Magnesium is especially important for eczema suffers. Magnesium aids in the lowering of inflammation, which is essential in the treatment of skin conditions. The advantages of magnesium also apply to sleep and stress as stress can aggravate eczema.
Reduces skin inflammation
However, one of the many skincare benefits of magnesium is that it can help reduce the inflammation caused by conditions which lead to dry and itchy skin, such as eczema.
"Magnesium helps improve your skin's overall appearance, reducing acne and other skin disorders by lowering cortisol levels, stabilizing hormonal imbalances, and improving cellular processes," says Dendy Engelman, a dermatologist in New York City.
Ancient Minerals magnesium oil spray
Soaking in an epsom salt bath can be super soothing when suffering a psoriasis flare as the magnesium in the salt helps to slough off skin cell build-up and lessen the itch that can sometimes accompany a flare-up.
Patients with eczema have also been shown to have low blood serum vitamin D levels; less exposure to sunlight, which we need for our bodies to manufacture vitamin D, is correlated with symptom flare-ups. Blood cell zinc deficiency is also associated with eczema severity.
There is no permanent cure for eczema, but certain lifestyle changes and treatments may ease itching and prevent future breakouts. If you have a history of eczema flare-ups, a consistent home routine can help. Do any or all of the following: Use soap-free, oil-free, and unscented hair and body products.
Try eliminating inflammatory foods such as gluten, corn, soy, and dairy. Focus on adding foods high in antioxidants (found mostly in fruits and vegetables) and anti-inflammatory compounds (found in fatty fish, nuts, avocados, and turmeric, to name a few).
Low levels of magnesium can lead to a lack of fatty acids in the body, which are essential for skin elasticity and hydration. A deficiency of these fatty acids can result in the skin drying out faster, the appearance of wrinkles as well as a less toned appearance.
Magnesium deficiency is diagnosed via a blood test and sometimes a urine test. Your doctor may order the blood test if you have symptoms such as weakness, irritability, abnormal heart rhythm, nausea and/or diarrhoea, or if you have abnormal calcium or potassium levels.
Magnesium toxicity
Having kidney problems or taking too much magnesium oxide can cause your blood magnesium levels to be too high and lead to serious side effects. Early symptoms of high magnesium levels can include dizziness, flushed skin, nausea, vomiting, and having lower energy.
Vitamin B12 cream: 1 study found it helped reduce eczema in adults. Vitamin D: Possibly helpful during the winter. Vitamin E: Mild positive effect.
People with eczema have different bacteria in their gut compared to people without eczema, and sometimes they have inflammation in their gut. Several factors can affect colonization of the gut microbiome, and the feeding type is the greatest factor on the colonization of the gut microbiome in early life.
Research also suggests that the presence of specific types of gut microbes is associated with eczema. Adults who eat a diet very high in fermented foods containing natural probiotics may be less likely to have eczema.
Discoid eczema, also known as nummular or discoid dermatitis, is a long-term (chronic) skin condition that causes skin to become itchy, swollen and cracked in circular or oval patches. Without treatment, discoid eczema can last for weeks, months or even years.
Certain foods, including nuts, milk, and wheat, can trigger the release of inflammation-causing T cells and immunoglobulin-E. Other foods that commonly cause eczema flare ups include eggs, dairy, soy, citrus, tomatoes, gluten, and even some spices such as cloves, cinnamon, and vanilla.
Vegetables and fruits that are high in inflammation-fighting flavonoids: Apples, broccoli, cherries, blueberries, spinach, and kale. Flavonoids have been found to help improve the overall health of a person's skin and fight problems such as inflammation (which is associated with eczema).
Apple cider vinegar may reduce eczema symptoms by restoring the skin's acidity levels. Some people report that adding the vinegar to baths helps reduce dryness. However, it can also cause burns and irritation and may not be suitable for all types of eczema.
Thus, vitamin D deficiency is a strong candidate in the rising predisposition to eczema. There are several biological pathways which may account for this beneficial effect of vitamin D.