Category: Eczema

While the exact cause of eczema is still unknown, researchers are getting closer to understanding this severe skin disorder that affects millions. It is hoped that once the exact cause of eczema skin rash is found, a cure will shortly follow. Great strides have been achieved to date and it is hoped that a cure is not far off.

In the past, eczema was believed to be caused by an allergic reaction. The nature of the disorder and the way that certain triggers would exacerbate the problem made this a more than viable conclusion. But, in recent years, researchers have found that only a small percentage of eczema flare ups are caused by allergies. They have also pinpointed the cause of eczema to what they believe to be a deficiency in the defense mechanisms of the skin. This deficiency, along with environmental factors, lead to eczema flare ups.

More exciting than this is the discovery made by experts from the University of Dundee. Researchers from this university believe that they have found the gene that causes the dry skin that predisposes people to eczema and asthma.

The gene produces a protein called filaggrin which helps the skin build up an outer, protective barrier, the same barrier that is believed to be missing from eczema sufferers. This barrier helps the skin retain moisture and keeps foreign invaders out.

Since genes come in pairs, the degree of illness depends on how many copies of the gene are defective. A single defective copy will lead to dry and flaky skin, whereas two defective genes will lead to a severe skin condition called ichthyosis vulgaris.

Researchers have also concluded that there is a link between eczema and asthma. A year-long study concluded that a child with one of these diseases has a higher risk of developing the other. Children in the study were also more prone to developing allergies.

While these discoveries are exciting and offer hope to millions of eczema sufferers, a cure is yet to be found. In the meantime, eczema patients still rely heavily on steroid creams and other medications to fight eczema flare ups. The problem with steroid creams, although they are effective, is that continued use of steroids can lead to other skin problems and complications. For this reason other steroid-free medications, called topical immunomodulators or TIMs, are being used as preventive measures between flare ups.

By using these medications and by paying close attention to one’s environment, the management of eczema is possible, but there still are cases where no treatment course seems to work. In these severe cases of eczema, the skin can become sensitive, thickened, scaly, infected, and painful. Sometimes relief from these symptoms can be nearly impossible to achieve. It is for these people, and for eczema patients that are too young to understand and take advantage of all of the medications available, that a cure for eczema is needed the most.

The list of things that can cause an eczema flare up is never ending. Anything from stress to a certain perfume can cause an outbreak of eczema. Some women even report a change in their eczema symptoms that coincides with their menstrual cycle. So if the low dose of hormones released during menstruation can cause eczema to worsen or to clear up, how do the raging hormones of pregnancy affect eczema?

There are a lot of things that happen to a woman’s body during pregnancy. Stress levels can rise, hormones run rampant, and pregnancy-related queasiness can alter both routine and eating habits. While doctors have not confirmed that these changes and pregnancy can lead to intense eczema flare ups during pregnancy, many women report an increase of symptoms while pregnant. A smaller group, on the other hand, reported that their eczema actually cleared up during pregnancy.

The main obstacle to pregnant women with eczema is that they have limited resources with which to treat their eczema. Many of the medications that they use to control flare ups when they are not pregnant cannot be used during pregnancy. Here is a list of some of the most common eczema medications that cannot be used during pregnancy:

-Corticosteroids – When treating eczema both topical and systemic steroids can be used and neither is recommended during pregnancy as they cross the placenta. While they are not known to cause birth defects, corticosteroids are ill advised during pregnancy or while breast feeding.
-Antibiotics – Since eczema can cause secondary skin infections, antibiotics are often prescribed to clear up these conditions. While there are some antibiotics that are safe during pregnancy, others are not recommended if you are pregnant, if you plan to become pregnant, or if you are breast feeding.
-Cyclosporine – While this medication is not known to cause birth defects, there is a suspected link between this medication and premature birth.
-Mycophenolate mofetil – This medication has been proven to cause birth defects in animal studies and is, therefore, never advised for use during pregnancy. Women are urged to use contraception before, during and after using this medication to avoid becoming pregnant while on treatment.
-Calcineurin inhibitors – The oral form of this medication crosses the placenta and is found in breast milk which makes it unadvisable to use during pregnancy. When using the topical form of this medication, not as much is absorbed into the body, but it is not known what effects even a small amount can have on the fetus.

Since treatment options are diminished during pregnancy, women with eczema need to take extra care to avoid triggers that cause eczema flare ups which can include perfumes, certain soaps, sweat, heat, and wool just to name a few. They should also increase non-medicinal efforts to keep skin healthy such as keeping the skin moisturized and avoiding products that can irritate the skin. With a lot of diligence and a little bit of luck, eczema can be comfortably controlled during pregnancy.