What we aren't told about excema.....

[HysteryDiagnosis]

Last one explains the role of diet in many allergic conditions. You wouldn't think so, but there it is.


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=12487210

CONCLUSIONS: The increase in the prevalence of allergic disease during the past decades is likely to be explained by changes in the environment, including reduced microbial exposure and altered food consumption. Scientifically composed functional foods containing probiotics and other functional components offer a nutritional strategy for both the prevention and the management of allergic disease. Further research is needed to characterize the gut microbiota and to clarify the mechanisms of action that control specific physiologic processes not only in the evolution of allergic disease in at-risk populations but also in the management of allergic diseases.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=12597676
This article provides an integrative treatment protocol for eczema (atopic dermatitis) using natural therapies. The protocol addresses several primary causative factors such as essential fatty acid deficiency and food allergies. In addition, it identifies a patented chamomile preparation proven in clinical studies to be as effective as hydrocortisone in relieving associated symptoms of itching and inflammation while enhancing granulation and epithelialization without deleterious side effects associated with long-term use of corticosteroid therapy.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=12244285
The product has been extensively tested for its effectiveness and skin tolerability on a selected population of 60 children and babies with age ranging from 2 months to 14 years, suffering mainly with atopic dermatitis and irritant dermatitis. The topical use of the product caused a significant improvement of the inflammatory skin conditions, with evident and fast inflammation and eczema reduction in all the investigated pathologies, as shown in the present study. The product has been formulated in order to avoid any sensitisation risk and did not show any relevant side effect. It is particularly suitable in the treatment of pediatric dermatitis with symptoms like eczema, itching, desquamation and xerosis.


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=11405522
1: Eur Respir J. 2001 Mar;17(3):436-43. Related Articles,
Diet and asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and atopic eczema symptom prevalence: an ecological analysis of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) data. ISAAC Phase One Study Group.

Ellwood P, Asher MI, Bjorksten B, Burr M, Pearce N, Robertson CF.

Dept of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand.

Several studies have suggested that the increasing prevalence of symptoms of asthma, rhinitis and eczema, could be associated with dietary factors. In the present paper, a global analysis of prevalence rates of wheeze, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and atopic eczema was performed in relation to diet, as defined by national food intake data. Analyses were based on the International

Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) data for 6-7 and 13-14 yr old children. Symptoms of wheeze, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and atopic eczema symptom prevalence were regressed against per capita food intake, and adjusted for gross national product to account for economic development. Dietary data were based on 1995 Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations data for 53 of the 56 countries that took part in ISAAC phase I (1994/1995).

The 13-14 year age group showed a consistent pattern of decreases in symptoms of wheeze (current and severe), allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and atopic eczema, associated with increased per capita consumption of calories from cereal and rice, protein from cereals and nuts, starch, as well as vegetables and vegetable nutrients. The video questionnaire data for 13-14 yr olds and the ISAAC data for 6-7 yr olds showed similar patterns for these foods.

A consistent inverse relationship was seen between prevalence rates of the three conditions and the intake of starch, cereals, and vegetables. If these findings could be generalised, and if the average daily consumption of these foods increased, it is speculated that an important decrease in symptom prevalence may be achieved.

PMID: 11405522

[Cobalt Violet]

1. I really wish I could afford an allergist.

:-( I have Hyperkeratotic fissured hand and foot eczema and it can be bad at sometimes. I have no clue why. Just out of the blue I just got a flare up and it never went away fully. If I could go to an allergist I may find and answer.

[HysteryDiagnosis]

2. Consider this.....

You can read what is presented at www.glycoexpert.com and you can see what is available at Pubmed, here are a few examples...

You may want to google for your condition and essential fatty acids, probiotics and vitamin/mineral supplements. Don't be afraid to do your own searching on PubMed.

1: Pediatr Dermatol. 2005 Jan-Feb;22(1):60-3. Related Articles, Links

Phrynoderma: a manifestation of vitamin a deficiency? . . . The rest of the story.

Maronn M, Allen DM, Esterly NB.

Department of Dermatology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Phrynoderma is a distinctive form of follicular hyperkeratosis associated with nutritional deficiency. Although originally thought to represent vitamin A deficiency, several studies have demonstrated multiple etiologies. Characteristic skin lesions are hyperkeratotic papules that first appear on the extensor surfaces of the extremities, shoulders, and buttocks.

We report a 14-month-old boy with malnourishment and hyperkeratotic papules and plaques with histologic changes typical of phrynoderma. Despite an extensive evaluation, a specific nutritional deficiency was not identified. Phrynoderma is believed to be a manifestation of severe malnutrition, not necessarily accompanying low vitamin A levels.

While the literature supports a link between phrynoderma and vitamins E, B, A, and essential fatty acids general malnutrition seems to be the strongest association.

The clinical picture typically improves with enhanced nutritional status. Phrynoderma must be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients with extensor surface hyperkeratotic papules and plaques in the setting of malnourishment and should prompt the clinician to evaluate cell markers of nutritional status, not just vitamin A. We believe this patient exemplifies the conundrum that faces clinicians in evaluating patients with extensor surface predominant hyperkeratotic papules and plaques in the setting of malnourishment.

PMID: 15660900

1: J Dermatolog Treat. 2004 Apr;15(2):88-93. Related Articles, Links

A controlled study of comparative efficacy of oral retinoids and topical betamethasone/salicylic acid for chronic hyperkeratotic palmoplantar dermatitis.

Capella GL, Fracchiolla C, Frigerio E, Altomare G.

Istituto di Dermatologia dell'Universita, Milan, Italy. [e-mail]

BACKGROUND: Chronic hyperkeratotic dermatitis of the palms and soles represents a severe multi-etiological problem, too often faced with ineffective or tedious topical remedies. METHODS: A single-blind, matched-sample design investigation was carried out of 42 patients with chronic hyperkeratotic palmoplantar dermatitis, who were administered acitretin 25-50 mg/day for 1 month, which was controlled versus a conventional topical treatment (betamethasone/salicylic acid ointment).

Therapeutic improvement was expressed with the reduction of severity score (expressed on a 0-10 scale). RESULTS: Acitretin was significantly better than the conventional treatment after 30 days (two sided p<0.0001). Moreover, improvement significantly persisted 5 months after suspension of acitretin (p<0.0001), while this was not the case after suspension of the control treatment (p=0.3019).

Lesions improved more rapidly with acitretin than with the control treatment (p<0.0002). Some cases of loss of sensitization in patch-test-positive patients were observed. Side effects were minimal or absent, and patients expressed overtly their preference for acitretin treatment.

CONCLUSION: After evaluating the former literature, the risks and the benefits, as well as the overt superiority of retinoid treatment, the authors conclude that acitretin should be considered a first choice treatment for this fastidious condition.

Publication Types:

* Clinical Trial
* Controlled Clinical Trial


PMID: 15204158

1: Arch Dermatol. 2004 Oct;140(10):1275-80. Related Articles, Links
Click here to read
Hyperkeratotic plaques on the palms and soles. Palmoplantar lichen planus, hyperkeratotic variant.

Rotunda AM, Craft N, Haley JC.

The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles, USA.

Publication Types:

* Case Reports


PMID: 15492196