Is Turmeric Good For Eczema?

Is Turmeric Good For Eczema? Benefits and Side Effects of Turmeric: Curcuma longa, also known as turmeric, is a yellow spice native to India. It is also a popular herb in traditional Ayurveda and Chinese medicine.

The compound, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, contains curcumin. For this reason, it has been historically used to treat a number of inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema.

However, you may be wondering if using turmeric can really fight eczema and whether it’s safe.

This article tells you everything you need to know about turmeric and eczema.

Is Turmeric Good For Eczema? Pros and Cons of Turmeric

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is one of the most common skin conditions that affect 2-10% of adults and 15-30% of children.

Eczema occurs as dry, itchy and inflamed skin caused by a dysfunctional skin barrier that leads to excessive water loss. There are many types of eczema, but they are all characterized by unwanted patches on the skin.

The underlying cause of eczema is unknown, but it seems to be linked to the development of a person’s genetics and environment .

Common treatments include special moisturizers and topical anti-inflammatory creams during exacerbations to minimize itching and restore the skin’s moisture barrier.

However, given the growing popularity of natural remedies, many people turn to herbal remedies for relaxation.

Eczema is one of the most common inflammatory skin conditions in children and adults. Common symptoms include dry, itchy, and inflamed skin.

Due to the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric, many wonder whether it can alleviate eczema symptoms.

Although spice has been used as a natural treatment for skin diseases for centuries, there is little research, especially about turmeric and eczema.

In a company sponsored study of 150 people with eczema, using a cream containing turmeric for 4 weeks resulted in approximately 30% and 32% reduction in skin scaling and itching, respectively.

However, the cream also contains other anti-inflammatory herbs that can contribute to improvements. Therefore, the study could not conclude that turmeric alone relieves symptoms of eczema.

In addition, the 2016 review of 18 studies found early evidence to support the use of curcumin both topically and orally for the treatment of skin conditions, including eczema and psoriasis.

Still, the researchers asked for more studies to determine the dosage, effectiveness, and mechanism of action.

In addition to these studies, there is no additional research on the oral, topical or intravenous use of turmeric or curcumin for the treatment of eczema.

Turmeric and eczema research is limited. Nevertheless, at least one study found significant improvements in eczema symptoms after using a topical cream containing spices and other herbs. Additional studies suggest that it may also help other skin conditions.

Although there is limited research on turmeric and eczema, some people may still choose to use it.

Turmeric is generally considered safe to be consumed by the Food and Drug Administration. However, it can also be used topically and intravenously.

Food and Supplements

There is extensive research on the effects of consuming turmeric on health.

It is generally considered safe and curcumin has been shown to have no adverse health effects in healthy people when taken in doses up to 12,000 mg per day.

However, keep in mind that curcumin in turmeric has low bioavailability. Therefore, consuming ground turmeric may not provide a therapeutic dose.

While some studies report that there is little or no curcumin in the bloodstream after intake, curcumin can still provide beneficial effects, especially at doses below 4,000 mg.

Another study detected curcumin in the blood more easily using an alternative test method.

Adding black pepper to turmeric dishes and supplements can also help, because this spice contains a compound known as piperine, which can improve curcumin absorption. However, it is not known how much curcumin will reach your skin.

According to some research, dietary oils, water-soluble carriers, essential oils, and antioxidants may also increase the absorption of curcumin.

Finally, the side effects of excessive turmeric intake include skin rash, headache, nausea, diarrhea, nausea, and yellow stool.

Current application

Due to the popularity of turmeric, many cosmetic companies use it as an ingredient in their products.

In studies on other skin conditions, topical application of turmeric-containing products allows for sufficient absorption of curcumin.

However, these products are specially formulated for further absorption and applying pure turmeric to your skin will not have the same effects.

Moreover, the spice contains a strong yellow pigment that has been shown to stain the skin that most people find undesirable.

Although more research is needed, topical products containing the active ingredients of the spice seem safe for use. Talk to a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.

