### Can a High-Sodium Diet Increase the Risk of Developing Eczema or Make It Worse? Recent studies suggest that consuming too much salt may be linked to a higher risk of developing atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema. Research published in JAMA Dermatology found that adults with higher sodium intake had an 11% increased risk of eczema. Additionally, consuming just 1 extra gram of sodium per day could increase the likelihood of eczema flares by 22%. ### What is Atopic Dermatitis? Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that causes dry, itchy skin. It often begins in childhood but can also appear in adults. In the United States, over 31 million people suffer from this condition, making it one of the most common skin issues. ### Why is Sodium a Concern? The study analyzed data from over 215,000 people in the UK and found a correlation between sodium levels in urine and the prevalence of eczema. Higher sodium intake was linked to more severe cases of eczema. Similar results were found in a U.S. study involving 13,000 adults. ### How Does Sodium Affect the Skin? Researchers believe that high sodium levels may promote the emergence and exacerbation of eczema. People with atopic dermatitis were found to have salt concentrations in their inflamed skin that were 30 times higher than those without the condition. This suggests that dietary salt intake could be a contributing factor. ### What Can You Do? While more research is needed to confirm these findings, reducing dietary sodium might help manage eczema symptoms. Most Americans consume more than double the recommended amount of sodium, which also increases the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. Cutting back on salt could potentially benefit your skin and overall health. ### Conclusion If you suffer from eczema, it might be worth trying to reduce your salt intake to see if it helps improve your symptoms. It’s a simple change that could have positive effects on your skin and general well-being.