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Can the vitamin selenium cause a breakout of psoriasis in a psoriasis patient

A MyPsoriasisTeam Member asked a question 💭
Coaldale, AB

Started taking selenium 200 mcg/day 180 days ago. Now, biggest flare up in my 51 years of having it.

March 14
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Reactions
A MyPsoriasisTeam Member

Here's a good article on selenium toxicity. It does suggest "skin rashes" present in 60 to 65% of cases, which would seem to indicate that the AI-generated response here is seriously lacking...

https://share.google/4eH5qo9bDwIjg27zT

Selenium Toxicity
Selenium Toxicity
https://share.google/4eH5qo9bDwIjg27zT
March 15
A MyPsoriasisTeam Member

And by the way, it's also reported that the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for selenium is only 55 mcg for most adults. I take a Centrum brand daily vitamin, which lists selenium at 100 mcg, but I only just now noticed that because of your post.

Otherwise, seafood, beef, pork, poultry, dairy, and even eggs are all substantial sources of selenium. So if you're eating enough of those foods on top of your 200 mcg supplement, then you might be coming close to 400 mcg a day or more...🤔

March 15
A MyPsoriasisTeam Member

Selenium is reported to become toxic beyond about 400 micrograms daily. And 400 micrograms is equal to only 0.4 milligram, or less than half a milligram. So it's not much.

Notably is that the AI-generated response here didn't mention it can be toxic...🙄

March 14
MyPsoriasisTeam

Can selenium cause a psoriasis flare-up?

Based on current research, selenium is not known to trigger or worsen psoriasis. In fact, studies suggest the opposite relationship.

Research shows that people with psoriasis tend to have lower selenium levels compared to those without the condition. Several studies have found that Show Full Answer

Can selenium cause a psoriasis flare-up?

Based on current research, selenium is not known to trigger or worsen psoriasis. In fact, studies suggest the opposite relationship.

Research shows that people with psoriasis tend to have lower selenium levels compared to those without the condition. Several studies have found that selenium supplements may actually lead to improvements in psoriasis symptoms, though these studies often combined selenium with other nutrients like folic acid, magnesium, and zinc.

That said, your significant flare-up after starting selenium is concerning and worth investigating. While selenium itself isn't identified as a psoriasis trigger, everyone's body responds differently to supplements.

Consider these possibilities:

- The timing may be coincidental - psoriasis flares can be triggered by stress, infections, medications, weather changes, or other factors unrelated to the selenium
- The supplement brand you're using might contain additives or contaminants that could be problematic
- You might be taking too high a dose for your individual needs

It's important to talk with your dermatologist about this flare-up. They can help determine whether the selenium might be playing a role and investigate other potential triggers. They may recommend stopping the supplement temporarily to see if your symptoms improve.

Given that this is your worst flare in over 50 years, you should seek medical attention soon to get your psoriasis under control, regardless of the cause.

March 14

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