prevent eczema in people of various age groups.

Applications and Supplements for Eczema

There are several vitamins to help eczema that can be obtained from food and other sources. Apart from vitamins, there are several supplements and minerals that help prevent as well as treat eczema. Take a look:

1. Fish Oil

Fish oil contains several powerful, anti-inflammatory properties that help repair skin barriers and skin cells. It helps you consume omega 3 fatty acid that boosts your immunity and helps in preventing inflammation and itchy skin conditions. It contains DHA and EPA that have healing properties. They help your skin heal and recover from all kinds of skin conditions caused by eczema. 

2. Collagen

Collagen-based supplements help in improving your skin condition and prevent it from itchiness and different kinds of irritating sensations. It increases skin hydration, strengthens skin, and balances the pH levels of the skin. When combined with zinc and vitamin C, collagen supplements can have miraculous effects on your skin. 

3. Melatonin

Melatonin mainly acts as a sleep supplement. Studies have shown how it can be used to treat eczema and other skin diseases. It acts as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and improves skin hydration levels, eventually helping prevent skin irritation and itchiness. 3 mg of melatonin per day can help improve your skin condition miraculously.

4. Probiotics

Among other supplements, probiotics have been proven to improve the skin condition and make it more hydrating when used for 8 weeks on a regular basis. Although more research is needed on this element, it has so far worked well for skin diseases.

5. Hyaluronic Acid

Apart from the major supplements and vitamins for eczema, hyaluronic acid has also been proven to be a major substance in maintaining skin hydration. It binds water, and retains moisture  in the skin. Therefore, it promotes hydration, makes the skin smooth, and makes it softer and firmer.

6. Aloe Vera

A study has shown how women who consumed and applied aloe vera on their skin for 12 weeks had seen a rapid improvement in their skin structure. Aloe vera boosts up skin hydration and maintains the pH balance of the skin. Therefore, it helps prevent the skin from conditions like eczema and eradicates itchiness and irritation.

7. Ceramides

Ceramides are powerful lipids that strengthen skin barriers and help your skin to be softer and healthier. It helps prevent all kinds of itchiness and irritation. Therefore, it contributes towards preventing eczema and other skin diseases that cause irritation. Several studies have shown how ceramides supplements have improved skin barriers by treating dry skin issues and making the skin plump, healthy, and glowy.

Conclusion

Dry skin is the primary and foundational stage of getting skin diseases like eczema. So, the first step towards prevention is the treatment of dry skin. Now that you know the connection between Eczema and vitamin deficiency, we hope you will add the right vitamins and supplements to your diet. Also, remember to keep your skin hydrated and healthy to prevent the problem from worsening. If any of the above-mentioned solutions work for you, do write in to share.

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