What is eczema?
Atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, is an inflammatory disease affecting the skin.
The disease is chronic and usually begins early in life. Eczema is relatively common, with a prevalence of approximately 12% in children and 7% in adults in the United States.
Eczema can cause unwanted symptoms that negatively impact quality of life, including severe itching, dry skin, and redness. It can also cause skin breakdown and skin lesions that ooze fluid.
These symptoms often appear in the form of flares and then improve during periods of remission.
They can cause sleep and mood disturbances as well as self-esteem issues.
A study of U.S. adults found that being diagnosed with eczema significantly increased the likelihood of depressive symptoms and severe psychological distress.
Current research shows that the cause of eczema is multifactorial. Skin barrier abnormalities, immune system disorders, genetics and environmental exposures are all thought to be part of the equation.
Eczema is usually treated with topical ointments, moisturizers, phototherapy that exposes the skin to ultraviolet (UV) light waves, and oral medications, including steroids and immunosuppressive drugs.
Why fish oil can help eczema sufferers
The goals of treating eczema are to control and relieve symptoms and prevent eczema flare-ups. Preventing inflammation is key when treating eczema, as this condition is considered an inflammatory skin disease.
Inflammation is a normal immune response that protects against disease and infection. However, chronic inflammation can lead to adverse health effects, including increased risk of disease.
Inflammation of the nervous system and skin can cause eczema. Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
The omega-3 fats eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have been shown to fight inflammation in a variety of ways, including inhibiting the production of inflammatory proteins.
Although research is still ongoing, many studies suggest that fish oil supplementation benefits people with inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Because fish oil has strong anti-inflammatory potential, some research suggests this supplement may also treat eczema, although larger studies are needed to confirm this potential benefit.
Can fish oil reduce eczema symptoms?
Fish oil is one of the most popular anti-inflammatory supplements on the market, and for good reason. Research shows it may help treat many inflammatory conditions, including eczema.
Taking fish oil may benefit eczema
Some studies examining the effects of fish oil supplements on eczema have shown promising results. However, it is worth noting that research in this area is still lacking and more research is needed.
A 2012 review including 3 studies on fish oil supplements and eczema found that fish oil treatment significantly improved quality of life and improved itch in people with eczema.
Of note, however, the researchers acknowledged that well-designed, larger studies are needed to verify whether fish oil should be recommended as an alternative treatment for eczema.
An earlier study from 2002 included 22 hospitalized patients with eczema and found that fish oil infusion therapy significantly improved eczema severity compared with soy oil infusion.
Another 16-week study of patients with moderate to severe eczema showed that daily supplementation with omega-3 fats, as well as omega-6 fats, zinc, vitamin E, and a multivitamin, reduced the severity of eczema by more than 80%50 % above. participants.
Keep in mind that omega-3 fats are only one component of this treatment, so it's unclear whether it would have the same effect if used alone.
Animal studies also show positive results. A rodent study found that mice with eczema experienced significant improvements in skin hydration and reduced scratching after taking fish oil by mouth for 30 days
Additionally, a study in mice found that treatment with DHA and EPA reduced eczema scores and reduced levels of inflammatory proteins and immunoglobulin E (IgE).
IgE is an antibody produced by the immune system in response to allergens, and high levels are associated with eczema
Keep in mind that not all studies show positive results, and future research is needed to better understand how fish oil may benefit people with eczema.
Fish oil may prevent eczema in babies and children
Research shows that taking fish oil supplements during pregnancy may help prevent eczema in babies and children.
In one study, pregnant women supplemented with an average of 1.6 grams of EPA and 1.1 grams of DHA per day from the 25th week of pregnancy through breastfeeding.
The results showed that babies of mothers who took supplements had a 16% lower risk of developing eczema in the first year of life compared with those in the control group.
In another study, babies of women who took 900 mg of a combination of DHA and EPA in fish oil from the 21st week of pregnancy until delivery had a 5% lower risk of developing eczema compared with babies of mothers who took a placebo.
Additionally, a review of eight studies including 3,175 children found that infants and children younger than 36 months whose mothers received fish oil supplements during pregnancy were less likely to benefit from fish oil supplements than those whose mothers did not supplement. The following children experienced a significant reduction in eczema.
However, not all studies have observed beneficial effects, and one study suggests that fish oil supplementation during pregnancy may increase the risk of eczema in children.
Clearly, more research is needed before fish oil supplementation during pregnancy can be recommended as a way to reduce eczema in children.
How to use fish oil to treat eczema
In addition to potential benefits related to treating eczema, taking fish oil supplements may benefit your health in other ways, including improving heart health and reducing inflammation.
Given the lack of research on fish oil supplementation in people with eczema, there isn't a lot of information on the most effective dosage for this purpose.
An earlier study found that taking 5,500 mg of DHA daily for eight weeks improved eczema symptoms, improved blood levels of omega-3 fats, and suppressed the production of IgE antibodies. However, updated dosing information is sparse.
Research also shows that taking up to 4,500 mg of fish oil containing up to 2,070 mg of DHA and 1,600 mg of EPA is safe during pregnancy and may help reduce eczema in children.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that total daily intake of DHA and EPA be kept below 3,000 mg, with no more than 2,000 mg in supplements. However, many studies have used higher doses without side effects.
Most supplements on the market contain about 1,000 milligrams of concentrated fish oil per serving, providing varying amounts of EPA and DHA depending on the product. Some supplements contain higher levels of DHA, while others contain more EPA.
Since the amounts may vary between products, you should check the supplement label to see exactly how much EPA and DHA you are getting in each dose.
Fish oil precautions
Fish oil is a popular supplement that is safe for most people.
Research shows that fish oil supplements do not cause any adverse side effects when taken in doses of 4-5 grams per day.
Some people may experience mild digestive symptoms such as indigestion and diarrhea when taking fish oil, but most people tolerate it well and have no side effects.
However, fish oil may prolong blood clotting times and may interact with blood-thinning medications such as warfarin when taken in large doses.
Additionally, if you are allergic to fish or shellfish, talk to your healthcare provider before taking fish oil supplements.
generalize
Eczema can negatively impact your quality of life, so it's important to properly treat and manage this chronic inflammatory skin condition.
While traditional medications are often the mainstay of treatment for eczema, natural treatments like fish oil may offer some benefits.
Although research shows good results in using fish oil to reduce eczema symptoms, further research is needed to fully understand how fish oil can help people with eczema.
If you want to try fish oil to improve your eczema symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider before buying a third-party-tested supplement locally or online.
