Vitamins and supplements to ease eczema

Eczema is a dry, itchy, and red skin condition. While it can be tough to manage, adding certain vitamins and supplements to your routine might help improve your skin as part of a broader treatment plan.

In this article, we explore options that could help manage eczema symptoms. From Omega-3 fatty acids to probiotics, learn how these nutrients can benefit your skin and possibly make eczema less severe.

Key takeaways

• Vitamins like D, E, B, Omega-3s, and probiotics may reduce eczema symptoms.
• Always talk to a healthcare provider before using supplements.
• Using supplements with skin creams can improve eczema care.
• A good diet, exercise, and sleep can boost treatment effectiveness.

Key vitamins and nutrients for eczema

Understanding the key vitamins and nutrients that support skin health can help manage eczema more effectively. Below are the most important ones to consider:

Vitamin D for skin health

A 2015 study found that vitamin D is needed for healthy skin, and not having enough of it can worsen eczema. This vitamin helps the immune system and lowers inflammation, which is a major cause of eczema.

Vitamin D supplements can reduce eczema severity, especially in winter when there is less sunlight. However, because results can vary, it’s important to talk to a healthcare professional to find the correct dosage. You can increase Vitamin D by taking supplements or eating foods that have it added.

Vitamin E for skin protection

A 2016 study describes vitamin E as a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from damage caused by free radicals, which can make eczema worse. It also helps to keep the skin moist and strengthens the skin barrier, keeping it hydrated and safe from irritants.

Vitamin E can be used topically and orally. Applying it directly to the skin can be especially helpful, while taking it by mouth may improve overall skin health. Ideally, choosing the correct method and dosage should be done with medical advice.

B-Complex vitamins for skin repair

NHS guidance confirms that B-complex vitamins, including B2 (riboflavin) and B3 (niacin), play an important role in keeping skin healthy. They help repair skin cells and may reduce inflammation, which is particularly beneficial for people with eczema.

Niacin, or Vitamin B3, is especially useful as it helps maintain the skin barrier by keeping moisture in and irritants out. Including these vitamins in your diet or as part of a supplement plan can be helpful, but it’s best to do so under professional guidance.

Omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics: Supporting skin health

Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oils, are known for their anti-inflammatory benefits, which a 2020 study confirmed. They help to reduce redness and swelling associated with eczema and can also lessen itching.

Probiotics support gut health, which is closely linked to skin health. By promoting a healthy gut, probiotics can help reduce the severity and frequency of eczema flare-ups.

Together, Omega-3s and probiotics play an important role in maintaining overall skin health and reducing inflammation.

Practical advice on diet vs. supplements

Effectively managing eczema involves balancing getting vitamins from your diet with knowing when to use supplements. Here’s a guide to help you choose the best options:

• Vitamin D: Consider supplements during the winter months or if you don’t get much sunlight. It’s important to use Vitamin D supplements with medical advice to avoid taking too much. Never take more vitamin D than directed.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: If your diet is low in fatty fish, fish oil supplements can provide anti-inflammatory benefits for managing eczema.
• Vitamin E: You can obtain Vitamin E from nuts, seeds, and leafy greens or supplements. If using supplements, consult a healthcare provider to find the correct dose.
• Probiotics: If dietary restrictions limit your intake of probiotic-rich foods like yoghurt or kefir, supplements can be an excellent alternative to support gut and skin health.
• B-Complex Vitamins: These are available in whole grains, eggs, dairy products, and leafy greens. Supplements can be used if your diet is lacking, but it’s best to do so under professional guidance.
• Zinc: This mineral is found in meat, seafood, and legumes. If your diet doesn’t provide enough zinc, a supplement may help, but stick to the recommended amount.

Using vitamins safely for eczema

Vitamins and supplements can be valuable tools in managing eczema, but they must be used safely to avoid side effects. Here are some key points on dosing and potential risks:

• Vitamin D: A daily dose of 600 IU is especially relevant during the UK’s less sunny months when natural Vitamin D production is lower.
• Vitamin E: Taking 600 IU daily may be beneficial in reducing skin inflammation.
• Fish Oil: Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil supplements help reduce inflammation, which can lessen eczema flare-ups. The dosage should be tailored to individual needs and ideally discussed with a healthcare provider.
• Zinc: For those with a deficiency, zinc supplementation should be carefully dosed to support skin health without causing imbalances in other nutrients.

