Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)

Treating Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)...

Eczema Is a Treatable Malfunction
of the Skin's Immune System.

Cause and Explanation of Eczema (top half of this page)
Control and Treatment of Eczema (middle of this page)
Helpful Tips and Suggestions (bottom of this page)

Cause and Explanation of Eczema: Eczema is also called atopic dermatitis and sometimes just dermatitis. It is caused by an irritating agent that produces an inflammatory skin reaction. This agent could be a chemical in a fabric or in a skin care product or laundry detergent, or a chemical in an oral medication or in food. The irritation is followed by inflammation and the skin produces a volume of reactionary chemicals called "cytokines." Some cytokines inflame the skin and others repair (heal) the skin. In the case of eczema the skin produces large volumes of inflammatory cytokines which promote itching, redness and flaking and these cytokines prevent the injury from healing.

Getting more technical, the initial irritating agent leads to irritation of nerve fibers just below the surface of the skin, which are in close proximity to specialized cells called macrophages. When irritated, the nerve fibers produce enzymes (such as endopeptidase enzymes) that stimulate macrophage cells to produce histamine. Histamine causes a red puffiness in the skin and a strong itching sensation, as typically seen with eczema.

Other cells within the skin (macrophages, keratinocytes, fibroblasts, etc.) respond by producing numerous chemicals, some involved with inflammation and others involved with repair/healing processes. The volumes and ratios of these chemicals usually follow normal and predictable patterns. Skin scrapings and punch biopsies taken from eczema lesions reveal unusually high concentrations of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-1, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interferon-gamma.

These cytokines plus histamine maintain the hyper-inflammatory conditions consistent with eczema and promote the production of more histamine and more inflaming cytokines, creating a self-perpetuating inflammatory condition that prevents the healing process. Controlling eczema is as simple as blocking the production of histamine and the specific cytokines stated above.

Control and Treatment of Eczema: Clinical tests conducted over the past several years have shown zinc pyrithione to be effective in controlling eczema. In dozens of independent studies patients with mild forms of eczema achieved significant results. None of the patients experienced any side effects. Patients reported a significant reduction in itching 20 to 30 minutes following application. Redness and inflammation progressively disappeared.

Zinc pyrithione appears to block histamine and relieve itching and redness. It is an excellent antibacterial and antifungal agent that reduces secondary inflammation caused by bacteria and fungi when they enter through the broken skin and stimulate eczema-promoting inflammation. Thirdly, zinc pyrithione reduces rough flaky skin.

BiON used five highly refined plant extracts along with zinc pyrithione to develop Dermatitis Cream. Research has shown, for example, that specific extracts from green tea block histidine decarboxylase, an enzyme responsible for the production of histamine. Other research has shown extracts from green tea act as specific inhibitors of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interferon-gamma.

Four other refined plant extracts were also included, based upon independent research showing these extracts also block histamine, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, as well as interleukins 1, 6 and 8. Some of these extracts are members of the class of omega oils, phytosterol antioxidants and polyphenol antioxidants that are streamlining the ways modern medicine treats conditions ranging from high cholesterol to cancer to AIDS.

Dermatitis Cream does not "cure" eczema, it controls eczema and causes remission, which may last for years. It works quickly and produces control (remission) of eczema in 84% of cases. Dermatitis Cream stops the itching and inflammation within one to two days. It produces remarkable visible improvement within two to four days. In most cases eczema is blocked (controlled) on the third to fourth day. The healing process begins and continues over the next ten to fourteen days.

Dermatitis Cream ingredients are absolutely safe. Each ingredient is approved by the FDA for use in over-the-counter skin care products and has no side effects. In fact, many of the specialized extracts are derived from common food sources such as green tea and avocado.

Dermatitis Cream Versus Prescriptive Drugs: Corticosteroid drugs, frequently prescribed to treat eczema, have significant side effects limiting the length of time these drugs can be used and the frequency. When over-used they can cause bleeding, retard growth and impair the immune system. People achieving remission with these drugs may experience a flare-up several weeks later and may not be able to resume this form of treatment. Dermatitis Cream provides an alternative and safer method of primary treatment, rather than corticosteroid drugs.

