A new study from the United States has identified sodium intake as a potential risk factor for dry, itchy skin, including conditions like eczema. This research adds to the understanding that family history, allergies, pollution, perspiration, cold weather, hard water, certain cosmetics, and specific foods can exacerbate chronic skin diseases.
Atopic dermatitis, also known as atopic eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by dry skin, redness, itching, vesicles, oozing, and crusting. According to the French Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), both genetic and environmental factors contribute to this condition, which significantly impacts mental health. Over the years, scientific studies have reported a rise in eczema cases, especially in industrialized nations, linked to environmental changes and modern lifestyles.
Prompted by these findings, researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), explored the impact of sodium on skin dryness, itching, and eczema. They analyzed data from 215,832 adults aged 37 to 73 from the UK Biobank, a comprehensive long-term study that examines the influence of genetic and environmental factors on various diseases.
The UCSF team evaluated urine samples and electronic medical records to measure sodium intake and its correlation with atopic dermatitis diagnoses. Their study, published in JAMA Dermatology, found that each additional gram of sodium excreted in urine over 24 hours corresponded to an 11% increase in eczema diagnosis, a 16% rise in eczema cases, and an 11% increase in chronic disease severity.
To corroborate these findings, researchers reviewed data from 13,014 American adults in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. They discovered that consuming an extra gram of sodium per day—the equivalent of half a teaspoon of table salt—was associated with a 22% higher likelihood of having an active eczema case. Consequently, the study’s authors recommend that patients reduce their salt intake to manage eczema flare-ups more effectively.
“Most Americans eat too much salt and can safely reduce their intake to recommended levels,” stated Katrina Abuabara, MD, associate professor of dermatology at UCSF, in a news release. “Eczema flares can be difficult for patients to cope with, especially when they are unable to anticipate them and don’t have recommendations on what they can do to avoid them.”
The National Eczema Association reports that over 31.5 million people in the United States, or around 10% of the population, suffer from some form of eczema. This study underscores the importance of dietary considerations in managing this widespread and often distressing condition.
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