There are many types of chronic diseases, perhaps more than a dozen, depending on how you define what constitutes “chronic.” Eczema is one of the most common types of chronic skin diseases. Here, we take a look at the prevalence of eczema, and discuss some of the best supplements which could help to mitigate it.
There is a wide range of chronic diseases which plague humanity. Among them are heart disease, diabetes, and many others. Shockingly, roughly 6 in 10 American adults have some form of chronic disease. Chronic diseases are the leading reason for the $4.5 trillion of total annual healthcare costs in the USA.
Tracking Chronic Diseases: Eczema
One class of chronic diseases is that of skin disorders. Acne is the most common skin condition, affecting roughly 50 million Americans. Eczema is the second-most common. The predominant form of eczema is called atopic dermatitis, and it affects nearly 1 in 10 Americans of all ages. It is most common in adolescents, as it affects about 1 in 5 children under 18 years of age.
Atopic dermatitis (AD) most frequently begins in childhood, but it can also appear in adulthood. f It is more common in individuals with a family history of the condition or who have allergies and/or asthma. Multiple causes exist including genetics, an overactive immune system, a weakened skin barrier, and environmental factors.
The symptoms of AD are easy to spot. AD is characterized by inflammation on the skin’s surface, causing a rash that is pink, red, purple, or brown in color. These patchy rashes are painful to the touch, and cause itching and oozing. AD symptoms can disrupt life by causing irritation during the day, and disrupting sleep at night. Multiple treatments exist for AD including moisturizers, topical medications, prescription injections, and others.
Supplements for Eczema Symptoms
Some supplements have properties which could mitigate the symptoms and irritation of atopic dermatitis. These are not intended to replace treatment where necessary, but to work in tandem with AD treatment.
Omega-3 fatty acids in supplement form could support skin health and reduce eczema by reducing inflammation and suppressing immune overreactivity, which could trigger eczema symptoms. Several studies have corroborated this benefit of supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids.
Probiotics are healthy bacteria which can make a positive impact on the gut microbiome. Some research suggests that the use of a probiotic supplement can reduce the risk of eczema. This benefit was found to occur in pregnant women, and it also reduced the risk of eczema in their children up through 2 years of age. It is believed that probiotic bacteria can support a healthy skin barrier, and also reduce inflammation.
Vitamin D is a crucial vitamin for many reasons. Research has shown a significant link between low vitamin D levels and eczema symptoms. This is especially true with adolescents. Furthermore, research shows that supplementing with vitamin D could also have a meaningful impact, reducing eczema symptoms by a large margin in many people who have it. Women who are pregnant, as well as their babies, also have a reduced risk of eczema symptoms if they supplement with vitamin D.
Melatonin has the potential to ease eczema symptoms by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Studies have shown a specific benefit in reduced eczema symptoms in children who took a melatonin supplement every day for four weeks. Melatonin could also simply help by promoting sound sleep in those who might experience eczema irritation at night.
If you or someone in your family experiences atopic dermatitis, then consider how these four supplements could help the body defend against eczema irritation and symptoms. These could be a meaningful help next to merited treatment. It is recommended that you talk to your healthcare provider before taking a new supplement.