Best Supplements for Eczema

Let Medical News Bulletin help you find the best supplements to help with your eczema.

Atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, is a chronic skin condition characterized by intense itching, dry skin, and recurring flare-ups.¹ This is caused by a compromised skin barrier and an overactive immune response, often triggered by food or environmental allergens. Eczema tends to follow a progression from infancy to adulthood, with varying severity and appearance. It can manifest as anything from mild patches on the hands to widespread inflammation on most of the skin’s surface.¹

Acute eczema usually involves itchy, red bumps or blisters that may ooze fluid when scratched, while chronic eczema presents as thickened, leathery patches. Individuals with eczema are also more prone to skin infections. Treatment typically focuses on managing symptoms and preventing flare-ups. This includes avoiding triggers, maintaining skin hydration with moisturizers, and using medications like topical corticosteroids or immunomodulators. In some cases, additional therapies like light therapy or oral medications may be necessary.

However, there is another treatment avenue that may be better suited for many individuals: vitamins, minerals, and other supplements to help eczema. 

Best Supplements for eczema

The use of vitamins, minerals, or other supplements in the diet or on the skin can lower inflammation and boost the immune system, helping with eczema management.²  

Vitamin B

Using topical vitamin B12 for eczema is a relatively new treatment option. Studies have shown that a vitamin B12 cream can be significantly more effective than a placebo in reducing both the severity and extent of eczema symptoms.³ It is a safe and effective alternative for those struggling with eczema.

Vitamin D

Scientists have explored the potential link between vitamin D deficiency and eczema, and suggest that lower levels of vitamin D may be associated with a higher risk of developing eczema.⁴ Why is this? Vitamin D is known to play a role in maintaining skin barrier function and regulating immune responses, both of which are crucial for eczema management.^4,5 While these findings are promising, experts emphasize the need for larger, long-term studies to definitively confirm the role of vitamin D in managing eczema.

Fish oil

Research suggests that fish oil, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, may offer relief for those suffering from eczema.² An early 2016 review supported the potential of fish oil for eczema symptoms, reducing their severity and noting fish oil’s safety and tolerability.⁶ This could pave the way for a natural and effective complementary therapy for managing this common skin condition.

Primrose oil

Evening primrose oil (EPO) is a natural supplement often suggested as treatment for eczema due to its high content of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid that may reduce inflammation.⁷ The theory is that people with eczema might have a deficiency in gamma-linolenic acid, and supplementing it could help alleviate symptoms.

Zinc

Zinc supports eczema healing by reducing inflammation and accelerating the process of reepithelialization, where new skin cells form over a wound.⁸ Although it may not be the most powerful treatment, its soothing and anti-itch effects make it a useful option.

Prebiotics and probiotics

A 2010 study revealed a significant difference in gut bacteria between children with allergic conditions like eczema and those without.⁹ This suggested that altering the gut microbiome may be a potential avenue for managing allergies. Subsequent studies have shown promising results, indicating that specific probiotic strains like L. plantarum, L. paracasei, L.fermentum, and L. sakei may help reduce inflammation and help improve eczema.¹⁰

Melatonin

Melatonin, known for its sleep-regulating properties, has also been shown to combat inflammation and free radicals within the body.¹¹ This antioxidant activity plays a crucial role in protecting and maintaining the skin’s health. By stimulating anti-inflammatory processes, melatonin may help alleviate eczema flare-ups and the associated discomfort that can disrupt sleep.

Turmeric

Turmeric, a spice containing the compound curcumin, boasts antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which could help alleviate the symptoms of eczema. Multiple studies have demonstrated significant improvements in skin health after curcumin treatment, and evidence suggests that both oral and topical turmeric products may contribute to healthier skin.¹²

CBD

CBD, a non-psychoactive compound found in the Cannabis sativa plant, has shown promise in managing eczema because of its antimicrobial properties that can combat Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria often responsible for eczema flare-ups.¹³ CBD also exhibits anti-inflammatory effects, including suppressing allergic skin reactions and studies have demonstrated its potential to significantly reduce itching in eczema patients.¹⁴ Even more, CBD has shown promise in pain relief and improving overall skin health in individuals with inflammatory skin conditions.

Supplements are not a primary treatment for eczema, but they may offer additional support when used alongside standard therapies. It’s important to consult with your doctor before taking any supplements to ensure safety and effectiveness, as research on their benefits is ongoing and side effects can occur.

References

1. Sohn A, Frankel A, Patel RV, Goldenberg G. Eczema. Mt Sinai J Med. 2011;78(5):730-739. doi:10.1002/msj.20289
2. Eczema management (2022) National Eczema Association. Available at: https://nationaleczema.org/eczema-management/ (Accessed: 20 July 2024). 
3. Stücker M, Pieck C, Stoerb C, Niedner R, Hartung J, Altmeyer P. Topical vitamin B12–a new therapeutic approach in atopic dermatitis-evaluation of efficacy and tolerability in a randomized placebo-controlled multicentre clinical trial. Br J Dermatol. 2004;150(5):977-983. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.2004.05866.x
4. Palmer DJ. Vitamin D and the Development of Atopic Eczema. J Clin Med. 2015;4(5):1036-1050. Published 2015 May 20. doi:10.3390/jcm4051036
5. Chun, R.F. et al. (2014) ‘Impact of vitamin D on immune function: Lessons learned from genome-wide analysis’, Frontiers in Physiology, 5. doi:10.3389/fphys.2014.00151. 
6. Schlichte MJ, Vandersall A, Katta R. Diet and eczema: a review of dietary supplements for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2016;6(3):23-29. Published 2016 Jul 31. doi:10.5826/dpc.0603a06
7. Rackett SC, Rothe MJ, Grant-Kels JM. Diet and dermatology. The role of dietary manipulation in the prevention and treatment of cutaneous disorders. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1993;29(3):447-461. doi:10.1016/0190-9622(93)70210-k
8. Gupta M, Mahajan VK, Mehta KS, Chauhan PS. Zinc therapy in dermatology: a review. Dermatol Res Pract. 2014;2014:709152. doi:10.1155/2014/709152
9. Ozdemir O. Various effects of different probiotic strains in allergic disorders: an update from laboratory and clinical data. Clin Exp Immunol. 2010;160(3):295-304. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2249.2010.04109.x
10. Rather IA, Bajpai VK, Kumar S, Lim J, Paek WK, Park YH. Probiotics and Atopic Dermatitis: An Overview. Front Microbiol. 2016;7:507. Published 2016 Apr 12. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2016.00507
11. Chang YS, Chiang BL. Sleep disorders and atopic dermatitis: A 2-way street?. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2018;142(4):1033-1040. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2018.08.005
12. Vaughn AR, Branum A, Sivamani RK. Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence. Phytother Res. 2016;30(8):1243-1264. doi:10.1002/ptr.5640
13. Wassmann CS, Højrup P, Klitgaard JK. Cannabidiol is an effective helper compound in combination with bacitracin to kill Gram-positive bacteria. Sci Rep. 2020;10(1):4112. Published 2020 Mar 5. doi:10.1038/s41598-020-60952-0
14. National Eczema Association (2022) Can cannabis help your eczema? what you need to know., National Eczema Association. Available at: https://nationaleczema.org/blog/can-marijuana-help/ (Accessed: 21 July 2024).