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San Francisco, CA — A new study from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) has underscored the potential impact of dietary habits on eczema, revealing that even a modest increase in daily sodium intake could significantly heighten the risk of the chronic skin condition.
Published in the latest issue of JAMA Dermatology, the research indicates that consuming just one additional gram of sodium per day, equivalent to the amount found in a typical fast-food burger, increases the likelihood of eczema flares by 22%. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, affects over 31 million people in the U.S. and is characterized by dry, itchy skin.
Dr. Katrina Abuabara, lead author of the study and associate professor of dermatology at UCSF, emphasized the broader implications of their findings. “Our study suggests that reducing dietary sodium could be a straightforward way for eczema patients to manage their condition,” she stated. “Given that many Americans already consume excessive amounts of salt, adjusting intake to recommended levels could potentially mitigate eczema symptoms.”
The study analyzed data from more than 215,000 individuals aged 30 to 70, drawn from the UK Biobank, a comprehensive health resource containing urine samples and electronic medical records. Researchers correlated sodium levels in urine with eczema diagnoses and severity, finding that higher sodium excretion was associated with increased odds of both having eczema and experiencing more severe symptoms.
Further validation came from the analysis of 13,000 U.S. adults participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, where similar associations between sodium intake and active eczema cases were observed.
“Eczema flares can be disruptive and distressing for patients,” added Dr. Abuabara, who is also affiliated with the UC Berkeley School of Public Health. “Our study provides valuable insights into how dietary choices may influence skin health, offering potential strategies for managing this prevalent condition.”
As rates of eczema continue to rise, particularly in industrialized nations, understanding the role of environmental factors like diet becomes increasingly critical. The findings highlight the need for further research into dietary interventions and their impact on chronic inflammatory conditions.
For more details on the UCSF study and its implications, refer to the June 5, 2024 issue of JAMA Dermatology.
Reference:
- Abuabara K, et al. Increased Dietary Sodium Intake and Risk of Eczema: A Cross-Sectional Study. JAMA Dermatology. 2024; DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2024.1544
