A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) has found a potential link between high salt intake and the skin condition eczema. Eczema affects over 200 million people worldwide, causing dry, cracked, and itchy skin. Common triggers for eczema include irritants found in soaps, detergents, and environmental or food allergens.
The study analyzed urine samples from over 215,800 adults in the UK Biobank study, of whom more than 10,800 had eczema. The researchers found that participants with eczema had higher levels of sodium in their urine, with every additional gram of sodium excreted linked to an 11% increase in the risk of an eczema diagnosis.
While the study suggests a potential association between high urinary sodium levels and eczema, further research is needed to establish a causal relationship. The researchers also surveyed a separate group of over 13,000 adults in the US and found correlations between high salt intake and eczema.
It is important to note that a single urine sample may not accurately reflect a person's typical salt intake. The study team acknowledges the need for additional research to determine if lowering dietary sodium levels can reduce eczema severity or the risk of developing the condition.
Carsten Flohr, a researcher at King's College London, cautions that it is too early to recommend dietary changes to prevent or manage eczema. However, the UCSF team plans to conduct a study funded by the US National Institutes of Health to further explore the relationship between dietary sodium, skin sodium levels, and eczema severity.
Overall, while the study sheds light on a potential association between salt intake and eczema, more research is needed to fully understand the complex relationship between dietary habits and skin health.