Eczema and psoriasis are both chronic skin conditions that can be painful and uncomfortable. Psoriasis causes scaly, dry skin cells to build up in spots on the body, particularly on the joint areas, lower back and groin. Eczema also causes dry, scaly patches on the skin that are itchy. Several different vitamins can help to treat psoriasis and eczema symptoms, reducing skin inflammation, itching, redness, scaling and dryness. Some vitamins can work for both conditions, while others have proven effective for just one or the other.
Fish Oil
Taking fish oil may help relieve the symptoms of both psoriasis and eczema. Studies have found that fish oil can reduce eczema symptoms, as well as the scaling, redness and itching associated with psoriasis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. In one double-blind study, participants with eczema took 10 g of fish oil daily for 12 weeks. By the end of the trial, the people who took fish oil experienced substantial reductions in their eczema symptoms, notes the University of Michigan Health System. Another double-blind clinical trial found that taking 10 g per day of fish oil improved skin lesions in people with psoriasis. Fish oil's effectiveness in treating psoriasis and eczema is likely due to its ability to decrease levels of leukotriene B4, which has inflammatory effects in the body, the University of Maryland explains.
Borage and Evening Primrose Oils
The essential oils of borage and evening primrose might help relieve eczema symptoms. Borage and evening primrose oils contain high concentrations of gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA, an essential fatty acid in which many eczema suffers are deficient, explains the University of Michigan Health System. A review of nine clinical trials found that evening primrose and borage oils helped to reduce itching, as well as skin inflammation, scaling and dryness. The typical dosage used in the clinical trials was equal to 45 mg of GLA taken 12 times daily. Studies using lower dosages failed to find any benefit in taking evening primrose oil, the University of Michigan notes. Borage oil also has potential anti-inflammatory actions for eczema sufferers taking 500 to 900 mg each day, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Probiotics
Also helpful in treating eczema are probiotics, which are the beneficial bacteria that normally live in your digestive tract. Probiotics may help to reduce eczema symptoms by easing allergic reactions and improving digestion, explains the University of Michigan Health System. Supplements may also help alter immune system reactions. Several studies have been performed on infants and children with eczema. One double-blind study found that children with moderate to severe eczema, who took a probiotic supplement twice each day, experienced a decrease in the severity of their eczema, the University of Michigan notes. To support the immune system and ease allergies related to eczema, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends taking a dosage of probiotics that is equivalent to 3 billion to 5 billion live organisms daily.
Vitamin C
Taking 1,000 mg two to four times per day of vitamin C may help ease eczema symptoms, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Vitamin C has antihistamine actions that can decrease allergy response and support the immune system. In a 1989 double-blind clinical trial, the University of Texas researchers discovered that taking a daily dose of 50 mg to 75 mg of vitamin C per 2.2 pounds of body weight decreased eczema symptoms, according to the University of Michigan Health System.
