Supplements for Eczema: What You Should Know

People with severe eczema may be low in vitamin D, some research shows. In studies on a very small number of people, eczema symptoms got better a month after they started taking vitamin D every day. The adult dose is 4,000 international units (IUs) a day. Infants and toddlers can have 400 IUs, and older children can have 1,000 IUs. Babies and children should take vitamin D in liquid drops.

Eczema may be linked to an imbalance of gut bacteria – too little of the good stuff and too much of the bad. Probiotic supplements may help improve this balance. Studies as to whether this would help with eczema symptoms have been mixed and limited. But high doses of Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium lactis, and Lactobacillus acidophilus probiotics individually or combined seem to hold the most promise.

Fish oil might help reduce levels of an inflammatory substance called leukotriene B4 that plays a part in eczema. One study found that daily fish oil equaling 1.8 grams of EPA – one of the fatty acids in fish oil – may improve eczema symptoms after 12 weeks. But fish oil might not be safe if you take blood thinners. High doses can be toxic for anyone if it contains vitamin A. Look for a brand that cuts out this nutrient.

Both of these contain GLA, an anti-inflammatory fatty acid. Some studies show that either one of these oils in supplement form can ease itching that comes with eczema. But not all studies get those results. Like fish oil, these fatty acids don’t mix well with blood thinners and some other medicines. They also may not be safe to take during pregnancy. It’s best to talk to your doctor before you try either of them.

This nutrient can act as an antihistamine, which is a drug used to treat allergies. It’s also touted for its skin benefits. Either of these may explain why researchers have explored it as a treatment for eczema. In one study, it helped reduce symptoms, but more research is needed to prove it. If you want to try it, talk to your doctor. It’s not safe to mix vitamin C with some medicines.

Melatonin may not only help you sleep through that painful itch, but it could also work on your symptoms while you slumber. A study in kids with eczema found that it helped them fall asleep faster and improved their itching and pain. It’s a little-known fact that this sleep aid is a powerful anti-inflammatory. Researchers say this supplement is likely better for relieving flares than preventing them.

These aren’t ready for prime time yet. But in a small study on children with eczema, more than 80% of them saw improvement in their symptoms after about 6 weeks on these supplements. If you want to know if your enzyme levels play a part in your eczema, ask your doctor about getting tested.

Creams or salves that contain chamomile, chickweed, marigold, licorice, witch hazel, or St. John’s wort might help with itching and burning and aid in overall healing of your skin. Chamomile has the most evidence behind it. Liquid witch hazel may relieve oozing eczema sores.

This ancient practice combines herbs and physical practices – like tai chi and acupuncture – to address health problems. Chinese medicine for eczema may include creams, lotions, pills, teas, acupuncture, and acupressure to calm down the overactive immune system that causes eczema flares. Some doctors who use Chinese medicine have had success treating people whose eczema hadn’t responded to standard Western medicine.

You can get supplements without a prescription. But that doesn’t mean they’re always safe or that it’s OK to take them without advice from your doctor or pharmacist. These products cause chemical reactions in your body the way prescription drugs do. They can be dangerous in high doses and in people who take certain medicines or have certain conditions. It’s always best to ask a health professional before you try a supplement.