Adults with eczema are 37% more likely to use dietary supplements than people without eczema, according to a study of 8,892 Finnish adults. Researchers found that 37.6% of people with eczema used supplements compared to 30.4% without eczema, yet official medical guidelines don’t recommend supplements as standard eczema treatment. Doctors emphasize the importance of discussing supplement use with patients and providing evidence-based information about what actually works.
A large study of nearly 9,000 people in Finland found that adults with atopic dermatitis (a common skin condition also called eczema) are more likely to use dietary supplements than people without the condition. Researchers discovered that 37.6% of people with eczema used supplements compared to 30.4% of those without eczema. While many patients hope supplements will help their skin, official treatment guidelines don’t recommend them as a standard therapy. Doctors say it’s important to talk with patients about which supplements are actually proven to work and which ones might not help.
Key Statistics
A cross-sectional study of 8,892 Finnish adults found that 37.6% of people with atopic dermatitis used dietary supplements compared to 30.4% of those without the skin condition, representing a 37% increased likelihood of supplement use among eczema patients.
In the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 study of 2,856 respondents, 14.6% (417 people) self-reported doctor-diagnosed atopic dermatitis, and those with eczema showed significantly higher dietary supplement use (odds ratio 1.37) than those without the condition.
A 2026 analysis of supplement use in atopic dermatitis patients found that despite modern treatment advances, over one-third of adults with eczema continue to use oral dietary supplements, highlighting a gap between clinical guidelines and patient behavior.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: How often people with eczema use dietary supplements (like vitamins, minerals, and herbal products) compared to people without eczema
- Who participated: 8,892 adults in their mid-thirties from Finland who were born in 1986. Of these, 417 people (14.6%) had doctor-diagnosed eczema
- Key finding: People with eczema were 37% more likely to use dietary supplements than people without eczema (37.6% vs 30.4%)
- What it means for you: If you have eczema, you’re not alone in trying supplements to help your skin. However, doctors recommend following proven treatment guidelines first and talking with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement, since many aren’t proven to help eczema
The Research Details
Researchers looked at information from a large group of people born in the same year in Finland. When these people were in their mid-thirties, they answered questions about whether they had eczema and whether they used dietary supplements. The researchers then compared how often supplement use appeared in the eczema group versus the non-eczema group.
This type of study is called a cross-sectional study, which means researchers took a snapshot of people at one point in time rather than following them over many years. The study used statistical methods to account for other factors that might affect supplement use, making the comparison more fair and accurate.
The researchers used a method called logistic regression analysis, which is a way to figure out if one thing (having eczema) is connected to another thing (using supplements) while controlling for other differences between people.
This study is important because many people with eczema try supplements hoping to improve their skin, but doctors don’t officially recommend them. By looking at real-world data from a large group of people, researchers can understand how common this practice is and whether it’s actually connected to having eczema. This helps doctors know what conversations they need to have with their patients.
This study used a large, well-established group of people (a birth cohort), which makes the results more reliable than smaller studies. However, because people self-reported their eczema diagnosis and supplement use, there’s a chance some information might not be completely accurate. The study was done in Finland, so results might be slightly different in other countries with different healthcare systems or populations.
What the Results Show
Out of 2,856 people who answered questions about eczema, 417 (14.6%) reported having doctor-diagnosed eczema. Among people with eczema, 37.6% said they used dietary supplements. In comparison, only 30.4% of people without eczema used supplements. This difference was statistically significant, meaning it’s unlikely to have happened by chance.
When researchers adjusted their analysis to account for other differences between people, they found that having eczema increased the likelihood of using supplements by 37%. In scientific terms, this is called an odds ratio of 1.37. This means if you have eczema, you’re about 1.4 times more likely to use supplements than someone without eczema.
The study shows that despite having better eczema treatments available today than in the past, many people with eczema still turn to dietary supplements. This suggests that either people aren’t aware of proven treatments, or they want to try additional approaches alongside their regular treatment.
The study didn’t break down which specific supplements people were using or whether they were actually helping their eczema. This is important because different supplements might have different effects. The research also didn’t look at whether people were using supplements instead of seeing a doctor or in addition to regular medical treatment.
According to Gram Research analysis, this study adds to a growing body of evidence showing that people with chronic skin conditions often seek out alternative treatments. Previous research has shown similar patterns in other skin diseases. This study is one of the first to look at this question in a large, general population of adults with eczema rather than just people seeking treatment at a dermatology clinic.
The study only looked at people in Finland, so the results might be different in other countries. People reported their own eczema diagnosis and supplement use, which means some information might not be completely accurate. The study was done at one point in time, so researchers couldn’t tell whether supplements actually helped people’s eczema or whether people who felt worse were more likely to try supplements. The study also didn’t ask which specific supplements people were using or how much they were taking.
The Bottom Line
If you have eczema, follow your doctor’s recommended treatment plan first, as these treatments have strong scientific evidence. Before starting any dietary supplement, talk with your dermatologist or doctor about whether it might help and whether it could interact with your current medications. Don’t replace proven eczema treatments with supplements without medical guidance.
This matters for anyone with eczema who is considering supplements, as well as doctors and dermatologists who treat eczema patients. It’s especially relevant for people who feel frustrated with their current treatment and are looking for additional options.
If you do try a supplement with your doctor’s approval, give it at least 4-8 weeks to see if it helps, but don’t stop your regular eczema treatment while waiting. Talk with your doctor about what improvements to look for and when to check back in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dietary supplements effective for treating eczema?
Official medical guidelines don’t recommend dietary supplements as standard eczema treatment because there isn’t strong scientific evidence they work. While some people use them, proven treatments like topical creams and prescription medications are more reliable. Always discuss supplements with your doctor before trying them.
Why do people with eczema use more supplements than others?
People with eczema often try supplements hoping to improve their skin condition, especially if standard treatments aren’t working well enough. The study found that 37.6% of eczema patients use supplements compared to 30.4% of people without eczema, suggesting frustration with available options drives supplement use.
Should I stop my eczema medication to try supplements instead?
No. Never replace prescribed eczema treatments with supplements without talking to your doctor first. Proven treatments have strong scientific evidence behind them. If you want to try supplements, use them alongside your regular treatment, not instead of it, and get your doctor’s approval.
What should I tell my doctor about supplements I’m taking?
Tell your doctor the name of each supplement, how much you’re taking, how often you take it, and why you started taking it. Ask whether it could interact with your eczema medications or affect your skin. Your doctor can help you decide if it’s safe and whether it’s actually helping.
How long does it take to see if a supplement helps eczema?
Most supplements need 4-8 weeks to show any effect, though this varies. Keep track of your eczema symptoms while taking the supplement, and discuss results with your doctor. If you don’t see improvement after 6-8 weeks, it probably isn’t helping and you can stop it.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track any supplements you take daily (name, dose, time) alongside your eczema symptoms (itching level 1-10, visible redness, sleep disruption) to see if there’s any connection between the supplement and your skin
- Before starting a new supplement, log a note in your app with your doctor’s approval and the reason you’re trying it, then set a reminder to evaluate whether it’s helping after 6 weeks
- Keep a weekly log of your eczema severity and which supplements you’re taking. Review this data monthly with your doctor to see if any supplements appear to be helping or if you should stop them
This article summarizes research findings and is not medical advice. Atopic dermatitis is a medical condition that should be diagnosed and treated by a qualified healthcare provider. Before starting any dietary supplement, consult with your dermatologist or doctor, especially if you’re taking other medications or have other health conditions. Do not replace prescribed eczema treatments with supplements without medical guidance. Individual results vary, and what works for one person may not work for another.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.