Always follow the dosages advised by healthcare professionals. Some vitamins can be unsafe when taken at higher doses than recommended.

Combining vitamins with topical treatments

Using vitamin supplements along with topical treatments can improve eczema management by addressing both internal and external factors.

For example, applying a cream with Vitamin E while taking oral supplements can help reduce inflammation and support skin repair.

Combining topical steroids (like Eumovate or Elocon) or emollients (such as Epaderm, CeraVe and Diprobase) with supplements like fish oil or zinc can help relieve dry skin and strengthen the skin barrier.

Following a care routine that includes both internal supplements and external treatments is key to maximising skin health benefits.

Lifestyle tips for enhancing vitamin effectiveness

Based on a 2019 study, lifestyle changes can significantly boost the effectiveness of vitamins in managing eczema. Here are some tips:

• Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and Omega-3 fatty acids supports your immune system and reduces inflammation.
• Exercise: Regular exercise improves circulation, which helps your body absorb nutrients better and promotes overall skin health.
• Sleep: Getting enough sleep is crucial, as it allows your body to repair itself, improving your skin’s ability to heal.
• Stress Management: Reducing stress through yoga or meditation can help reduce eczema symptoms by minimising stress-related flare-ups.

Including these lifestyle changes along with vitamin supplementation creates a more complete approach to managing eczema.

Finding quality vitamin supplements

It’s important to choose high-quality supplements when managing eczema.

Look for products that meet strict purity and safety standards to ensure you’re getting the most effective results.

Remember, while supplements are an important part of managing eczema, they should complement, not replace, conventional treatments.

A complete approach that includes proper skincare, lifestyle adjustments, and dietary considerations is most effective.

Are you ready to find the right treatment for your eczema? At Oxford Online Pharmacy, we can help. Get in touch with our team today to ensure that you’re choosing the best option possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids for eczema?

Omega-3 fatty acids help manage eczema by reducing skin inflammation and supporting overall skin health. They strengthen the skin's barrier function, which may help relieve eczema symptoms, especially during flare-ups.

How do probiotics help with eczema?

Probiotics support gut health, which is closely linked to immune function and inflammation levels. By promoting a healthy gut, probiotics may help reduce the severity and frequency of eczema flare-ups, contributing to more stable skin health.

Which vitamins are important for managing eczema?

Vitamins D, E, B-complex, and zinc are especially important in managing eczema. Vitamin D helps regulate the immune response, vitamin E provides antioxidant protection for skin cells, B-complex vitamins help repair skin, and zinc fights inflammation.

These nutrients work together to support skin health and reduce eczema symptoms.

Should I get nutrients from food or supplements for eczema?

Getting nutrients from a balanced diet is generally the best approach, as it offers a wide range of benefits. However, supplements may be needed if your diet lacks certain nutrients or if deficiencies are diagnosed. It’s important to get medical advice before starting supplements to make sure they are right for your needs.

Can combining vitamins with topical treatments improve eczema?

Combining oral vitamins with topical treatments can improve eczema management by addressing internal causes and external symptoms. This combined approach can increase the effectiveness of treatment and lead to better skin health outcomes.

How can lifestyle factors influence the effectiveness of vitamins for eczema?

Lifestyle factors like eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and managing stress well can boost the effectiveness of vitamins in managing eczema. These habits contribute to overall health, which supports better skin condition and reduces the frequency of eczema flare-ups.

Why is it important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment for eczema?

Consulting healthcare professionals is crucial to ensure that any new treatment plan for eczema is safe and tailored to your individual health needs. Professional advice helps avoid potential interactions with existing medications, reduces the risk of worsening symptoms, and ensures that treatments are appropriate for your specific condition.

Sources:

1. NHS (2023). Atopic eczema
2. NHS (2020). B vitamins and folic acid
3. NHS (2020). Vitamin E