Dermatitis Cream (front) works well with Bacteriostat Cleanser and Moisture Complex to treat secondary bacterial infections that are common with eczema and keep skin moist.

Helpful Tips and Suggestions: Conditions that promote skin irritation and/or inflammation also promote eczema. The following tips may reduce the potential for irritation, which may help reduce the severity of the condition or reduce flare-up. These tips may also promote the skin's ability to heal and repair damage. None of these tips will cure or totally control eczema. They cannot replace effective treatment, such as Dermatitis Cream, but may reduce the severity of these conditions and/or reduce the potential of recurrence once remission is achieved.

Stress: Stress promotes the production of cortisol that promotes skin irritation and inflammation. Cortisol can stimulate nerve fiber within the skin to produce a chemical called "substance P" that promotes histamine production and inflammation. Avoid situations that cause stress. If stress occurs, Dermatitis Cream is a safe treatment and may be used periodically during stressful periods to help prevent flare-ups.

Diet: Coffee (with or without caffeine) has been linked to the production of cortisol (see above under Stress) and coffee consumption should be in moderation. Green tea is an excellent substitute, delivering powerful antioxidants that calm skin irritation.

Some foods produce a rapid and significant increase in the body's serum (blood) glucose (sugar) level and stimulate the rapid production of insulin. This can produce mild irritation of the skin. Some scientists are beginning to question if continual high consumption of these foods may promote inflammatory conditions, such as eczema and acne. These foods include high carbohydrate items such as grains (bread products, pastry, cereal, pasta and grain-based nutrition bars). Moderate servings of these foods are essential for a well balanced diet, however, excessive consumption of these foods on a continual basis may promote skin inflammation, especially when combined with stress, coffee and other promoting factors.

Zinc: Zinc is a major component of the immune and repair/healing processes. Chronic inflammation and physical injury place demands upon the body's zinc integrity that may exceed the supply or the availability of this essential mineral. A systemic (bodily) zinc deficiency can occur and this condition may actually promote inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema. Zinc deficiency can impair the body's ability to heal efficiently. A well balanced diet is beneficial. If a multivitamin is taken daily, look for brands with 20-25mg of zinc. If not, zinc supplements of 20-30mg may be beneficial when treating large areas of eczema or in the case of eczema in combination with other inflammatory/ infection/cystic conditions. DO NOT take zinc supplements if pregnant or nursing without the advise of your physician. Most dietary zinc comes from meat, poultry or fish. Vegetarians should research foods rich in zinc (such as beans) or strongly consider a form of supplemental zinc.

Essential Fatty Acids: Essential fatty acids are oils (lipids) that are "essential" to the body and its healthful functions. People may be familiar with these lipids as omega oils, fish oils, flax seed oil, linoleic acid, safflower oil, evening primrose oil, or a number of other terms. These essential fatty acids are very powerful anti-inflammatory agents. Additionally, they are involved in our skin's protective moisture (lipid) barrier and this barrier is frequently disrupted by eczema. Modern foods have avoided these essential oils in favor of "designer" lipids like trans-fatty acids and research has found links suggesting trans-fats may break down the body's supply of essential fatty acids. Some people find essential fatty acid supplements, such as flax seed oil supplements, are helpful in maintaining control of inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema. DO NOT take essential fatty acid supplements if pregnant or nursing.

Skin Hydration: The skin's lipid barrier (mentioned above) protects the skin and the body. Cold dry weather can disrupt the lipid barrier and cause irritation and inflammation that promote eczema. When the skin becomes dry, an effective moisturizer should be used to prevent skin dehydration. Moisture Complex has a similar base formula as Dermatitis Cream, containing essential fatty acids and other safe anti-inflammatory agents. This product can help prevent skin dehydration that may lead to a flare-up.

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TOPICAL BIOCHEMISTRY
For Healthy Looking Skin®

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