Why do 1 in 10 Americans get eczema? Is it too much salt?

A UC San Francisco (UCSF) study suggests a connection between salt intake changes and eczema flares. Researchers found that higher sodium consumption correlates with increased eczema risk, with each additional gram daily raising flare likelihood by 22%.

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a common chronic skin condition affecting over 31 million Americans, with prevalence rising in industrialized nations, potentially due to environmental and dietary factors.

Sodium, primarily from salt, is linked to hypertension and heart disease. Recent findings indicate its accumulation in the skin may exacerbate eczema inflammation, suggesting that reducing dietary sodium could aid management.

Analyzing data from over 215,000 individuals aged 30 to 70 from the UK Biobank, researchers found higher urinary sodium excretion associated with increased eczema diagnosis, active cases, and severity. Similarly, in a survey of 13,000 U.S. adults, each additional gram of daily sodium intake correlated with a 22% higher likelihood of active eczema.