Eczema and Autoimmune Disease Connection: Key Information
Eczema, a common group of inflammatory skin conditions, can cause itchy, inflamed rashes on the skin. It is crucial for doctors to identify the specific type of eczema to understand its causes and prescribe the best treatments.
Atopic Dermatitis (AD), the most common eczema type, is not an autoimmune disease, but it involves complex immune system dysregulation. Evidence points to a dysregulation of T helper (Th) cells, especially an excessive activation of the Th2 immune pathway during acute phases, leading to inflammation, skin barrier dysfunction, and increased sensitivity to allergens. Chronic AD also involves Th1, Th17, and Th22 cells contributing to sustained inflammation and skin changes.
On the other hand, Allergic Contact Dermatitis involves the immune system reacting to specific external allergens but does not involve classic autoimmunity where the body attacks its own tissues.
While eczema may share some features with autoimmune conditions, it is not classified as an autoimmune disease. Some skin diseases that resemble eczema but are truly autoimmune include Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus and Psoriasis, where the immune system mistakenly attacks skin cells, causing characteristic rashes and lesions.
Eczema's immune abnormalities may overlap with autoimmune processes in some patients or coexist with autoimmune diseases, but eczema itself is typically not classified as an autoimmune disease.
There are seven recognized types of eczema, including AD, Contact Dermatitis, Stasis Dermatitis, Dyshidrotic Eczema, Seborrheic Dermatitis, Nummular Eczema, and Neurodermatitis. Each type may have different triggers and characteristics.
For instance, Nummular Eczema patches can appear anywhere on the skin and are often itchy and sometimes oozing. The exact cause of Nummular Eczema is unknown, but it may be linked to having dry or sensitive skin, other types of eczema, metal allergies, cuts, insect bites, chemical burns, low blood flow in the legs, or dysbiosis.
Dyshidrotic Eczema causes small, itchy blisters on the soles, palms, and edges of the fingers and toes. Its cause is unknown, but factors that can activate the immune system and cause eczema include allergens, irritants, friction on the skin, certain bacteria, viruses, yeast, dysbiosis, and frequent handwashing, use of alcohol hand sanitizer, or hot baths. Common triggers for Dyshidrotic Eczema flare-ups include metal allergies, seasonal allergies, heat and humidity, laundry detergents, and stress.
Speaking with a dermatologist is advised if someone has not yet received an eczema diagnosis or if conventional eczema treatments are not working. Moisturizing after getting the skin wet or using sanitizers that contain moisturizers can help prevent skin dryness.
In conclusion, while eczema is not an autoimmune disease, it involves complex immune system dysregulation. Understanding the specific type of eczema is essential for effective treatment. If you suspect you have eczema, consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
[1] Blauvelt, A., & Feldman, S. R. (2018). Atopic dermatitis. In StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. [2] Leung, D. Y. C., & Feldman, S. R. (2019). Pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis. In StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. [3] Kimball, A. B., & Feldman, S. R. (2018). Psoriasis. In StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. [4] Krueger, G. G., & Feldman, S. R. (2019). Pathogenesis of psoriasis. In StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. [5] Feldman, S. R. (2018). Allergic contact dermatitis. In StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.
- The immune system dysregulation observed in Atopic Dermatitis (AD) might be compared to other medical-conditions in the health-and-wellness field, like other autoimmune disorders.
- While Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus and Psoriasis are examples of skin conditions that resemble eczema but are classified as autoimmune diseases, AD does not fall into this category, according to scientific evidence.
- In science, the immunology behind eczema is intricate and shares some aspects with the ad system, much like other immune-related conditions such as eczema and other autoimmune disorders.
- health-and-wellness professionals should consider the entity that is eczema and the potential presence of other autoimmune disorders, as their immune abnormalities may overlap in some individuals.
- As someone with eczema seeks ways to manage their condition, they might find relief in skin-care routines that boost the immune system, such as moisturizing regularly after getting the skin wet or using sanitizers with moisturizing properties to maintaining skin health and wellness.
