REDDIT: SUPPLEMENTS & DIET CHANGE

Reddit: Supplements & Diet Change

Living with eczema can feel like a never-ending battle. The relentless itch, the cracked skin, the flares that seem to come out of nowhere — it can wear you down physically and emotionally. For many, the journey involves countless prescriptions, creams, and lifestyle changes, often with little lasting relief. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re at your wit’s end, searching for something — anything — that might help. The good news? There is hope, and real people have found ways to manage and even completely clear their eczema through diet changes and supplements.

One of the most common threads among success stories is gut health. Many people have reported remarkable improvements after introducing specific probiotics. In one case, a woman who had suffered from eczema her entire life saw her skin completely clear within a week after taking a high-dose Lactobacillus Reuteri probiotic. She used Toniiq 50 billion CFU, two capsules daily, and remained clear for months. Others found relief with multi-strain probiotics containing Lactobacillus Rhamnosus and Acidophilus. While results can vary, high CFU counts (60 billion or more) seem to be key. Some even combined probiotics with fermented foods like sauerkraut for extra gut support.

Alongside probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil have been a game-changer for many eczema sufferers. However, the dosage matters. Several people found that typical supplement doses were far too low to have an effect. When they increased to therapeutic levels — often 3,000mg or more of combined EPA and DHA per day — they experienced dramatic improvements. In one story, a man who had battled eczema for nearly three decades saw his hands go from completely covered to nearly clear in just a week by taking six high-potency fish oil capsules daily. Others found success by eating a tin of omega-3-rich fish like mackerel or sardines every day, emphasizing the importance of quality and consistency.

Vitamin D is another supplement that has shown promise, especially when combined with fish oil. One woman reported that after just seven days of taking vitamin D3 alongside her omega-3s, her eczema was almost completely gone. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in immune regulation, and deficiencies are common, particularly in colder climates or for those who spend little time in the sun.

Some people have also turned to natural anti-inflammatories like turmeric. Drinking fresh turmeric tea or adding turmeric powder to lotion has helped reduce inflammation and itchiness for certain individuals. While the science is still emerging, turmeric’s powerful anti-inflammatory properties make it worth considering as a gentle, supportive option.

Colostrum supplements, like Armra, have shown surprising results as well, particularly for eczema around the eyes. Colostrum is rich in antibodies and growth factors that can help heal the gut and reduce inflammation. A few users noticed their skin visibly improving within days of starting it, though cost was a factor, and some experimented with more affordable brands once they knew it worked for them.

Other supplements that have brought relief include L-histidine, a naturally occurring amino acid, and MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), a sulfur-based compound. While these don’t work for everyone, some individuals reported rapid and profound improvements within just a few days of starting them.

In addition to supplements, diet changes have proven transformative for many. For some, simply cutting out highly processed foods completely eliminated their eczema. One woman who had suffered for 36 years found that by removing anything with preservatives, additives, or ingredients she couldn’t buy individually in a grocery store, her skin finally healed. When she reintroduced ultra-processed foods, her eczema returned, providing clear evidence of a direct connection.

Others have discovered food sensitivities through elimination diets. The Eczema Detox program, for instance, focuses on removing foods high in certain natural chemicals like salicylates, amines, and glutamates. By eating a low-chemical diet and reintroducing foods slowly, people have been able to identify hidden triggers and calm their skin long-term.

There are also more structured approaches, like the carnivore hybrid diet one man used to clear his severe eczema. He focused on eating mostly meat while avoiding common allergens like eggs, chicken, and dairy. Over time, he reintroduced foods one at a time, carefully tracking which ones caused flares. This level of strictness isn’t easy, but for those with stubborn eczema, it can reveal surprising insights about individual triggers.

Even small changes can help. Limiting alcohol, drinking more water, improving sleep, and reducing stress all play a role. In one story, simply switching from showering in the morning to showering at night made a noticeable difference.

It’s important to acknowledge that eczema is complex and deeply personal. What works for one person may not work for another. Some people need to focus on gut health, others on diet, and many on a combination of both. The key is to experiment carefully and pay close attention to your body’s signals.

If you’re feeling hopeless, take heart in knowing that others have been exactly where you are now — exhausted, discouraged, and desperate for relief. Many of them have gone on to find lasting solutions, sometimes in unexpected places. Whether it’s a supplement, a dietary shift, or a lifestyle tweak, your answer might be closer than you think.

Always consult with a healthcare provider before making major changes, especially if you have other health conditions or are taking medications. With persistence and curiosity, there is a path forward. Healing is possible, and your skin can recover. You are not alone in this fight.