Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder. Common symptoms include itching, sensitive skin, and small bumps, which may leak fluid. The exact cause of eczema is unknown, but the Mayo Clinic comments that it is possibly caused by a combination of inappropriate immune responses and dry skin. According to 2009 information from the University of Maryland, more than 15 million people in America suffer with eczema and they often have a personal or family history of allergies. Eczema suffers should always consult their doctors before starting any supplement program.
Fish Oil
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is an omega 3 essential fatty acid found in fish oil along with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). In a study published in the 1987 issue of the "British Journal of Dermatology" researchers found that over a 12 week period, 10 g of fish oil a day containing 1.8 g of EPA reduced the itchiness and overall severity of eczema. The researchers believe that fish oil may be effective because it reduces levels of leukotriene B4, a substance that has been linked to eczema. Those on blood-thinning medications talk to their doctors before taking any fish oil supplements. The University of Maryland advises that when taking a high dose of fish oil, be sure that most of the vitamin A has been taken out as high levels of vitamin A can be toxic.
Probiotics
In a study published in the 2005 issue of "Archives of Disease in Childhood," the effect of probiotics on children between six and 18 months old, who suffer with moderate or severe eczema, was studied. The researchers found that a supplement of 1 billion organisms of Lactobacillus fermentum VRI-033 PCC taken twice a day for 16 weeks helps to reduce the extent and severity of eczema in young children. The University of Michigan comments that probiotics may help eczema by improving digestion, therefore, reducing allergic reaction and also by changing immune system responses.
Evening Primrose Oil
Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is an omega 6 essential fatty acid found in plant based oils such as evening primrose oil, borage oil, and blackcurrant seed oil. According to the University of Michigan, eczema suffers do not have the normal ability to process fatty acids, which can result in a deficiency of gamma-linolenic acid. In a study published in the 1987 issue of the "British Journal of Dermatology" researchers found that taking evening primrose oil over a 12-week period helped to reduce the dryness, itchiness, inflammation, and overall severity of eczema. The University of Michigan recommends 6 g of evening primrose oil a day containing 540 mg of GLA to help eczema. The University of Maryland recommend that people on blood-thinning medications, or who are thinking of taking a high dose of evening primrose oil, talk to their doctors before taking any evening primrose oil supplements.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Eczema
- The University of Maryland: Eczema
- "British Journal of Dermatology"; Effect of dietary supplementation with eicosapentaenoic acid in the treatment of atopic dermatitis; Bjørneboe A, Søyland E, Bjørneboe GE, et al; 1987
- "Archives of Disease in Childhood"; Effects of probiotics on atopic dermatitis: a randomised controlled trial. Weston S, Halbert A, Richmond P, Prescott SL; 2005.
- The University of Michigan: Eczema
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