Eczema

Eczema Has Been a Recognized Skin Disease for Millennia

By Ben Fuchs | PharmacistBen

Eczema Has Been a Recognized Skin Disease for Millennia

Eczema or Dermatitis of the hand. Image credit: James Heilman, MD (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 or GFDL ], via Wikimedia

(PharmacistBen) One of the most interesting aspects of the cells that make up the surface of the skin is their multi-functionality. While mostly known for their protective barrier properties, the living beings colloquially known as “skin cells” (and more technically as “keratinocytes” in honor of their most prolific extrusion, the fingernail like protein called keratin) are much more than a cellular shield. “Skin cells” are biochemical dynamos, each one producing, secreting and becoming ultimately a wide range of very functional chemicals.

“Skin cells” make vitamin D, they produce prodigious quantities of skin fats (lipids), and they are also the source of many hormone chemicals. Some, like cortisol, are involved in obvious skin functions like protection. Others, like the nervous system’s serotonin and dopamine, make the skin a type of brain appendage. Not to forget pheromones, which are involved in less obvious skin functions, like signaling, sexual attraction and fertility.

One of the less apparent roles of keratinocytes (“skin cells”) involves the production of inflammatory chemicals known as prostaglandins and cytokines. Although these chemicals are supposed help keep local invaders sequestered, they also can be produced and activated in a less specific way by systemic immune responses to foods or other ingested substances. When this occurs, regulation and control of skin cell production and development can be impaired. They can cause cells to grow in a messed up, chaotic, out-of-control fashion. This is at least partially the genesis of many skin health issues, including acne and psoriasis.

One of the more troubling inflammatory skin health issues is eczema, an itchy, unpleasant condition that affects tens of millions of people worldwide. Here in the USA, a substantial proportion of the population suffers from the uncomfortable and sometimes unattractive symptoms of eczema. According to the American Eczema Association, one out of ten (nearly 32 million people) have the disease, which is characterized by defects in the development of the skin surface barrier. It’s most notably caused by the inflammation associated with the secretion of defensive prostaglandins and cytokines, stimulated by perceived threats, whether introduced to the skin internally from the food toxicity and digestive difficulties via the blood or occasionally by topical contact.

Although eczema has been a recognized skin disease for millennia, (ancient Egyptian recommendations recorded on papyrus suggest honey salves as a treatment), the medical model remains so mystified by how to address it, that most modern treatments available today (typically steroid creams) haven’t substantially changed in decades.

The inflammatory aspect of eczema makes it a classic type defensive skin disease. Inflammation is the calling card of the immune system, and eczematous skin is a sign that the body is protecting itself. This protective response is what we call inflammation, and it affects how skin cells grow and ultimately how surface barrier is formed. The end result is the raw, rashy symptomology of eczema.

While the dermatologist strategy for dealing with this distress and discomfort involves suppression of the defenses with steroid creams and ointments, at best this can only give temporary and symptomatic relief. The most effective, intelligent and non-medical way to address eczema is to eliminate the stimulus of the defensive response by first asking the logical question: what is the offending agent? Food and digestion are almost always involved, and yes, gluten is a possible suspect. But there’s no way of knowing what you are reacting to without linking skin flare-ups and digestive symptoms (like gas, constipation or heartburn) to specific foods.

Nutritional supplements can be helpful too. Essential fatty acids, fatty vitamins, especially A, (20, 000 iu daily), D (5000 iu daily), lots of sunshine exposure are important. While minerals like zinc picolinate (50mg daily) and selenium Monomethionine or chelate (400 mcg daily) can be helpful too. I hope that helps. Also, it’s important to keep in mind: It’s not just what you “take”, it’s also what you absorb. Digestive distress and malabsorbtion (especially fat mal-absorption) often accompany eczema as well as other skin conditions.

Posted by Ben Fuchs in Skin Care

Dermatitis, Psoriasis, Eczema and Rosacea

By Ben Fuchs | Pharmacist Ben

Dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema and rosacea are all the signs of potential invasion into the body through the digestive system. And considering the Standard American Diet which is filled with potential food enemies like dairy, grains, refined, processed and chemical laden Franken-food, this should come as no surprise.

Dermatitis, Psoriasis, Eczema and Rosacea

By James Heilman, MD via Wikimedia Commons

It seems counterintuitive to regard skin symptomology as the manifestation of internal or systemic conditions. It just makes sense to think that if we have s boil or a cyst or a rash or a zit, why of course we have a skin problem. This confusion arises as an understandable result of the obliviousness with which most of us regard the “underneath”, the area below the visible skin that is not only intimately integrated with the internal environment of the body, but even more importantly, that is threaded with tributaries through which inflammatory chemicals and immune cells are constantly streaming. When the internal defenses of the body have been breached and allergens or toxins, which are perceived as an enemy and as a threat enter into the blood, they can understandably initiate a defensive response. This response can show up anywhere there is blood and often the circulatory stream beneath the skin is one such affected area. When this happens, the swelling, out of control or chaotic skin cell growth, itching and redness associated with cutaneous pathologies can result.

If you’re dealing with rashes or itching or psoriatic plaques or eczematic symptoms, as always focus on the digestive system first. Look for gastro-intestinal related issues like bloating, gas, heartburn, loose stools, constipation etc. and link them to foods. Eliminating digestive problems can go a long way toward helping eliminate skin conditions too. Use digestive support supplements like digestive enzyme (with bile salts) and apple cider vinegar. Probiotics can be especially helpful and on their own have been known to eliminate many skin conditions. And Omega 3 fats can have a tremendous impact on all inflammatory and immune heath challenges. Your best bet is to take both flax seed oil cod liver oil to make sure your covering all your Omega-3 bases. The Omega-6 EFA derivative known as gamma linoleic acid can be helpful too. Evening primrose and borage oil are your best sources of GLA.

Posted by Ben Fuchs in Health

Omega-6 EFAs

By Ben Fuchs | Pharmacist Ben

The Borage flower contains high levels of essential fatty acids. The second essential fatty acid is generally known as Omega-6 and like its aforementioned cousin Omega-3, supplementation is critical. While Omega-6 EFAs are found in many commonly used food oils, such as corn, soy, sunflower and safflower, production that occurs at manufacturing and food processing levels as well as simple cooking in restaurant and homes depletes most of them of this vitally important nutrient.

Omega 6 EFAs Borago flower
This makes supplementing diet with Omega-6 oils an important part of a good nutritional program. The best nutritional sources of Omega 6 oils include evening primrose oil, borage oil, and black currant seed oil. Omega-6 fats are associated with lowering the incidences of various common health ailments including diabetic nerve pain, rheumatoid arthritis, attention deficit disorder, eczema and menstrual and menopausal symptomology.

Most nutritionists recommend taking Omega 6 and Omega 3 EFAs in proportion with each other in a 2:1 to 4:1 range. The so-called “Mediterranean Diet”, which is associated with good health and longevity, is noted for its optimum Omega 6 to Omega 3 ratio.

Borage

Borage (Borago officinalis), also known as a starflower, is an annual herb. It is native to the Mediterranean region and has naturalized in many other locales. It grows satisfactorily in gardens in the UK climate, remaining in the garden from year to year by self-seeding. The leaves are edible and the plant is grown in gardens for that purpose in some parts of Europe. The plant is also commercially cultivated for borage seed oil extracted from its seeds. [From Wikipedia]

Posted by Ben Fuchs in Nutrition