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1.What is Eczema and who does it affect?
- Chronic pruritic, inflammatory skin condition.
- Dry and hyperkeratotic skin Lichenification (hyperpigmented plaques of thickened skin).
- Prevalence of 2.4 - 7%
- Positive family history (Gene mutations to filaggrin - a type of protein found in the skin)
- Many eventually develop allergic rhinitis or asthma, or both
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S&S
- Chronic pruritic, inflammatory skin condition.
- Dry and hyperkeratotic skin Lichenification (hyperpigmented plaques of thickened skin).
- Many eventually develop allergic rhinitis or asthma, or both
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Causes and risk factors
- Intrinsic: Non IgE-mediated (20 to 30% of cases).
- Extrinsic: IgE-mediated (70 to 80% of cases).
- Environmental exposures trigger immunologic, usually allergic (i.e. IgE-mediated), reactions in genetically susceptible people.
- Common environmental triggers include Foods (e.g. milk, eggs, soy, wheat, peanuts, fish).
- Airborne allergens (e.g. dust mites, moulds, dander).
- Staphylococcus aureus colonisation on skin due to deficiencies in endogenous bactericidal peptides. Topical products (e.g. cosmetics).
- Lack of intracellular cAMP = increased histamine release
- Leaky Gut: (food allergies contribute to increased gut permeability = antigen load on the immune system)
- Candida Albicans: (overgrowth in the gastrointestinal tract)
- EFA and Prostaglandin Metabolism: (altered EFA and prostaglandin metabolism – high linoleic acid vs. low GLA, EPA and DHA.
- Excess Histamine Release
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Diagnosis and Convention treatment
- Diagnosed via S&S
- Family history
- Antihistamines to relieve itching symptoms.
- Antibiotics if bacterial infection occurs
- Topical corticosteroids in the lowest possible therapeutic strength for active AD
- Occasional use of topical steroids to reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
- Systemic corticosteroids may be used for a short duration when exacerbations occur.
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Nutritional Protocol, supplements and lifestyle:
- Elimination diet, food diary, reintroduction
- Maternal consumption should also be eliminated if breastfeeding (which generally offers protection)
- Limit animal products and oils rich in Omega 6 (sources of proinflammatory mediators).
- Include plenty of sources of antioxidants and flavonoids.
- Add fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring and halibut or plant sources of Omega 3.
- Follow anti-candida protocol.
- Zinc (proper EFA metabolism and general immune function): 20 mg/day (decrease as condition clears).
- Quercetin: 200 to 400 mg three times/day (5 to 10 minutes before meals).
- EPA and DHA: 540 and 360 mg daily or flaxseed oil 10 g daily.
- Probiotics: dosage: 1 to 10 billion viable Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum cells daily.
- Avoid allergens in environment.
- Dead Sea salt solutions (Mg = improved barrier function, cell differentiation and hydration).
- Herbal Medicines: Glycyrrhiza glabra & Ginkgo biloba
- Topicals: Chamomile & Witch Hazel (Anti-inflammatory) MSM cream (dry eczema).
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