The official definition of a skin rash is the alteration in texture or color within your skin known as dermatitis, which is an umbrella term used to describe an inflammation of the skin. Other causes of skin rashes may be attributed to medical conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, shingles or illnesses such as chicken pox, rubella and the measles. Determining the cause of a skin rash is typically done by observing the texture and irritation within the rash. While treatments for skin rash often include topical application of a synthetic chemical medication, alternative medicine practitioners may prescribe the application of vitamin E, an essential nutrient to protect the skin. Talk to your doctor before using vitamin E as a treatment.
Vitamin E
The University of Maryland Medical Center defines vitamin E as a vital nutrient for the body, as it is responsible for forming red blood cells, enhancing the use of vitamin K and potentially reducing the risk of developing heart disease. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, and it is typically consumed through dietary sources such as eggs, nuts, sunflower seeds, avocados, asparagus, mayonnaise and in cold-pressed vegetable oils. While vitamin E is found naturally, vitamin E supplementation is also available; however, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports most medical practitioners suggest consuming vitamin E through dietary sources rather than via supplementation.
Role in Skin Care
Vitamin E contains a high concentration of antioxidant properties that are especially active within skin tissue. The role of antioxidants is to protect healthy cells from damage due to free radicals, which are unbalanced atoms capable of damaging surrounding cells. Rice University reports vitamin E is among an elite group of principle micronutrients utilized by the body for their antioxidant properties. Since vitamin E localizes some of its antioxidant properties within skin tissue, it is not uncommon for this vitamin to treat skin rashes and other skin ailments.
Vitamin E and Skin Rashes
Due to the antioxidant properties found within vitamin E, its use for skin rashes may be beneficial. When consumed, or applied topically, the antioxidants immediately begin to seek out free radicals and reversing damage done to skill cells. Because vitamin E enhances the production of red blood cells, the skin will be continually fed higher concentrations of oxygen and removal of waste, which stabilizes and supports skin cells. While vitamin E may benefit those suffering from a skin rash, the use of vitamin E for scars resulting from rashes or other sources do not benefit from topical application or oral consumption of vitamin E, according to a study published by the "Dermatologic Surgery Journal."
Warnings
Never begin a vitamin E supplementation program without first discussing the benefits and potential side effects of vitamin E with your physician. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports adults aged 18 and over should not consume more than 800 IU, or 1,200 mg, of vitamin E per day. Because vitamin E may enhance the bodies bleeding risk, do not consume this supplement if you're on blood thinners, aspirin or beta-blockers for the treatment of high blood pressure.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Vitamin E; Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D.; December 2009
- MedlinePlus; Rashes; Linda J. Vorvick, M.D., David Zieve, M.D. M.H.A.; August 2009
- "Journal of Molecular Medicine"; The Role of Vitamin E in Normal and Damaged Skin' F. Nachbar, H.C. Korting; January 1995
- "Dermatologic Surgery" Journal; The Effects of Topical Vitamin E on the Cosmetic Appearance of Scars; L.S. Baumann, J. Spencer; April 1999
- Rice University; Antioxidants and Free Radicals; June 1996
- The Franklin Institute: Red Blood Cells: Riding on the Red Road
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