The Salty Truth: Your Diet Could Be Fueling Your Eczema
If you’re one of the nearly 32 million Americans struggling with atopic dermatitis (AD), also known as eczema, you know just how frustrating and uncomfortable this inflammatory skin condition can be.
From the itchy, dry patches to the painful, weeping sores, eczema can take a toll on your quality of life.
And while triggers can vary from person to person, a new study suggests that there may be one common culprit hiding in your diet…
Sodium.
That’s right, according to researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), high levels of dietary sodium may not only raise your risk of developing atopic dermatitis but also exacerbate symptoms in those who already have the condition.
The study, published in JAMA Dermatology, analyzed data from 215,832 participants in the UK BioBank aged 37 to 73.
Of this group, 10,839 people had AD, while the remainder did not. The researchers found that for every 1-gram increase in estimated 24-hour urine sodium excretion (a marker of dietary sodium intake), the risk of developing atopic dermatitis increased by 11%, the likelihood of having active symptoms of existing AD increased by 16%, and the chance of increasing AD severity rose by 11%.
So, how exactly does sodium trigger eczema flare-ups?
According to Katrina Abuabara, MD, associate professor of dermatology at UCSF and senior study author, sodium is stored in the skin to prevent water loss and may help prevent infection.
However, it can also activate cells in the immune system, triggering inflammatory pathways and removing the “brakes” from others.
While more research is needed, this study provides compelling evidence that reducing dietary salt could be a simple way to prevent or alleviate atopic dermatitis.
Of course, sodium isn’t the only factor contributing to eczema. Other environmental triggers, such as food additives, preservatives, dairy, wheat, eggs, fish, or shellfish, can also play a role. And, because the causes of AD are multifactorial and vary based on the individual, it’s important to work with a healthcare professional to identify your specific triggers.
But if you’re looking for a simple step you can take to potentially improve your eczema symptoms, cutting back on sodium may be a good place to start. Consider replacing salt with other pleasing flavors, such as herbs, spices, citrus juices, vinegar, garlic, and onions.
Now, it’s important to remember that eliminating dietary sodium altogether is not feasible or healthy.
Sodium naturally occurs in many foods and is essential for proper bodily function. However, most Americans consume far more sodium than they need (largely because of processed and packaged foods).
By making small changes to your diet, such as cooking more meals at home using whole, unprocessed ingredients and being mindful of the sodium content in packaged foods, you can significantly reduce your sodium intake without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
To calmer skin and a happier you,
Rachel Mace
Managing Editorial Director, e-Alert
with contributions from the research team
P.S. Three out of four people make this error when managing their sodium intake.
Sources:
Chiang, B. M., Ye, M., Chattopadhyay, A., Yagmur Halezeroglu, Van, E. L., & Abuabara, K. (2024). Sodium Intake and Atopic Dermatitis. JAMA Dermatology. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamadermatol.2024.1544
