Eczema vs immune system

**drugarochemistry** · 16-11-2008, 05:11 PM

Hi.I have eczema.Is the deterioration of disease related to weak immune system.If so,why activation of immune system results in histamine release,itching,tissue damage.Thank you for your responses.

**James** · 16-11-2008, 07:04 PM

The causes of eczema are an incredibly complicated interplay between genetics, immune dysregulation and environmental allergens. Current science is no where close to fully working it out, but I certainly wouldn't worry about having any form of 'weak' immune system (that is the sort of pseudoscience crap they print in the daily mail!)

**Future Medic???** · 25-05-2009, 02:49 PM

Originally Posted by drugarochemistry

Hi.I have eczema.Is the deterioration of disease related to weak immune system.If so,why activation of immune system results in histamine release,itching,tissue damage.Thank you for your responses.

My understanding of conditions such as eczema, asthma and all sorts of allergies is that they arise due to an over active and over sensitive immune system, very much the opposite of a weak immune system. This is why one has to take steroids and anti-histamines to treat these conditions as these type of medication slow down the immune system.

Histamine is a mediator of hypersensitivity (seen in these conditttions), it binds to specific receptors resulting in increased vascular permiability and contraction of those specific cells. I've just realized that this is a rather old post, I'm sure you'd had your answers by now so I shan't bore you with anymore immunology. If you still need the answers please let me know, I'll happily share what little knowledge I have.

**sistatalk** · 27-09-2009, 03:48 PM

My doctor won't refer me to an Immunologists. He keeps insisting on using cortisones. I have been using them for a good three years and they only calm the dryness. It hasn't taken it away. Should I keep going with this cream (E45 to a bunch of other long names) or go to an immunologist? (I also have a suspicion that I am allergic to animal fur, soap only makes it worse)

**James** · 27-09-2009, 08:34 PM

Listen to your doctor. The key to treating eczema is moisturisers and steroid creams. If you wish to get a specialist opinion ask to see a Dermatologist, not an immunologist.

**Symposier** · 28-09-2009, 10:24 PM

Its true what James is saying/writing. The expert for treating Eczema in terms of the symptoms on your SKIN is a Dermatologist. In some cases Eczemas is treated with immunosupresants, immunomodulators, but that does not mean that a immunologist is the right one to treat the whole disease. There are different treatments for eczema, your Physician knows exactly which are the bests options for you, so listen him/her.

**Doc Skin** · 01-12-2009, 08:32 PM

Hi sistatalk

I have severe eczema and recently went to a dermatologist who has given me the immunomodulator Elidel. Unlike steriods you can use this cream anywhere, including your face. It has made an amazing difference to my skin, would def recommend it, but you'll have to see if your Dr thinks it's right for you.

You can also get a patch test done on your back to see if you are allergic to any chemicals in products you use.

Good luck :-)