Zinc for Eczema: Can it Offer Symptom Relief?
If you suffer from eczema, you may be looking for natural remedies to help alleviate your symptoms. Zinc is a mineral that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may be beneficial for eczema sufferers. Learn more about zinc for eczema and how to incorporate it into your eczema treatment plan.
How is Zinc Connected to Eczema?
Zinc is one of the key minerals our body requires for healthy function. Although zinc is found in cells throughout the body, 5% of the body's zinc is found in the skin. It is essential for building elastin and collagen fibres. We lose 1% of our collagen levels each year as we get older, so zinc is incredibly important to maintain and repair our collagen stores. Zinc is not stored by the body for a long time, so it is important to make sure we are getting a daily dose. You should be aiming for 10mg a day. But be aware, more than 40mg can cause symptoms such as depression, headaches and nausea.
The functions of zinc include:
Essential for immunity- fights off invading bacteria + viruses
Improves overall skin health
Reduces inflammation, which is key for tackling eczema + psoriasis
Builds proteins + DNA
Aids wound healing
Maintaining metabolism levels
Maintains senses of smell + taste
Zinc deficiency occurs when the body is not able to produce new + healthy cells. The symptoms of a zinc deficiency can include hair loss, unexplained weight loss, impaired immunity, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms can be reversed through supplements and/or dietary changes.
How does Zinc for Eczema Help with Symptoms?
Zinc has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the inflammation and redness associated with eczema. It also plays a role in skin health and can help strengthen the skin barrier, which is often compromised in those with eczema. Additionally, zinc has been shown to have antimicrobial properties, which can help prevent infections in eczema-prone skin. Incorporating zinc into your eczema treatment plan may help alleviate symptoms and improve overall skin health.
Zinc levels are important mechanisms underlying the development of skin conditions. Some research has indicated that zinc can help improve symptoms of eczema. When applied topically, zinc can reduce itching. This is because it reduces the secretions of histamine, which is well-known eczema and itching trigger.
Foods High in Zinc
There are many foods that are high in zinc, making it easy to incorporate into your diet. It’s important to note that too much zinc can be harmful, so it’s best to talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before adding zinc supplements to your diet.
Eggs - one egg contains 5% of your RDA (recommended daily amount)
Shellfish
Nuts
Mushrooms
Red Meat - 100g will provide about half of your RDA. Choose grass-fed if you can.
Lentils
Chicken- a leg contains approximately half of your RDA
Bone Broth- The bones release amino acids which aid collagen production.
Dark Chocolate- 50g will provide 15% of your RDA. Always choose dark chocolate which is at least 70% cocoa solids for maximum health benefits
Oysters- Probably the best food out there for zinc intake, with just 2 oysters providing 100% of your RDA
Zinc Supplements and Topical Treatments
Zinc can be taken as a supplement or applied topically to help relieve eczema symptoms. When taken as a supplement, zinc can help boost the immune system and reduce inflammation in the body, which can help alleviate eczema symptoms. Our Skin Condition Support Supplement contains 100% of your RDA.
Topical zinc creams or ointments can also be applied directly to the affected area to help soothe and heal the skin. Zinc is one of the primary ingredients in calamine lotion. Eczema sufferers may find this helps with their itching.
However, it’s important to talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement or topical treatment.
Consult with a Healthcare Professional
Before incorporating zinc into your eczema treatment plan, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional. They can help determine the appropriate dosage and form of zinc for your individual needs and ensure that it won’t interact with any other medications or supplements you may be taking. Additionally, they can provide guidance on other eczema treatment options that may work in conjunction with zinc to provide the best possible relief for your symptoms.
