Eczema and Atopic Dermatitis

Eczema and Atopic Dermatitis

Definition and Pathophysiology 


Eczema (or dermatitis) refers to a group of chronic skin disorders that primarily involve the epidermis. This chronic, superficial inflammation of the skin is marked by a weakened skin barrier and Th2-dominant immunity, leading to persistent itching and fragile skin.1–3 Intestinal inflammation and compromised intestinal barrier function are reported in AD, along with an imbalance in the gut microbiome.2,4

Patient Signs and Symptoms 


  • · Dry, red, inflamed skin lesions that appear on face, neck, trunk and particularly flexures of elbows and knees.
  • · Itching and/or oozing and crusting of lesions.
  • · Blistering of skin, particularly on the hands and feet.
  • · Skin can become wet and weepy if it gets infected.
  • · Scaling of areas of skin that are scratched frequently—this is known as lichenification.

Aetiology/Risk Factors


  • · Family history of allergies
  • · Personal history of allergies
  • · Digestive disorders (e.g. hydrochloric acid deficiency)
  • · Dysbiosis and/or liver toxicity
  • · Exposure to environmental allergens and/or toxic compounds
  • · Nutritional deficiencies – especially EFA’s
  • · Excessive consumption of fruit – especially citrus fruits
  • · Stress, anxiety or underlying emotional imbalance- especially compulsive behaviours

Screening and Investigations 


  • Food allergy testing may be necessary if food allergy is the suspected cause.
  • Patch testing of suspected allergens or irritants may be undertaken for contact dermatitis. 

Treatment recommendations


Manage mild eczema and dermatitis symptoms


Postbiotic L-92™ and NutroxSun™ for Mild Eczema and Dermatitis

Dosage (Adults):

For mild eczema and dermatitis symptom relief and to support skin health:

Take 1 capsule a day with food

To reduce skin sensitivity and redness, and/or improve skin elasticity:

Take 2 capsules at once, daily with food.

This formulation utilises cutting-edge health science by combining clinically trialled doses of Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92™ Postbiotic with NutroxSun™, a powerful extract of rosemary and grapefruit. It is enriched with skin supporting nutrients like vitamins D, C, B3, and zinc. This unique formula enhances skin health and helps relieve symptoms of mild eczema and dermatitis.

  • · L-92™ Postbiotic aids is immunomodulatory, working through the gut-immune-skin axis to increase T-regulatory cells, bring balance to T-helper 1 and T-helper 2 cells, and lowering inflammation.
  • · NutroxSun™ quenches reactive oxygen species whilst lowering inflammation, skin redness and boosting skin elasticity to support skin health and skin repair.

OR


Reishi, Shiitake, Baical Skullcap and Perilla for Allergen Tolerance

Dosage: 2 level metric teaspoons (7.2 g) to 200 mL water twice daily with food.

Milk thistle supports liver clearance of immune complexes and perilla provides anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. Shitake, vitamin A and glutamine improve mucus secretions and enhance SIgA. Addressing these factors ultimately leads to increased tolerance of allergens, and a reduction in allergic reactions.


AND


Lactobacillus paracasei LP-33 ® and Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG ® for Immune Control

Dosage: 1 capsule daily

Both probiotic strains assist in the management of allergic reactions by suppressing IgE production, and balancing immune responses by supporting T-regulatory cell function and increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10.


For symptomatic relief of the allergic response and to lower the production of inflammatory cytokines:


Quercetin, Bromelains and Aller-7® for Allergy Symptom Relief

Dosage: 2 tablets twice daily with food

Clinically trialled Aller-7 ®, with quercetin and bromelain, reduces allergic reactions by inhibiting mast cell degranulation, lowering histamine and inflammatory mediator secretion. Quercetin downregulates the production of allergic cytokines, inflammatory leukotrienes and prostaglandins involved in the pathogenesis of dermatitis and eczema.


To improve epidermal barrier integrity:


VERISOL ®  Collagen and Sodium Hyaluronate for Skin Health

Dosage: 3 tablets daily

VERISOL® collagen peptides boost procollagen type I and elastin production, and inhibit collagenase (MMP1) and gelatinase (MMP2), enzymes that break down collagen. Hyaluronic acid increases dermal fibroblast proliferation, essential for collagen and elastin production, and retains water molecules that support skin moisturise. Vitamin C stimulates fibroblast proliferation for collagen synthesis and ensures a stable triple helix structure, enhancing collagen's strength and integrity


For supporting a robust lymphatic system and to maintain healthy skin:


BCM-95™ Curcumin, Grape Seed Extract and Burdock for Skin Inflammation and Lymphatic System Support

Dosage: 1 tablet twice daily with food

Cleavers, BCM-95™ Turmeric, dandelion, burdock, and grape seed extract enhance tissue repair and quell skin inflammation. Further, these therapeutics support the regeneration of lymphatic capillaries that enable the clearance of inflammation and the delivery of nutrients for optimal wound healing.

Management of Stress, Anxiety and Mood:


For comprehensive and personalised clinical management of stress, anxiety and mood, please refer to our Stress, Anxiety & Mood Support range.

The Mood and Stress Questionnaire is an easy-to-use digital tool to assess and identify core patient symptoms and relevant therapeutic and nutritional prescription/s. 

Supportive Programs


The Metagenics Allergy and Reactivity Reduction Program is designed to reduce reactivity and improve tolerance. The Program involves resting from foods to reduce the load on the immune system whilst improving barrier integrity and immune regulation in order to increase allergen tolerance.

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