Serum Levels Of Vitamin D And Correlation With Ad Prevalence And Severity
Research utilizing serum levels of vitamin D is complex and controversial. Some researchers have suggested that serum levels may not provide an accurate picture of Vitamin D status, and some believe that low levels of vitamin D are a result of chronic inflammation, rather than the cause of chronic inflammation . A few studies have examined the correlation between vitamin D levels in children and the prevalence and severity of AD, with conflicting findings.
Researchers in one study found high rates of vitamin D deficiency in children with AD, but no correlation between serum vitamin D concentration and AD severity . Other studies have found that mean serum levels of vitamin D are significantly higher in patients with mild AD as compared to those with moderate and severe disease .
Not all studies have found this link though. One study, in fact, found the opposite. A study of 9838 children found a significantly decreased prevalence of AD in those in the lowest quartile for serum vitamin D levels . The authors noted that because of the cross-sectional design of the study, causality cannot be determined, a point that applies to all studies evaluating serum levels at a single point in time.
Supplementation Linked To Significant Improvements Of Atopic Dermatitis
Researchers in the present review cited about a dozen studies and meta-analyses that have linked vitamin D supplementation to significant improvements in atopic dermatitis severity, published between 2012 and 2016.
This includes an Italian clinical trial published in 2015, which posits that vitamin D supplementation may be an effective treatment in reducing atopic dermatitis severity in children, and a 2016 meta-analysis by Korean researchers published in Nutrition, in which the researchers say that vitamin D has a potentially significant role for improving the symptoms of atopic dermatitis.
Another clinical trial published in 2015 showed a reduction in the skin colonization by the bacteria S. aureus and an improvement in clinical symptoms of atopic dermatitis patients, who received an oral supplementation of 2,000 IUs of vitamin D daily for 4 weeks.
Multiple mechanisms have been proposed by the many studies that have linked vitamin D supplementation to improved skin symptoms. One example is vitamin Ds inhibitory effect on the allergic response. Vitamin D suppressed the IgE production by human B cells and dampened IgE-mediated mast cell activation in both in vitro and in vivo settings, they reported, citing a study from 2014.
Add Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has long been used as a home remedy for eczema, but ACV can’t “heal” eczema and whether it’s truly effective at easing symptoms is up for debate.
There is some evidence that apple cider vinegar can help balance the skin’s pH levels, according to Flushing Hospital Medical Center. And that matters because people with eczema usually have a higher skin pH level, according to a May 2015 article in the Journal of Clinical Medicine.
But one September 2019 study in Pediatric Dermatology actually found that not only was there no significant difference in symptoms after taking an apple cider vinegar bath in children with eczema, but that it actually caused more skin irritation for many of the children.
However, that was a very small study with only 22 participants, and many doctors, including Dr. Laarman, still recommend apple cider vinegar baths to help manage eczema.
If your doctor recommends you try an ACV bath, Dr. Laarman suggests mixing 1 cup apple cider vinegar into a full tub and soaking in it for five minutes a few times per week.
Tip
Try exposing just a small patch of skin to apple cider vinegar before treating larger areas, per the National Eczema Association, to see if it helps or irritates your skin.
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Rct: Vitamin D Supplementation Assists Eczema Treatment
Related tags:, Eczema, Children, Skin
Atopic dermatitis , also known as eczema, is a condition that makes the skin red and itchy but the pathology of AD is not entirely understood. It’s believed to involve a complex interplay of dysfunctions of immune response, genetic and environmental factors. The conventional AD treatments include immune modulatory agents, such as topical and/or oral steroids and topical calcineurin inhibitors but there is growing interest in the possible role of vit D deficiency in the development of AD.
A recent metaanalysis of interventional studies documented that Vit D supplementation was linked to clinically relevant reduction in AD disease severity both in adult and pediatric patients.
The current double blind, randomised, parallel, placebo controlled clinical trial is the first to investigate potential benefits of Vit D supplementation in children and adolescents with severe AD. Therefore, the primary aim of this trial was to determine the impact of Vit D supplementation in conjunction with standard treatment in severe AD.
The present study, involving 92 participants with severe AD, concludes that an oral daily Vit D supplement might provide clinical improvement in children with severe AD.
Supplementation May Help Those With Frequent Bacterial Skin Infections
In another study, mean serum level of vitamin D in patients with AD was not statistically different from that of control patients. However, the subset of AD patients with low 25D3 had a greater frequency of bacterial skin infections than those with higher levels .
A subset of these patients with very low serum 25 D3 concentrations underwent 3 months of supplementation with 2000 IU of oral cholecalciferol daily. Following supplementation, mean SCORAD were significantly lower and fewer bacterial infections were seen. Overall, marked improvement was seen in 90% of supplemented patients .
Further support for screening those with frequent bacterial skin infections comes from another trial. In this study, 3 weeks of supplementation with 1000 IU/day of vitamin D resulted in increased expression of cathelicidin, an antimicrobial peptide .
