There are a variety of nutrients such as vitamins C, E, H & A that are efficient in helping to treat and prevent itchy skin. Fortunately, all of these substances can be found in a various selection of foods, making the vitamins easy to obtain as you can simply add these specific foods into your diet.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
As a water-soluble vitamin, this nutrient is not stored in your body. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, meaning that it is used to protect your skin and body from free radicals. Vitamin C is also necessary for the regular formation of collagen, a protein that is used when the body manufactures your skin, blood vessels, ligaments and scar tissue. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that low intake of vitamin C in your diet may cause your skin to become rough and dry, conditions that can lead to itchy skin. Good sources of vitamin C include blueberries, cauliflower, tomatoes, papaya, spinach, pineapples, oranges, red peppers and strawberries.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is fat-soluble, which means that it is stored in your fatty tissues or liver. According to MedlinePlus, vitamin E is another antioxidant vitamin, protecting your skin from free radicals. Unfortunately, free radicals can harm your skin, possibly turning it brittle. Free radicals naturally form when your body turns the foods you eat into energy. Vitamin E helps to treat and prevent dry skin by keeping your skin moist. Vitamin E is found in foods like asparagus, wheat germ, yams, corn and sunflower seeds.
Vitamin H
Vitamin H is also called "biotin" or "vitamin B-7" as it is part of the B group of vitamins. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that it's essential to have an adequate supply of this nutrient in your diet as all B vitamins are necessary for healthy skin and, more importantly, a vitamin H deficiency may result in dry, itchy or scaly skin. Vitamin H can be found in many foods such as walnuts, mushrooms, sardines, pecans, whole grains and beans.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin and is important for the regular manufacture and maintenance of your skin, according to MedlinePlus. Vitamin A is also an antioxidant, efficient in protecting your skin from free radicals. Vitamin A helps to provide relief of dry skin by stimulating sebum production, a natural oil produced by your body used to ensure that your skin remains hydrated. Good food sources of vitamin C include pumpkin, cheese, fish oil, broccoli, eggs, cantaloupe, carrots, milk and halibut.
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