Several studies have found that vitamin D deficiency increases the risk for allergies and eczema.
Facts regarding vitamin D:
- Vitamin D status is important in both eczema and allergies because of it’s ability to reduce inflammation and regulate the immune system – both eczema and allergy are inflammatory conditions
- Vitamin D increases the amount of good, anti-bacterial proteins in the skin and helps to destroy germs and viruses on the skin – scratching often results in infected skin
- Vitamin D has a beneficial effect on the permeability barrier in the skin – helping to protect against germs, viruses, pollutants and chemicals
- It has been shown to increase synthesis of a chemical that promotes wound healing (PDGF)
- Research has shown that the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is increasing in the U.S., and the prevalence of food allergies and eczema is also increasing
Recommendations:
- Check blood levels of vitamin D and supplement with vitamin D3 (1000 IU – 5000 IU
- Follow an anti-inflammatory/elimination diet – avoid the most common food allergens – eggs, milk products, wheat, oats, corn, barley, citrus, peanuts, shellfish, sugar, fried foods and soybean
- Take a high quality probiotic supplement – patients who suffer with eczema or allergy need to address the issue of increased gut permeability (leaky gut syndrome)
- Apply coconut oil, aloe vera gel or calendula lotion for dry, irritated skin
- Take Omega 3 fatty acids (1,000 mg per day) to reduce inflammation
