Role of Diet in Dermatological Conditions

Abstract

In recent years nutritional deficiency diseases have been reported in developed countries. Nutritional deficiencies can be due to inadequate intake, abnormal absorption or improper utilisation. Many nutrients are essential for life, an adequate amount of nutrients in the diet is necessary for providing energy, building and maintaining body organs and for various metabolic process. Skin disorders have long been associated with nutritional deficiencies. Nutrition is one of the most important parameters that are involved in modulating skin health and condition. Nutritional status plays an important role in maintenance of healthy skin. A variety of nutritive factors such as small peptides minerals, vitamins, macronutrients and micronutrients work together to maintain the barrier functions of skin in the face of everyday challenges. Changes in nutritional status that alters skin structure and function can also directly affect skin appearence. In general dermatological problems were diet plays a role are atopic eczema, urticaria, dermatitis herpetiformis, psoriasis, pityriasis, rubra pilaris, purpura, scurvy, refsumes disease, ichthyosis, vitiligo, hypo pigmentary conditions, acne, rosacea, kwashiorkor, marsmus, stomatitis, phrynoderma, pellagra, acro dermatitis enteropathica, homocysteinuria, hartnup disease, gout, porphyrias, xanthomas, hyper carotenemia and lycopenemia. Dietary changes or modification might help to prevent recurrences of many skin diseases.