Eating excess salt has been linked to eczema after researchers found people with the skin condition have elevated levels of sodium in their urine. Overall, the study participants excreted an estimated 3.01 grams of sodium in their urine over 24 hours, on average. The recommended sodium intake for adults is typically around 2.5 grams per day, equivalent to 6 grams, or one teaspoon, of salt.
The new study found that eating even one extra gram of sodium than the daily recommendation could increase the chances of eczema flares by 22 percent. One gram of sodium is roughly the amount in half a teaspoon of table salt or a Big Mac, a hamburger sold by McDonald’s, the international fast food chain.
Identifying Eczema
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is an inflammatory condition that causes itchy, rough, and cracked patches of skin.
Symptoms vary by individual and may depend on a few factors, such as age, skin tone, and the condition’s severity.
In most cases, the symptoms are mild. However, symptoms may come and go and vary in severity.
The most common symptoms of AD include:
- dry, scaly patches of skin
- thickened, discolored skin
- open, crusted, or weeping sores
- skin flushing
- itching
For example, people with severe eczema may experience severe itching that could lead to continuous rubbing and scratching. This may cause skin infections like infected eczema.
The location, type, and severity of rashes may also vary depending on a person’s age.
It is too early to say that lowering dietary sodium levels can reduce eczema severity or the risk of developing it in the first place.
source: https://www.newscientist.com/
