Eczema & immunotherapy (allergy shots)

March 18, 2003

A few months ago one of our patients, who has been on allergy shots for a couple of years, told me, "You know, it's amazing. I used to have dandruff so bad that my head would itch constantly. I could never wear dark clothing because of dandruff flakes continually falling from my scalp. I've had that all my life, but when I started taking allergy shots the dandruff immediately went away, and it hasn't come back during these two years I've been on shots."

Interestingly, that is the exception rather than the norm. I wish I could tell you that allergy injections could magically cure eczema (atopic dermatitis), dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis), and other skin conditions. But I can't.

What I can tell you is that in a few cases I have seen obvious imrovement in some skin conditions with allergy injections, as in the example cited above. However in other cases it was uncertain if the improvement was related to injections or just coincidence, since improvement was only temporary. Unfortunately, allergy injections sometimes have a tendency to make eczema worse instead of better.

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) does tend to occur simultaneously with hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and asthma. Some physicians refer to this as the "allergic triad" or the "big three" allergic diseases. Allergy injections may be very beneficial for the rhinitis and asthma symptoms while not helping (or worsening) the eczema.

Certain foods sometimes trigger eczema, as can house dust mites, mold, pets, and a number of household chemicals, soaps, fumes, etc.

Keeping food diaries and avoiding foods that tend to make the eczema worse can be beneficial.

Using lotions immediately after bathing or washing hands helps reduce the flakiness and discomfort associated with eczema.

Providing barriers to or reducing dust mites, pet dander, mold, chemicals, etc. can help eliminate eczema triggers. This can be accomplished by such measures as wearing protective gloves when using cleaning products, using a hepa air purifier to filter out dust, pet hair, and other allergens, preventing mold by measures such as a dehumidifier, and using mite-proof mattress covers and pillow covers.

These helpful items are all available from our sponsor National Allergy Supply.

Do not try to diagnose or treat yourself. Be sure to talk with your doctor about your skin condition. She can make recommendations, or refer you to a specialist if needed.

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