Is Milk Thistle Good for Eczema?

Milk Thistle has long been a widely used herb in traditional medicine, and it has various practical uses, including applications to reduce eczema symptoms. Let's explore this article to delve deeper into the active ingredients in Milk Thistle, their properties, and the benefits they provide for health, especially eczema symptoms. This article will analyze the mechanisms by which Milk Thistle addresses the challenging skin issues that may be troubling you.

Is Milk Thistle Good For Eczema?

Milk Thistle can alleviate some dermatitis symptoms due to its medicinal properties. The main component of Milk Thistle is Silymarin, believed to have impressive benefits, with one of its most notable features being antioxidants.

Eczema and other dermatological diseases stem from the body's reactions to external factors, such as bacteria, fungi, temperature, dust, and dirt, on sensitive skin areas and the immune system weakening, causing allergies [1]. Tested extracts of Milk Thistle have shown that Silymarin has antioxidant properties [2].

Thanks to this property, Milk Thistle can reduce symptoms like itching, pain, irritation, and redness caused by Eczema. While Milk Thistle has many other benefits, and some eczema sufferers may benefit from these effects, it has not been advised for Eczema.

How Does Milk Thistle Improve Eczema? What Science Says?

Specifically, this approach is explained as follows: thanks to its antioxidant properties, Milk Thistle helps reduce agents like bacteria from penetrating deep into layers of tissue and the skin's epidermis, creating a healthy skin environment to relieve symptoms of Eczema [2], such as itching, redness, and discomfort on the skin...

Simultaneously, its antioxidant nature reduces symptoms of irritation caused by unclean skin and bacteria or dirt penetrating deep under the skin, triggering antioxidant responses to protect the body. This will alleviate the discomfort caused by Eczema.

Research on the efficacy of Milk Thistle extract creams indicates: "The combination of Silymarin extract can improve the severity and symptoms of AD in patients and may be a novel treatment method in reducing eczema symptoms and its associated issues..." [3]

In a study on the effects of Milk Thistle on Eczema symptoms, results show: "There was a significant clinical improvement in skin lesions and symptom reduction after AD treatment with silymarin cream. There was a highly significant improvement with up to 95% reduction in clinical scores observed with all tested concentrations. The effectiveness of Silymarin could be compared with placebo. Itching sensation improved within 1-2 doses over two days" [4]

How To Use Milk Thistle For Eczema And Skin Health?

For the use of Milk Thistle on the skin, there are several options, primarily summarized as follows:

• Absorption from within the body: With this method, you use Milk Thistle extracts to impact from the inside out. Due to the antioxidant mechanism, you can choose teas, supplements, or similar products containing pure Milk Thistle for the body to combat Eczema.
• Topical application: In some cases, specialists may advise you to apply them directly to the skin or use ointments extracted from Milk Thistle to address skin problems caused by Eczema. However, these products are difficult to find on the market and require specialist guidance.

Potential Risks Of Milk Thistle You Need To Consider

Typically, usage notes for Milk Thistle indicate that this herbal remedy is generally very safe for most users, with few reported severe reactions. This has been demonstrated through several findings: "Administration of 140, 280, 560, and 700 mg of silymarin every 8 hours for seven days in patients did not elicit any adverse effects or abnormalities detected during monitoring, including physical examinations, biochemical tests, and electrocardiograms [5]."

However, you may experience mild side effects such as dizziness, nausea, headaches, or other digestive symptoms when consuming more significant amounts [6].

Moreover, suppose you have diabetes, breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids. In that case, avoiding Milk Thistle is advisable to ensure safety and prevent potential adverse symptoms. Therefore, for safety purposes, consult a healthcare professional and closely monitor your body's reactions to make appropriate adjustments.

Other Milk Thistle Benefits For Skin

Based on user reviews, Milk Thistle is also reported to have other positive effects on your skin, such as:

• Anti-aging: Due to its antioxidant properties, Milk Thistle can reduce skin aging, wrinkles, freckles, and age spots, helping you achieve plump and youthful skin.
• Acne reduction: This is another potential benefit Milk Thistle can provide, helping reduce acne.
• Moisturizing: As a product of herbal origin, Milk Thistle can provide moisture, reducing dry skin.

However, these characteristics are primarily recorded based on subjective feedback, with no comprehensive and precise studies. Therefore, you can use them as a reference before using Milk Thistle.

Can You Take Milk Thistle With Other Medications For Eczema?

The answer to this question depends on many factors, as Milk Thistle interacts with specific drug components. Specifically:

• Compatible with Steroids: Milk Thistle can be used with topical steroids, a standard eczema treatment, to enhance antioxidant effects. However, consult healthcare professionals to avoid interactions.
• Combining with Antihistamines: Combining Milk Thistle with antihistamines can be effective for allergy-induced Eczema. Again, medical advice is necessary for safety.
• Interacting with Immunosuppressants: Patients with Eczema should be cautious when using Milk Thistle as it may affect their efficacy.

In summary, to ensure safety and effectiveness, carefully consider experts' recommendations to avoid unwanted consequences.

Alternative Herbs And Supplements For Eczema

Additionally, several other herbs and supplements are commonly used in folklore to alleviate eczema symptoms, such as:

• Turmeric: Like Milk Thistle, Curcumin in turmeric also has antioxidant effects on the skin.
• Aloe Vera: With cooling and mild properties, Aloe Vera can reduce itching and discomfort caused by Eczema.
• Evening Primrose Oil: Rich in gamma-linolenic acid, it is beneficial when supporting Eczema.
• Probiotics: Helps reduce eczema flare-ups due to gut imbalance.

Conclusion

Although Milk Thistle shows potential in improving Eczema due to its antioxidant properties, healthcare professional opinions are needed to confirm its efficacy for individual conditions. Proper use and consulting healthcare experts are crucial to avoid potential risks. Additionally, exploring other herbs and supplements can provide a more comprehensive approach to managing Eczema and enhancing overall skin health.