There is not enough research to support the use of fish oil in treating eczema. This may be a supplement, but always consult your doctor before trying a new treatment option.

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People with eczema may turn to fish oil as a go-to supplement because of its powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

While some research suggests a possible benefit, there is not strong enough evidence to support this as a medical treatment for the skin condition.

Most research studies include small or anecdotal benefits, so it’s always best to consult your healthcare team before using fish oil — or any supplement — as a way to help manage eczema.

Atopic dermatitis, commonly referred to as eczema, is an inflammatory skin condition that typically starts early in life.

Symptoms may include severe itching, dryness, and skin redness. It can also result in cracked skin and lesions that appear to weep fluid. Often, symptoms flare up and then improve during remission periods.

The goal in treating eczema is to manage and soothe symptoms, while also preventing flare-ups. Preventing inflammation is crucial when treating eczema.

Typical treatments for eczema may include topical medicated creams, moisturizers, phototherapy, where the skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light waves, and oral medications such as steroids and immunosuppressive drugs. Injectable biologics may also be a treatment option to discuss with your healthcare team.

Inflammation in both the nervous system and the skin contributes to the development of eczema, which is why fish oil may be beneficial.

This type of oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

Research shows that two omega-3 fats — eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) — counter inflammation in several ways, including by inhibiting the production of inflammatory proteins.

Clinical studies show that supplementing with omega-3s like fish oil may be beneficial for certain autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Some research shows fish oil supplements may help treat eczema in children, but more clinical studies are needed to substantiate how it may benefit people with eczema.

There is not much clarity on how much fish oil to take to help treat eczema.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends keeping the combined intake of DHA and EPA under 3,000 mg per day, with no more than 2,000 mg from supplements. However, many studies have used higher dosing with no adverse effects.

Most supplements on the market contain about 1,000 mg of fish oil concentrate per serving, which delivers varying amounts of EPA and DHA, depending on the product. Some supplements contain higher amounts of DHA, while others contain more EPA.

Amounts can vary between products, so always check the supplement’s label to find out exactly how much EPA and DHA you may ingest with each dose.

Be aware of possible fish oil side effects

While fish oil is a popular supplement and considered safe for most people, some may experience side effects.

Research shows that when taken in doses of up to 4 to 5 grams per day, fish oil supplements are not associated with any negative effects.

Possible side effects may include minor digestive symptoms, such as indigestion and diarrhea. Fish oil may also prolong blood clotting time, which can interact with blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin, when taken in high doses.

Make sure to consult your healthcare team to discuss how much fish oil they advise taking each day, relating to eczema treatment.

While conventional medications are typically the primary treatment method for eczema, natural therapies like fish oil may offer some benefits.

Although some research suggests that fish oil may help reduce or ease eczema symptoms, further studies are needed to fully understand how fish oil may benefit people with eczema.

If you want to try fish oil to improve eczema symptoms, consult with your doctor or healthcare team before starting a supplement.