Top Supplements for Itchy Skin

Top Supplements for Itchy Skin

If you're suffering from dry, itchy skin then there's good news... Research has shown that a host of different supplements can help, depending on the root cause of your itching. In this article we'll look at the facts behind itchiness, and discuss the best supplements for combatting your itchy skin once and for all…

Evening Primrose Oil

Evening primrose oil is one of the best natural sources of an omega 6 fatty acid known as gamma linolenic acid (GLA). GLA, in turn, offers many anti-inflammatory benefits within the body. As many cases of itchy skin are at their core an inflammatory response it so follows that many people find evening primrose oil to be beneficial. So, while evening primrose oil doesn't completely cure such skin conditions, it can ease the symptoms and make a positive impact in regards to skin inflammation and swelling.

Shop for evening primrose oil here or read our supplement guide here.

Probiotics

Probiotics can be either foods or supplements containing live organisms. Some popular examples of foods containing probiotics are cheddar cheese, mozzarella, yoghurt and pickles. Alternatively a range of different probiotic supplements are currently on the market, with some other products like some yogurt drinks also being fortified with probiotics.

What all these sources have in common is that they contain live “friendly” bacteria. After consumption, the friendly bacteria make their way to the intestine, where they help to “top up” the existing bacteria levels.

Some research also suggests that larger colonies of these good bacteria can also reduce populations of more harmful microorganisms within the body. The link between gut bacteria and the skin is a hot topic of research at the moment, with the current understanding being that probiotics help to strengthen the immune system, making it less likely for uncomfortable skin outbreaks to occur.

Alongside helping itchy skin, probiotics also offer a range of other potential health benefits, including improvements in digestive health. Like many other supplements the results aren't instant, but over a period of weeks many people notice a very real benefit.

Shop for probiotics here or read our probiotics guide here.

Fish Oil

Fish oil, which contains omega 3 fatty acids, is also believed to help with skin conditions, most notably eczema. “Leukotriene B4” is a compound in the body which is closely associated with inflammation. Fortunately, fish oil seems to reduce levels of leukotriene in the body, thus improving such conditions.

This beneficial effect has been demonstrated in scientific studies. A study conducted by the University of Maryland Medical Center found that in eczema patients, their symptoms improved significantly after just 12 weeks of fish oil supplementation.

Shop for fish oil here or read our fish oil guide here.

Vitamin D

Studies have concluded that people who suffer from eczema and other similar skin conditions tend to have lower levels of vitamin D than the rest of the population. Taking a vitamin D supplement therefore increases your levels, helping to reduce the severity of itchy skin.

Shop for vitamin D here or read our vitamin D guide here.

Vitamin B12

Scientific studies have recognised that there is a correlation between pregnant women having a vitamin B12 deficiency and their children developing eczema once born. Vitamin B12 is also considered to be linked with a variety of other skin conditions, some of which include vitiligo, acne and mouth ulcers (aphthous stomatitis). Further studies have shown that correcting vitamin B12 deficiencies can instigate positive change in skin conditions. The results of one study revealed noticeable improvements in eczema symptoms in just eight weeks, with 59% of those individuals rating their condition as either “good” or “very good”.

Shop for vitamin B12.

Hydrocortisone

Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid medicine or ‘steroid'. It is usually found in the form of a cream, lotion or ointment designed to be applied to the skin. Hydrocortisone can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and prickly heat to reduce pain, itching and swelling. Hydrocortisone is often used in conjunction with pramoxine. Pramoxine, a type of drug known as an anesthetic, works by numbing the affected area of skin to relieve itching and skin irritation.

Calamine

Calamine is an anti-itch medicine designed for external use on the skin. It is applied to the skin to relieve and soothe itching and skin irritations. It operates by creating a cooling sensation on the surface of the skin as it evaporates after application, distracting you from the itch. Calamine contains zinc oxide, which is thought to improve the barrier between the skin and the surrounding environment, reducing sensations of itching. Calamine also seems to reduce the speed of bacterial growth which can prevent skin infections from becoming more severe.

Alternative Methods to Soothe an Itch

Supplements aren't the only way to reduce itching of the skin. There are several other ways in which itchy skin can be targeted, depending on; where the itch occurs, the underlying cause of the itching sensation, and the severity of the itch. You can attempt to soothe an itch by following these recommendations made by dermatologists:

  • Keep the affected area cool: applying a cold, wet piece of material to the itchy area for five to 10 minutes at a time can help to soothe the itch by keeping it moisturised, and the cool temperature can help to reduce any potential swelling and redness.
  • Moisture: it's important that you keep the area moisturised – dry skin can often become very itchy.
  • Skincare: where possible, try not to use skincare products that contain perfumes, fragrances and additives, as these can further irritate the affected area.

Conclusion

As we can see, there are a variety of reasons why people may experience itchy skin, and so there's no single way of preventing and curing it. That said, there are a number of different supplements available that, whether taken individually or in a combination, can significantly improve symptoms of itchy skin and associated skin conditions. With their reasonable costs and strong safety profile, ever more people are opting to try natural supplements as part of their ongoing health routine.