Fish oil is probably one such dietary supplement that is consumed quite commonly. It has numerous health benefits – everything from skin issues to asthma is positively affected by its consumption – as it is super rich in omega-3 fatty acids. But how does fish oil for eczema work? Or does it help at all in curing eczema, psoriasis and similar dry, itchy skin issues?
Let’s find out.
What is fish oil?
Well, fish oil is actually fat or oil which has been extracted from fish tissue. And the fishes used for this purpose are generally of the oily kind, like tuna, mackerel, herring, and anchovies. Fish oil can also be produced from the livers of some fish, similar to how cod liver oil is produced.
WHO (World Health Organization) recommends consuming at least 1-2 portions of fish once a week. The omega-3 fatty acids in the fishes are highly beneficial in providing protection against a number of diseases.
But if you’re not a regular fish eater, or do not like it much, then taking fish oil supplements should help your body in acquiring sufficient amounts of omega-3.
Fish Oil for Eczema – How Does It Work?
Fish oil is supposed to be an excellent inflammation-decreasing and irritation-reducing agent for all eczema related skin issues. Eczema is a painful, chronic, inflammation-causing skin disorder that gives rise to angry blisters on the skin. These blisters then become crusty and turn into scaly, dry, itchy, thick rashes or patches of skin. The urge to scratch is often unbearable. Since there is no cure, eating the right foods and supplements can have a positive affect on reducing the inflammation.
That’s why fish oil for eczema works.
Experts say that providing your skin with nourishment from the inside with omega-3 fatty acids can be highly beneficial. In fact, a biochemist and nutritionist, Babi Chana, has said that our skin membranes are essentially composed of the necessary omega fats which we imbibe from various foods we consume, so feeding our skin from within is pertinent for glossy, scale-free, non-itchy skin.
Though topical treatments help a little, nothing works as wonderfully as eating the right foods to combat the inflammation from within your body.
Fish oil actually works at the biochemical level, and goes straight to the main cause of the problematic skin issues, and brings down the inflammation, while tackling irritation at the same time.
What Does Research Say?
One study revealed that when eczema patients consumed 1.8g of EPA – an essential omega-3 fatty acid present in fish oil – they discovered that their skin issues decreased to a large degree in 12 weeks.
This had led researchers to believe that fish oil plays a key role in fighting leukotriene B4 – an inflammation-causing agent that worsens eczema.
In research published in the British Journal of Dermatology, which was carried out by German researchers, it was revealed that when patients with atopic eczema were given omega-3 supplements or placebos for 8 weeks straight, the severity of their symptoms saw an 18% decrease.
So, What Next? What Should You Do for Reducing Your Eczema Problem?
Getting rid of stress, nervous behaviors, depression, and anxiety can help your body in preventing eczema flares. Develop a good skincare routine, use an excellent moisturizer, pinpoint your allergy triggers and avoid flare-causing things as much as possible. Stay in a cool, stable-humid environment and resist the urge to scratch or rub the affected areas.
Go for fish oil supplements that are rich in EPA to rebuild, repair, protect and soothe your cell membranes which will result in well-oiled skin that has highly reduced eczema issues.
Nourish your skin from within with omega-3. Besides supplements, you can also take walnuts and hazelnuts – both have abundant amounts of essential omega-3 fats that prevent heart attacks and strokes.
Do talk to your doctor before starting any supplement, especially regarding the dosage and also, if you’re taking blood-thinning medicines.
Since fish oil has a high amount of Vitamin A, do ensure that you pick a brand that has most of it removed if your supplement dosage is high. Excessive vitamin A can be toxic!
Fish oil for eczema does work if taken appropriately and with the right dosage.