In one study people taking fish oil equal to 1.8 g of EPA (one of the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil) experienced significant reduction in symptoms of eczema after 12 weeks. Researchers think that may be because fish oil helps reduce leukotriene B4, an inflammatory substance that plays a role in eczema.
Tea tree oil has been proven to be an effective antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory treatment. In a 2010 study, researchers compared various herbs and minerals for treating contact dermatitis and found tea tree oil to be the most effective.
Notably, a person with a fish or shellfish allergy who reacts to fish oil may develop eczema. Someone who already has eczema may find that their symptoms worsen. If an individual has symptoms of a severe allergic reaction to fish oil, such as difficulty breathing, they should seek immediate medical attention.
Fish oil is one of the most popular anti-inflammatory supplements on the market — and for good reason. Research shows that it may help treat many inflammatory conditions, including eczema.
Summary. Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that provides a variety of anti-inflammatory benefits. Clinical studies suggest that oral or topical supplementation may help reduce inflammation in people with eczema and provide relief from some of the most bothersome symptoms.
Recently eczema phenotypes have also been found to be associated with multiple vitamin D pathway genes [23]. Thus, vitamin D deficiency is a strong candidate in the rising predisposition to eczema.
Anti-inflammatory diet for eczema
Anti-inflammatory diets limit dairy, whole grains, red meat, flour and sugar, but emphasize vegetables and fish. In fact, going vegan (or keeping nearly a fully plant-based diet) is also a good route to take.
Food Sensitivities
Some studies show that these might make eczema worse -- especially for babies and children. Peanuts, milk, soy, wheat, fish, and eggs are the most common culprits.
It's possible that omega-3 supplements may worsen acne in some people, though there's limited research on this topic. Taking omega-3s in the form of fish oil can also cause mild (though rare) side effects.
Omega-3s may moisturize the skin and fight red, dry, or itchy skin caused by skin disorders like atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. That's because omega-3s appear to improve skin barrier function, sealing in moisture and keeping out irritants ( 14 , 15 ).
Your immune system's defense is to create inflammation. Inflammation causes symptoms of eczema on your skin. Your genes: You're more likely to have eczema if there's a history of eczema or dermatitis in your family. You're also at a higher risk if there's a history of asthma, hay fever and/or allergies.
For a severe outbreak, apply steroid cream and then wrap a wet bandage around the area to keep it moist. Light therapy from the sun or with a UV ray device at your doctor's office may ease outbreaks, too. For strong eczema itching that keeps you up at night, try oral antihistamines.
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.
In a small study (11 participants) of children ages 2–13 with eczema, 80% of those taking 1,000 IU of vitamin per day for one month showed improvement in their symptoms. In another study with 30 participants, all of those taking 1,600 IU of vitamin D daily showed significant improvement in their eczema.
Though you might be tempted to blame a weak immune system for skin flare-ups, your immune system is not at fault. Eczema is actually the result of an overreaction by your immune system. Typically harmless substances — such as pollen or pet dander — are often the source of your body's strong reaction.
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).
Eczema triggers
irritants – such as soaps and detergents, including shampoo, washing-up liquid and bubble bath. environmental factors or allergens – such as cold and dry weather, dampness, and more specific things such as house dust mites, pet fur, pollen and moulds.
Evening primrose oil (EPO) and borage seed oil (BO) are two “natural” supplements that have been frequently touted as a treatment for eczema, and both are available over-the-counter. Both are high in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a substance which may play a role in eczema.