What causes eczema and how can it be found and treated?

The main cause of eczema is inflammation in the skin cells, which causes the immune system to react. Inflammation is normally part of the body's vital defense response to injury and infection. The way the body signals the immune system to repair damaged tissue or fight foreign agents such as bacteria and viruses.

For example, if a part of the body is damaged or a virus enters the body, the cells of the immune system go there to fight off the foreign agents that have entered the body. Without a cycle of inflammation, wounds do not heal and infections can lead to death.

Now when the inflammation is prolonged or occurs in a part of the body that is not necessary, it will be problematic and in this case, the white blood cells mistakenly attack the healthy cells of the body. For example, in MS, chronic inflammation of nerve fibers causes white blood cells to attack them and cause symptoms. Chronic inflammation can cause many diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, eczema, etc. Symptoms of inflammation can include itching, redness, pain, heat, and swelling, and can affect any part of the body, including the skin.

An important point in the treatment of eczema is to find the root causes of inflammation through blood tests and their treatment.

What are the main causes of inflammation in the body and eczema?

1. Increase of free radicals and oxidative stress process:

Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage the body's cells. They are often the result of natural metabolic processes. For example, when the body uses oxygen, it produces free radicals as a by-product, or when food is converted into energy in the body, some free radicals are produced along with it. Damage caused by free radicals to the body's cells is called "oxidative stress".

There are other sources for free radicals, such as chemicals, pollutants such as car smoke, air pollution, cigarette smoke, toxins and emissions, etc. that cause free radicals to enter our bodies when we are exposed to them. Free radicals, which are free oxygen molecules, cause inflammation in cells.

The body's cells now contain a substance called glutathione, which is made up of three amino acids, cysteine, glutamate and glycine. Glutathione acts as an important antioxidant in the body, that is, it fights and neutralizes free radicals.

Low levels of glutathione make cells vulnerable to free radicals, which increases inflammation in them. The body uses amino acids and nutrients that have antioxidant properties such as sulfur, beta-carotene, vitamin C, E, selenium, etc. to produce glutathione and fight free radicals. Deficiency of these substances can lead to a decrease in glutathione levels and an increase in free radicals.

The addition of some essential elements such as iron and copper also increases the production of free radicals and inflammation. Iron, for example, absorbs free oxygen atoms and, when increased in tissues, results in inflammation and problems. We see this process even in nature, where iron absorbs oxygen and rusts. Excess iron and copper are very common today. One of the reasons for this is the excessive consumption of sources containing them such as red meat, eggs, nuts and multivitamins containing iron and copper.

It is safe to say that most patients with eczema have unbalanced levels of minerals and vitamins and low levels of glutathione and antioxidants. Duration to be selected.

 

2. Stress and high levels of the hormone cortisol:

Stress raises cortisol levels and triggers a number of biochemical reactions in the body. High levels of cortisol put the central nervous system on alert, which can lead to an overactive immune system and a severe reaction of white blood cells to the slightest inflammation in the body, which is a negative reaction for people with eczema.

On the other hand, stress depletes the elements zinc and magnesium, which can lead to increased inflammation in the skin and worsening of eczema. Stress can have a psychological or metabolic origin.

It is very important to check the level of cortisol and its ratio to dihydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) through blood tests in people with eczema and to recommend dietary supplements to regulate these hormones if needed.

 

3. Lipids and cholesterol levels

Lipids are natural fats and essential components of the skin and play an important role in maintaining moisture and elasticity and as a protective layer to help the skin to prevent harmful substances from entering the body. Lipids are also essential for skin repair.

Lipids are produced from two main sources: 1. by epithelial cells 2. by sebaceous glands (sebaceous glands in the skin)

In order for lipids to be produced properly, the levels and ratios of good (HDL) and bad (LDL) cholesterol must be proportionate. And all kinds of eczema may occur.

It is important to check blood levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, good cholesterol, bad cholesterol and their ratios.

 4. Omega 3, 6 and 9 unsaturated fatty acids:

Omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids are essential fats for our body, each of which plays a role. The important thing is to get the right proportion of them through your diet or supplements. Their imbalance can lead to various diseases such as skin problems such as cellulite, acne, eczema and even cardiovascular disease. The explanations that patients give in the counseling form about their nutrition and the oils they consume help me to consider the appropriate dose of omega 3, 6 or 9 fatty acids in their treatment plan if needed.

 

5. Liver problems

The liver is responsible for purifying the blood of toxic chemicals and metals. Every day, these substances enter our body through different ways of water, air and food. When the liver fails to do its job properly, these substances remain in the body and cause inflammatory reactions. In other words, when the body is unable to excrete excess substances through the liver and bile, it tries to excrete them through the skin, which can lead to skin problems ranging from acne to eczema.

Liver status can be checked through blood tests ALT, AST, ALP, Bilirubin and if necessary using herbs such as Milk Thistle, Dandelion Root or the amino acids taurine, methionine and alpha Lipoik purified and rebuilt it.

Many people with eczema have mild to severe liver problems and may not even be aware of it.

 

6. Family history:

People with a family history of eczema are more likely to get it, not because it is inherited or contagious, but because people in the same family usually follow the same diet and lifestyle, and it is possible that Have similar metabolic problems.

 

7. Other factors:

Other factors include exposure to chemicals or sunlight for long periods of time, over-washing the skin, using inappropriate detergents, using too much alcohol to sterilize the skin, allergies to certain foods, and some side effects. Medications can also make eczema worse. Of course, they are not one of the common causes.

 

Diagnosis and treatment:

I ask patients to have complete blood tests to check the amount of minerals, vitamins, hormones, fats, liver status, inflammation and stress, as well as to mention their disease status and history in full in the consultation form and send a photo of your skin condition. To.

Based on the information obtained from the experiments, the metabolic problems that cause eczema and even other diseases can be rooted out and then an appropriate treatment plan can be set. This program can include the following:

1. Nutritional supplements such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids, herbs, antioxidants, etc.

2. Appropriate creams and detergents according to the type and condition of eczema

3. Dietary recommendations if needed

In my treatment plan, the goal is to eliminate metabolic problems and the causes of inflammation and eczema and restore the perfect health of the skin, not to prescribe medication and simply reduce the symptoms of this disease. It should be noted that I do not prescribe chemical drugs. The basis of the program is dietary supplements and natural products.