Intravenous

Due to the low bioavailability of turmeric, there is an increasingly popular trend among natural health professionals to provide intravenously.

Bypassing digestion, curcumin from turmeric spice enters the blood supply more easily and provides a significantly higher dosage.

However, there is very little research in this area and major complications have been observed. In fact, the 2018 report found that intravenous turmeric for the treatment of eczema caused the death of a 31-year-old woman.

Even in small doses, such intravenous therapy can cause undesirable side effects, such as headache, nausea, nausea, constipation, and diarrhea.

Safety in children

Given the prevalence of eczema among children, many adults are looking for safe, natural remedies for their children.

People generally think that the use of ground turmeric in foods is safe for both adults and children.

However, lead poisoning from soil turmeric and reinforcement has been reported due to lead chromate added to increase yellow color. This is mostly related to turmeric originating from India and Bangladesh.

Also, this spice supplement is often studied in adults, so it is not known whether it is safe for children.

Finally, it is best to speak to a dermatologist or other healthcare provider before trying turmeric products for eczema treatment.

Ground, complementary and topical turmeric are generally considered safe. However, intravenous therapy with spices has been associated with serious side effects and death, and should be avoided.

Despite its potential health benefits, there is early research supporting the use of turmeric or active ingredient curcumin in the treatment of eczema.

If you want to try turmeric for eczema, avoid intravenous therapy because of serious safety concerns.

However, turmeric has been used as part of herbal medicine for centuries and is safe to use. Try adding this spice or curry powder to your dishes for a taste beat.

Topical products containing turmeric are usually formulated to be safe for use, but you should avoid applying the spices directly to your skin to prevent spotting.

Oral supplements may also be useful, but research has not identified effective doses specifically for eczema.

Always speak to a healthcare provider before taking turmeric supplements, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a chronic condition, or want to give it to your child.

You may also want to talk to your medical provider about other treatment options for eczema.

If your healthcare provider recommends trying turmeric, you can buy local or online supplements. Be sure to follow the dosage recommendations.

List of minerals and vitamins in Turmeric

FAQS:

Can curcumin help eczema?

Research suggests that the acidic components found in turmeric can inhibit T-cell activation, a mechanism that is linked to eczema. In animal studies, a phytocomponent of turmeric, p-hydroxycinnamic acid (HCA), was observed to reduce pro-inflammatory markers associated with eczema, as well as decrease skin inflammation and thickening. In this regard, studies continue to explore turmeric’s positive effects on skin health.

Does turmeric help skin health?

Turmeric appears as a natural remedy with several properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects, that may be particularly beneficial in the treatment of skin conditions like eczema. A 2016 review of 10 studies found significant improvements in skin diseases following curcumin treatment. Current evidence suggests that both oral and topical turmeric supplements may support skin health; however, more research is needed to determine the mechanisms of action, effectiveness, and optimal dosages. Additionally, another study suggests that curcumin may help regulate the mechanisms involved in inflammation and infectious skin disorders.

What are alternative natural treatments for eczema?

Here are alternative natural treatments for eczema:

Coconut oil: It is antibacterial and helps reduce the risk of infection.
Sunflower oil: It protects the skin barrier and prevents water loss.
Colloidal oatmeal bath: You can use this to relieve eczema symptoms.
Diluted apple cider vinegar: It may help alleviate symptoms, but should be used cautiously.
Aloe vera: It soothes dry skin and has antibacterial properties.

What are the health benefits of turmeric & curcumin?

Turmeric is the source of curcumin, a polyphenol that interacts with multiple signaling molecules in our body. Traditionally known for its use in Asian medicine, curcumin may offer benefits for conditions such as inflammation, metabolic syndromes, pain, and degenerative eye diseases. These benefits are due to curcumin’s powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Is turmeric good for you?

Yes, turmeric is generally recognized as safe for consumption by the FDA. It can also be used topically. However, intravenous use of turmeric should be approached with caution, as this method can lead to serious reactions and even death.