Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Vitamin E, including its delta-tocopherol form, has some scientific evidence supporting its use in the management of eczema (atopic dermatitis), though the strength of evidence is limited. Vitamin E is an antioxidant and may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are implicated in the pathogenesis of eczema. Some clinical studies have investigated oral vitamin E supplementation in patients with eczema. For example, a small randomized controlled trial published in the International Journal of Dermatology (2015) found that oral vitamin E supplementation resulted in a statistically significant improvement in eczema symptoms compared to placebo. Other studies have reported reductions in pruritus (itching) and lesion severity with vitamin E use. However, most studies use “vitamin E” generally, without specifying delta-tocopherol, and the sample sizes are often small, with methodological limitations.

There is little tradition of using vitamin E specifically in folk or historical treatments for eczema; its use is primarily based on its biochemical properties and recent clinical investigation. Topical vitamin E has also been tested, but results are mixed and formulations vary. Notably, most available evidence refers to alpha-tocopherol, the most common form of vitamin E, rather than delta-tocopherol. Therefore, while there is some scientific basis for considering vitamin E as supportive therapy in eczema, the evidence is not robust, and more research—especially on delta-tocopherol specifically—is needed before it can be widely recommended.

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