Eczema is an immediate immune reaction to an allergen that results in a rash. Allergens can include foods and inhalants. The major food allergies associated with eczema are cooked eggs, milk, peanuts, soy, and wheat; minor allergens included citrus, tomato, strawberry, corn, chocolate, and food preservatives/colorings. These allergens are absorbed in a leaky intestine; long-term inflammation and imbalances in the intestinal bacteria can create gaps between the intestinal cells, allowing allergens to be absorbed. People who find the number of their allergies or degree of allergic responses increasing over time often have leaky gut problems. Infants are naturally born with leaky guts because their intestines and immune systems haven’t yet developed their barriers. This is why infants often experience eczema when solid foods are introduced, or if a nursing mother is eating one of their food allergens. Eczema can also be triggered by a wide variety of inhaled allergens, especially dust mites and molds.
In eczema, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in the skin cells is also reduced due to increased breakdown. cAMP acts as a messenger within the cell, regulating metabolic processes and the effects of hormones, and low levels can be associated with increased histamine release. There may also be a defect in the delta-6-desaturase enzyme that converts dietary oils (e.g., nuts, seeds) to EPA, DHA, and GLA (the essential fatty acids active in the body). This enzyme requires zinc, magnesium, vitamins C, B6, B3, and E, so deficiencies in any of these cofactors may result in lower enzyme activity. If this enzyme is not active (either due to a defect in the enzyme itself or cofactor deficiencies), and a person is not supplementing directly with EPA, DHA, and GLA, there may be an overall essential fatty acid deficiency. Essential fatty acids are required for good skin health, production of protective skin oils, and reducing inflammation and allergic responses.
Treatment for eczema includes protecting the skin, limiting triggers and the inflammatory/ allergic response, and healing the intestines. The skin itself can be protected by using high-quality moisturizers and healing oils, dabbing dry after bathing, and controlling the temperature and humidity in the environment as much as possible. Limiting triggers means identifying and eliminating exposure to food and inhaled allergens, and this step is essential for the long-term healing and prevention of eczema. The main ways to limit the inflammatory and allergic response are by direct supplementation of EPA, DHA, and GLA and a high quality/quantity probiotic. The cofactors required for the delta-6-desaturase enzyme can also be supplemented to improve the enzyme’s functioning. The histamine response response can be lowered with vitamin C and bioflavinoids. Healing the leaky gut that allows allergen absorption is also essential for long-term healing. Leaky gut is helped by Indian gooseberry, L-glutamine, B12/folate, bioflavinoids, and probiotics.
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