Study links high salt intake to increased eczema risk

Hyderabad: The latest study by researchers at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) has revealed that higher-than-normal sodium consumption can lead to an increased risk of eczema, a condition of dry and itchy skin.

The UCSF study concluded that just a gram increase in sodium can increase the possibility of eczema by 22 per cent.

This is in addition to the research that has shown that a high salt diet could lead to high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems and liver ailments.

2 lakh people participated in the study

The study, involving samples from over two lakh people, aged between 30 and 70 years, has revealed the increased risk of eczema from excess salt, a common source of sodium in food items such as soups, breads and cheese.

Urine samples and electronic medical records of around 2 lakh people from the UK Biobank were used for the study.

The study has identified a sporadic increase in the ailment in industrialised countries, implying a link between environmental factors and lifestyle problems.

WHO recommendation on salt consumption

The WHO recommends up to 2,000 mg per day (equivalent to 5g salt per day) while the American Heart Association puts the limit at 2,300 mg per day.

Indians are generally known for consuming more salt than the recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO) making them more prone to contracting eczema.

What causes eczema?

Speaking to NewsMeter, Dr Jailani Beevi, a dermatologist said, “When a patient is diagnosed with eczema, we advise them to reduce salt intake. Eczema prevails in patients across all age groups. In some cases, it is hereditary and in others, it could be an allergy. We may have to verify these findings through tests.”

Most skin diseases are controllable. Atopic dermatitis which develops in early childhood is common in India, with around 10 million cases per year.

“It is already proven that the presence of sodium is associated with autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions. This finding throws new light on the presence of sodium in the skin, requiring more medical interpretations,” Dr Jailana Beevi said.

Common salt sources

Besides edible salt, several other food items including vegetables, fruits and nuts have sodium contents.

Though salt remains a key mineral for the human body in maintaining fluid balance and plays a vital role in muscle and nerve function, continuous and excess consumption is considered to be the prime reason for hypertension. The kidney would be forced to overwork when sodium content is high in the human body.

Processed foods contain high salt

Dr Vipin Nair, a physician based out of Thiruvananthapuram, speaking said, “Higher quantities of salt are present in processed and junk foods. Some medications also contain salt and hence it is advised not to consume over-the-counter medicines.”

Common Indian foods include papads, pickles, ketchup, instant soups, chaat masala, baking powder and baking soda. An average Indian consumes 11g of salt per day, more than double that of the recommendation of the WHO.

“Those patients diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and those with heart ailments could suffer from severe breathing issues due to the overloading volume of salt in daily diet,” Dr Vipin added.

The specialists advise to stay away from hidden sources of salt, and consume higher volumes of fruits and vegetables besides keeping themselves hydrated.