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Multivitamins Helped With Eczema
I was born with eczema and have suffered horribly with it my whole 35 years. I have almost grown out of it except for a few spots here and there, and now my hands and feet have severe refractory eczema on them. I have been on topical steroids my whole life. It got to the point where I was on the strongest steroids and nothing helped. I tried gen ray therapy until the skin on my hands was peeling off and they were raw. I then tried methotrexate, which made me very sick. My next step was going to be a biological medication that really scared me due to all the side effects.
Then my aunt suggested I take a multivitamin. I went the grocery store and found Womens One a Day Plus Healthy Skin Support with FloraGlo Lutein in it. Since starting the vitamin three weeks ago my eczema is almost completely gone. It is amazing that lutein could have such a profound effect on my skin. I want to share this with everyone with eczema in the hope that they might have the same results I have had.
Heather P.
What Is The Link Between Vitamin D And Eczema
The mechanism of how vitamin D deficiency causes eczema is not clear and research is still ongoing. The idea that the two are connected started when doctors recognized that ultraviolet light therapy in the office improved severe cases of atopic dermatitis. Since then, doctors started to investigate the link between vitamin D and eczema.
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Vitamin D Dose Recommendations
Generally, 35 IUs of vitamin D per pound of body weight is the recommended average dose.
Check out the chart below for more information:
| Age | |
| Pregnant Women | 5000-10000 units |
Although these are general recommendations, testing your blood for vitamin D really is the only reliable way to know how much vitamin D you or your little one needs.
ALWAYS speak with your physician before starting any sort of supplementation.
Can I Use Evening Primrose Oil For Eczema
If youre someone who prefers a more natural remedy for eczema, you could be in luck with evening primrose oil.
The Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products has found that this oil can be used to relieve itching in dry skin conditions like eczema, based on traditional use.
This remedy is made from the common evening-primrose plant and can be taken as a supplement by adults and teenagers over the age of 12.
Its thought to help reduce inflammation, which in turn reduces that annoying itching sensation youll be suffering through when a flare-up strikes.
Evening primrose oil isn’t just available in supplements, it’s also included in some skincare products so it can be used specifically on areas of dry, irritated skin.
Well, now youve got a better idea of which supplements to reach for and which to avoid when your skin is going through those dry and itchy phases.
Remember, if your eczema is getting unmanageable or just driving you crazy then the best thing you can do is speak to a medical professional.
Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to assess the condition of your skin and recommend treatments that will help to reduce your symptoms while helping you to look out for irritants that cause your flare-ups in the first place.
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Three Vitamin D Success Stories
Ive bumped up my daily intake of vitamin D3 to 5000 I.U. This is the first time in over a decade that I havent had an eczema flare-up at this time of year. I would highly recommend that Advocate readers do an Internet search with the key words vitamin D and eczema. There are thousands of articles attesting to its potential as a preventive and treatment when used responsibly at the proper potency.
Larry V.
Since my recent diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency and subsequent therapy with supplements, my eczema flares have disappeared and my rash is clearing! My diagnosis was made in March and coincided with your article Vitamin D: Hype or Healer? by Peter A. Lio, MD, published in the first quarter 2011 issue of The Advocate, I was skeptical! But now, with vitamin D supplements of 4000 per day and my health improving, I have hope for the first time in my life. I feel better now than I have felt in over 30 years. I am 69 years old and have had eczema my whole life. I live in a sunny climate, in Texas, and have had a lifetime of exposure to the sun. Thanks for continuing to inform for the sake of people like me, who have suffered all their life with this disease.
Barbara B.
Wanda L.
Vitamin D For Eczema: A Review
Posted by Selina on January 25, 2014 ·
Have you ever noticed a significant improvement of your eczema status when you are exposed to the sun for prolonged periods, for example when youre on holiday or in the summer? I have, and the symptoms also worsen in the winter when I spend even less time outside in the dismal UK sunshine.
Ever since I was 16 and went through no steroid phases, the main time my eczema ever eased on my face and neck to a comfortable state was when I went abroad for a sunny holiday. The eczema would clear dramatically within days of walking in the sun and it was amazing! Long awaited relief after months of itching, chronic redness and flaking and rough skin. Has this happened to you? The minute I got off that plane back in the UK, the eczema would creep back within a week and Id wish for another holiday.Does this sound familiar ? .
If you have noticed that prolonged sun exposure helps ease your eczema symptoms, then Vitamin d3 supplements are really worth a trial at least, what do you really have to lose?
You can even be tested for vitamin D deficiency so you can check with your doctor to get the right supplementation advice. Here is a review of someone on the National eczema site:
- The Scientific Evidence
Reluctant to take supplments?
Have you tried Vitamin d3?
What are your thoughts?
