I was recently browsing the diseasome map of human diseases and genes, and it reminded me of the relationship between allergic rhinitis (hay fever), asthma and atopy (incl. eczema), or the ‘atopic triad’ as I like to call it. I also discovered that the gene related to Eczema is also connected to a rare genetic disorder called Netherton Syndrome, which seems to be similar to chronic severe eczema, not pleasant. In diseasome both atopy and allergic rhinitis are classified as immunological diseases, whereas Netherton Syndrome is listed as dermatological. This makes sense as both hayfever and eczema are allergic reactions, which the immune system is responsible for. While the cause of Nethertons syndrome is a dysfunction in the production of proteins (presumably genetic) related to the skin barrier.
Although atopy is considered an immunological, not a genetic disease, it has a strong hereditary component explaining why some suffer allergic reactions more than others whose immune system response to foreign particles is less reactive.
Does this mean that eczema sufferers have over-reacting immune systems? One theory is that eczema is not just an overreaction of the immune system to foreign bodies but is an autoimmune disorder where the bodies immune system starts attacking it’s own tissues, in this case the skin. Other autoimmune disorders include arthritis and lupus.

What does all this mean for healing eczema?
I say healing, not curing. Eczema can’t really be cured if it is a tendency of a particular persons physiology, but the aim to keep eczema flare ups from occurring or reducing their incidence and severity is possible. It is also possible to mediate any secondary negative effects or causes, such as malnutrition.
Medical creams for eczema target the inflammatory immune response and tend to be effective at reducing the severity of eczema, but cannot be used to prevent it. Being an immune system over reaction, some might think that avoiding allergens would prevent attacks, but this doesn’t mean going overboard with hygiene since most body and face washes include offending ingredients even though anti-bacterial control is needed (salt baths are a good natural anti-microbial). What also needs to be done it to bolster the bodies natural defences against allergens. Washing the skin too much strips the skin of protective oils and damages the primary barrier between our insides and the external world. General steps to boost the immune system will also help. A helpful list of 20 things you can do to boost your immune system can be found here. I would apply most of these tips to eczema as well. More specifically for eczema, steps need to be taken to prevent inflammation. There are a host of resources available on how to do this, and one of the most common ways is to modify your diet i.e.; cut out refined sugar. If you’ve found that eliminating wheat from your diet has helped your eczema it is probably not because you had a wheat allergy (celiacs disease). It’s more likely to be the follow on reduction in inflammation from that beneficial dietary change. A low sugar, good-fats diet is very important in managing and preventing eczema, as is getting a plentiful and wide range of nutrients to compensate for the drain eczema can have on your body. Being malnourished can also cause eczema as the body lacks the resources to maintain healthy skin and immune responses. Expanding the range of nutrients you get is equally important as avoiding sugary foods in addressing eczema with diet.

Understanding the link between eczema and the immune system allows the solution to be approached more holistically, with good common sense measures to improve overall physical and mental health. Yes, mental health too is linked to immune system health, which is why some of the 20 tips listed in the link above concern stress (14), emotion (5) and friendship (11). With eczema and the immune system so many factors can be involved; which makes it hard to address the cause. The same rules apply concerning skin care – use plenty of emollient creams and cleanse less, but dietary and lifestyle factors that affect immune function should also be targeted.

Have you tried any diet or lifestyle changes to help treat eczema, and if so did they help? Comment to share your experience. 

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