Vitamin D for Eczema
A (Philadelphia, Pa) on 07/22/2022:
I've had eczema on my hands for several months. As it began to spread and redness, and itching became worse, I decided to try vitamin D (I already take 1g fish oil & 1g pumpkin seed oil daily). 400 IU of vitamin D3 twice daily cleared it up immediately- overnight! No more redness, flaking & zero itch. The skin over my knuckles still appears a bit ‘swollen' but that's it.
Carol (Charlotte, Nc) on 04/01/2010:
First off - I love Earth Clinic. Thanks to all of you who write in and offer advice. This site has helped me on many occasions. Concerning my eczema - I suffered from eczema all over my hands for 5-6 years after the birth of my son. It was extremely embarrassing, itched like crazy and made me absolutely miserable. I wish I could have enjoyed those early years with my son, but I did not because of the horrible itch, pain, and embarrassment. I know it was very much stress related. I tried all kinds of remedies - watch my diet, omega 3's, and multiple vitamins, etc... When my son went to kindergarten, the stress level went down and my hands got better, but still aggravated. It was not until I went to have a physical and had my Vit. D level checked that I believe I found the answer. Optimal Vit. D level should be over 50, and mine was 20. So I started to supplement with Vit.D and my hands immediately cleared up. Interestingly, so did that "redness and heat" within my body that I always felt was with me. I haven't had my level checked again but I am still on higher than usual doses. I also learned that if you are overweight, you require more Vit. D because the fat cells absorb a lot of it. Most folks supplement with 1000 a day but I take 5 - 6,000 a day. Also, I learned that going outside can work but you have to live where the sun is just right in relation to your location, has to be the right time of the day, and need 15 minutes of that sun on large parts of your body - like arms and legs. And in the winter in most of the USA, there is no way to get enough Vit D. from the sun. Also, there is a huge deficiency nationwide of Vit. D. And this causes all kinds of illnesses. There is a major epidemic of Vit. D deficiency. I found that when I got my Vit. D. level up, my hands cleared up, and I stopped getting colds, flu, etc... Actually, quite amazing. This is especially true of elderly who hardly ever get any sun and have lower immune function anyway. Bottom line: If you don't know your Vit. D, get it checked. If below 50, supplement or make intentional effort to get nature's Vit.D - the sun most every day.
Mista (Columbus, Ohio) on 09/07/2007:
Psorisis..4 Bob in Northridge,CA... Personally, I suffer from facial eczema(/roscea as the docs like to insist). Anyway's I have been trying to change my Foods from processed, pastuerized and GM to Organic ,minimally processed &UNpastuerized. I am looking 4ward 2 trying this OP but want 2 buy the Organic Sunflower Oil though I may try it w/my Coconut oil though I am nervous but your listing interested me in passing u some helpful info along w/OP because soo many ppl R not aware how IMPORTANT Vitamin D & Natural Sunlight w/OUT sunscreen really is, helping U naturally fight off DISEASE!!