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Planning Your Eczema Diet
An eczema diet does not consist of any particular food groups, and no single diet plan is known to be a cure. The purpose of an eczema diet is to replace foods that cause irritation with foods that fight inflammation and reduce eczema symptoms.
Some studies show that certain food groups are more likely to relieve eczema than others. In one study, people with eczema were asked which foods, drinks, or supplements improved their eczema symptoms most. They said:
- Drinking more water
Could Not Be Stated With Certainty
There have been a myriad of studies advocating the important role of vitamin D in atopic dermatitis, the researchers argued.
But studies addressing the relationship between vitamin D and atopic dermatitis could be hampered by the geographic, seasonal and diet-related vitamin D variations in patients and healthy controls, thus, the relationship could not be stated with certainty.
So far, therapeutic interventions based on vitamin D have been proved beneficial in psoriasis and opic dermatitisat, they added.
Future studies are needed to mechanistically and intensely explore the specific pathways affected by vitamin D using the latest advanced technologies and to assess the safety and efficacy of vitamin D-based treatment regimens in various inflammatory skin diseases.
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Preventing Or Treating Fine Lines And Wrinkles
Dry skin tends to look more wrinkled than well-moisturized skin. The moisturizing benefits of vitamin E oil may help the skin look more youthful and less wrinkled.
Claims that vitamin E prevents or treats wrinkles, however, are unsupported by scientific evidence. The best strategy for preventing wrinkles is to avoid direct sunlight and to wear a quality sunscreen.
Eczema Treatment: 13 Ways To Find Relief
While there is no cure for eczema, there are a variety of non-invasive eczema treatment options that can provide relief during a flare-up and some that may prevent its onset. These can include corticosteroids, but the following home eczema treatment options may be best.
1. Light Therapy/Phototherapy
According to the National Eczema Association, phototherapy helps to calm inflammation, reduces itching, increases vitamin D production and helps fight bacteria on the skin. Adding 1015 minutes a day of sun exposure, particularly during an eczema flare, can provide relief and potentially speed healing.
2. Vitamin D
In addition to increasing sun exposure, supplementing withvitamin D rich foods like cod liver oil, sardines, salmon, eggs and raw milk may help prevent eczema in children and adolescents. Ideally, during a flare you will get 2,000-5,000 IU daily if your sun exposure is low, consider boosting your intake with a high-quality supplement. Preliminary research shows that low vitamin D levels during pregnancy and during childhood may increase the risk for developing eczema.
3. Moisturize
Because dry skin is both a cause and symptom, it is imperative to moisturize affected areas at least twice a day. Coconut oil is the perfect moisturizer for eczema sufferers. This eczema treatment is antibacterial and anti-fungal, with antimicrobial properties that provide soothing relief, and may speed healing.
4. Treat the Mind and Body
5. Dead Sea Salt Baths
6. Cool, Wet Compresses
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How Much Vitamin D3 Should People With Eczema Take
AhhhThis is where it gets a bit complicated as currently, theres still a lot of debate on what the proper amount should be.
Basically, you need to get enough vitamin D to raise your bodys natural serum levels to an adequate level. However, there is an ongoing debate in the medical field on how much you should take to reach that adequate level.
One of the first recommendations was for 1000-2000 IU daily, however recent research is showing that this number is nowhere near the amount we should be taking. Additionally, studies show that adults receive optimal benefits from taking up to 8,000 IU a day.
If you want to take a guess I would suggest starting at 2,000-5,000 IU daily, as its been shown that taking up to 10,000 IU a day has no side effects.
However, in some people this might not be enough. The only way to know for sure how much Vitamin D you should be taking, is to get your blood levels tested by a doctor. Only he or she will be able to tell you for certain.
Is Vitamin E Good For Eczema
Studies have shown that Vitamin E could help to improve the symptoms and quality of life of people with atopic dermatitis a kind of eczema.
Vitamin E is a popular supplement because it helps to support a lot of different functions in your body, including the maintenance of healthy skin.
It helps to strengthen your immune system by working as an antioxidant meaning that it helps to protect your cells from damage.
These properties could have obvious benefits for eczema sufferers, helping to support your skin from the inside out while keeping your immune system strong enough to deal with irritants.
Naturally, this isnt going to be a miracle cure for dry skin conditions, but it cant hurt to give your skin a bit of a helping hand.
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Why The Type Of Eczema You Have Matters
There are two distinct ways in which supplements could be used to counteract eczema.
First, supplements could target skin inflammation or edema, which are the intermediate causes for all types of eczema. This would work for every type of eczema, though it wouldnt necessarily be the best option.
Second, supplements might be able to address the root causes of eczema. This depends on the type of eczema thoughit is most likely to be effective for atopic dermatitis, followed by allergic contact dermatitis. Supplements are less likely to be effective for stasis dermatitis, and cant really address the root cause of irritant contact dermatitis.
