PharmEasy Blog

Signs And Symptoms Of Vitamin E Deficiency You must Know To Address It!

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that is loaded with antioxidant properties and aids in keeping our immunity system up and running! Needless to say, since it is fat-soluble, it needs an adequate quantity of fat so that our bloodstream appropriately absorbs it.

Typically stored in the liver, it is generally rare to face a deficiency of this vitamin. And thankfully, since it occurs naturally in a wide range of food items, its deficiency can easily and quickly be corrected.

So, if you happen to experience one of the below-mentioned symptoms, it’s advisable that you conduct a medical expert and get your vitamin E levels checked.

Deficiency of Vitamin E: Causes –  

One of the primary reasons for vitamin E deficiency is in our genes. Many times, this deficiency is passed on from the forefathers. Thus, if there is a history of vitamin E deficiency in the family, then it is of utmost importance to keep a regular eye on the vitamin E levels and not allow them to fall below the prescribed numbers.

In many situations, a vitamin E deficiency may crop up due to medical conditions such as:

Many times, premature babies also experience this deficiency because their immature digestive track cannot manage fat and vitamin E absorption.

Though Vit E deficiency is not common, those with liver diseases or malabsorption syndromes should be mindful of it. Long term Vit E deficiency leads to irreversible neurological damage.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Vitamin E Deficiency: Treatment –  

While many doctors prescribe supplements, they can cause complications in some cases. Thus, it is highly advisable to derive this vital vitamin by incorporating vitamin E enriched food items in our everyday diet.

Vitamin E is found in abundance in a wide variety of foods such as:

Role of vitamin E is very critical in the body to relieve leg cramps, helpful in the glowing of the skin, protection of muscles from damage due to exercise, and as an anti-inflammatory agent in the body. Supplementation with vitamin E is commonly prescribed In the form of capsules for regular consumption.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.

One can also consult their doctor for vitamin E supplements. Although, vitamin E contents in supplements are not regulated and thus it is better to get your vitamin E content from natural products.

While it is important to consume vitamin E, it is also extremely essential to keep a tab on excess consumption. Excessive vitamin E may cause:

How much vitamin E do I need?

The amount of vitamin E that we need to consume depends on our age. The recommended amount suggested is as follows:

Complications

While the body needs a sufficient amount of vitamin E, a surplus amount is never good. An individual must not take too many supplements of vitamins A, D, E, and K. Excessive levels of vitamin E in the body may cause abnormal bleeding, diarrhoea, muscle aches, and vomiting. The bleeding could increase the risk of a stroke and early death. Surplus vitamin E can also interact with blood thinners and chemotherapy medications and have adverse effects.

It is always better to consult your doctor regarding the dosage of supplements of vitamin E you are planning on including in your diet. Do not exceed the recommended dosage of the supplements unless instructed so by a medical expert.  

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

10

All About Eczema – Symptoms, Causes & Cure

Eczema is an extremely common inflammatory condition of the skin. It may start at any age but is most common in children, affecting 1 in every 5 children at some stage.

‘Eczema’ is a term that comes from the Greek word ‘to boil’ and is used to describe red, dry, itchy skin which can sometimes become weeping, blistered, crusted, scaling and thick. The words eczema and dermatitis mean the same thing and thus atopic eczema is the same as atopic dermatitis.

Symptoms of Eczema

Eczema can affect any part of the skin, including the face but the areas that are most commonly affected are the joints at the elbows and knees as well as the wrists and neck. Other common appearances of atopic eczema include coin-sized areas of inflammation on the limbs and numerous small bumps that coincide with the hair follicles.

Affected skin is usually red and dry and scratch marks (accompanied by bleeding) are common. When the eczema is very active, it may become moist and weepy (during a ‘flare-up’) and small water blisters may develop, especially on the hands and feet. In areas that are repeatedly scratched, the skin may thicken (a process known as lichenification) and this may cause the skin to itch more. Sometimes affected areas of the skin may become darker or lighter in colour.

Eczema is a skin condition that causes dry and itchy patches of skin. It’s a common condition that isn’t contagious. Symptoms of eczema can flare up if you contact an irritant or an allergen. There are treatments available to help you manage symptoms, but there isn’t a cure.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Causes of Eczema

The exact causes of atopic eczema are unknown but it seems to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

a) Genetic Factors

Research suggests that atopic eczema is largely an inherited condition. If one parent has eczema, there might be a 60% chance that the child will develop the condition. If both parents have eczema, the chances of inheriting the condition leap to 80%.

b) Environmental Factors

If a person is genetically susceptible to developing eczema, then they are likely to develop the condition when exposed to certain allergens in the environment. These can include:

Food allergens  such as eggs, milk, nuts, soya, fish and wheat may also trigger the development of eczema.

Also Read: Baking Soda Bath: Research-Based Benefits and How to Do It Properly

Treating Eczema

These should be applied several times every day to help the outer layer of skin function better as a barrier to the environment. The drier skin, the more frequently one should apply a moisturizer. You can also try aloe vera for the skin to keep it hydrated and moisturized.

If eczema becomes wet, weepy and crusted, it may be infected and a course of antibiotics may be needed. Antiseptics, when applied to the skin alone or as part of a moisturizing preparation, can be helpful in stopping the growth of bugs.

Doctors may recommend antihistamine tablets, which in some patients can be helpful. Those antihistamines that make people sleepy (such as chlorphenamine and hydroxyzine) might be the most useful and are generally given at night. They have no effect on the inflammation of eczema and are helpful largely as a result of their sedating effects, reducing sleep disruption.

Some people with chronic eczema benefit from ultraviolet light treatment, which is usually given in a specialist hospital department and supervised by a dermatologist. This is rarely used for children.

People with eczema will benefit from a psychological approach to their condition in addition to the use of creams, ointments, etc. With constant care, eczema does not have to be an impediment to living a happy, normal life.

Ever wondered what the deal with Liposuction is? Read on to find out.

Also Read: Coping Strategies For Stress-Related Eczema On Hands: An Overview

Disclaimer:  The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

2
1