Eczema is a skin condition associated with the functioning of the lungs, stomach, the heart and the blood.
Eczema is a condition that causes your skin to become dry, itchy and bumpy. This condition weakens your skin's barrier function, which is responsible for helping your skin retain moisture and protecting your body from outside elements. Eczema is a type of dermatitis.
In almost all cases, eczema and other skin conditions such as rosacea and psoriasis - which is an autoimmune skin condition, could be linked to systemic inflammation, poor gut health or compromised liver function.
It has been found that deficiency of both Vitamin A and D may increase the risk of development of eczema, especially, itchy and dry skin, in many adults across the globe. This has further led to studies exploring what vitamins are good for eczema and how to consume them.
Overrun by infection, your gut can no longer digest nutrients properly, and your inflammation rises, triggering eczema and other attacks on your own tissues. Diets high in sugar, refined carbohydrates, and processed foods, and low in fermentable fibers (prebiotics) can contribute to this overgrowth.
While the exact cause of eczema is unknown, researchers do know that people develop eczema because of an interaction between genes and environmental triggers. Many people with eczema often report comorbid symptoms of hay fever, allergic asthma and food allergies.
Female estrogen and progesterone amp up the activity of certain cells in your immune system that affect your skin barrier. The reasons are complex, but the interaction can trigger eczema symptoms, a study in Japan theorizes.
Research also suggests that the presence of specific types of gut microbes is associated with eczema. Adults who eat a diet very high in fermented foods containing natural probiotics may be less likely to have eczema.
Common causes of skin diseases include: Bacteria trapped in your pores or hair follicles. Conditions that affect your thyroid, kidneys or immune system. Contact with environmental triggers, such as allergens or another person's skin.
People with eczema tend to have an over-reactive immune system. When triggered by a substance inside or outside the body, the immune system responds by producing inflammation. It is this inflammatory response that causes the itchy, painful, rash-like symptoms common to several types of eczema.
ECZEMA HERPETICUM
The symptoms may include painful pus or fluid filled blisters or sores, which may be accompanied by fever, tiredness, and swollen glands. Prompt treatment is very important, as the infection can spread to the eyes or internal organs, causing serious problems.
Foods to Avoid if You Have Eczema
Certain foods, including nuts, milk, and wheat, can trigger the release of inflammation-causing T cells and immunoglobulin-E. Other foods that commonly cause eczema flare ups include eggs, dairy, soy, citrus, tomatoes, gluten, and even some spices such as cloves, cinnamon, and vanilla.
Although study percentages vary, adults that are multiracial or white tend to have the highest prevalence of eczema. In the U.S., eczema affects more Black children (about 20%) than white children (about 16%) or Hispanic children (about 8%).
However, research highlights that stress is a significant contributor to eczema through its effects on immune response and skin barrier function, supporting the need for therapeutic strategies aimed at anxiety and stress reduction.
Even though eczema and autoimmune diseases share commonalities, based on current medical knowledge and definitions, eczema is technically not autoimmune.
Anti-inflammatory diet for eczema
Anti-inflammatory diets limit dairy, whole grains, red meat, flour and sugar, but emphasize vegetables and fish. In fact, going vegan (or keeping nearly a fully plant-based diet) is also a good route to take.
Sugar can increase inflammation in the skin and can be a potential trigger for eczema for some people. Not all sugar is equal. Added simple sugars, like those in sodas and candy, are different from natural sugars found in fruits and vegetables. Limiting added simple sugars may be helpful for some people with eczema.
DUPIXENT® (dupilumab) is a prescription medicine used to treat people aged 6 years and older with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (eczema) that is not well controlled with prescription therapies used on the skin (topical), or who cannot use topical therapies.
There are several ways cutaneous T cell lymphoma can appear. In its early stages, it can look like flaky, dry skin, so it's often mistaken for eczema. It can also appear scaly like psoriasis and even as blisters on the skin. As the disease progresses, it can continue to develop into thicker patches known as plaques.
Probiotics may help treat eczema by strengthening the immune system, but it is best to use them alongside conventional treatments. Research suggests 31.6 million people in the United States have eczema, also known as dermatitis.