Nutrition for skin diseases and allergies

Description

An adequate supply of macro- and micronutrients is essential for the normal functioning of the human body. An imbalance between the supply of the necessary nutrients and the physiological needs of the human body results in malnutrition. The lack of balance often leads to various changes in the skin and skin appendages. These changes can be very revealing and, in addition to early diagnosis, also enable appropriate treatment of the underlying nutritional disorder.

This section first discusses important dermatological signs that are known to be linked to food intake. Subsequently, certain disorders and skin diseases are assigned to specific micronutrients. These include, for example, changes in hair, skin and mucous membranes due to iron, zinc, vitamin A and vitamin C deficiency.

The importance of nutrition in selected skin diseases such as psoriasis, acne and dermatitis herpetiforme Duhring is also discussed. The importance of nutrition in the development of food allergies in atopic patients is also discussed.

Potential conflicts of interest can be found in our Transparency declaration

Learning objectives

After you have completed this topic...

• you have gained an overview of nutrition-related skin changes
• know the connection between the deficiency of certain vitamins and micronutrients and typical skin changes
• know how the course of psoriasis, dermatitis herpetiformis Duhring, acne and atopy can be influenced by diet
• you have learned how food intolerance, a food intolerance and a food allergy are defined