Topical Vitamin E -> Rash?

[AnaU]

Hi all,

My mum got a red rash all along her arm from applying vitamin E topically to her wrist. Of course, maybe the product isn't of high quality (it's a cheap Russian brand)... alpha tocopherol acetate and sunflower oil are listed as ingredients. Some people here seem to have experienced adverse reactions or no effects from taking E... On the web one can find reports of contact dermatitis from using topical E. Assuming this is not due to the supplement quality, why could somebody be reacting to vit E in this way? Any ideas? Many thanks. P.S. Magnesium sulfate applied to the area cleared the rash overnight.

 

[Tristan Loscha]

It is not physiological to apply nutrition to the surface of skin, it can cause many re actions and sensitization. If you can eat it, you should; it is the safer route.

 

[AnaU]

It is not physiological to apply nutrition to the surface of skin, it can cause many re actions and sensitization. If you can eat it, you should; it is the safer route.

Thanks for you reply, Tristan.. I tolerate topical E just fine, and I know other people do too. I was rather curious to know whether this reaction can be a sign of something else...