Eczema can be extremely difficult to manage due to the impact it has on daily life. This is especially true when flare-ups return again and again. This can happen even if you are diligent with your skin care, medication, and lifestyle changes. When these treatment options do not address the issue, ongoing itching and irritation can occur. For some people, the issue is much deeper and requires alternative treatment options. You may wonder, can immunotherapy help control eczema?
Can Immunotherapy Help Control Eczema?
Eczema can seriously impact your daily life in so many ways. It can be uncomfortable and hard to manage. This can make regular activities extremely challenging. Common symptoms of eczema include itching, dry skin, and flare-ups that come out of nowhere. For people who experience persistent symptoms, creams and medications may not address the root cause. They are only effective in managing symptoms to a degree. This is especially true for those whose eczema is related to allergies. Immunotherapy is an advanced allergy treatment that can provide effective results.
Immunotherapy Addresses Underlying Allergic Triggers
Immunotherapy targets specific allergens that contribute to eczema flare-ups. Common triggers include dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and mold. Many people come into contact with these allergens on a daily basis. It is possible to reduce exposure to them, but it is almost impossible to avoid them entirely. Immunotherapy gradually reduces the immune system’s reaction to these allergens. The body may then become less likely to trigger inflammation symptoms. This can provide relief to the skin.
Immunotherapy Helps Calm an Overactive Immune Response
Eczema is linked to an immune system that overreacts to everyday substances that are harmless. Immunotherapy retrains the immune system to respond differently. When the immune system responds in a more balanced way. Over time, it reduces the release of inflammatory chemicals. Symptoms like itching, redness, and skin irritation are less likely to occur.
Immunotherapy Reduces Flare-ups
Patients who have allergy-related eczema notice two distinct benefits from immunotherapy. Over time, immunotherapy leads to fewer, less severe flare-ups. They also occur less frequently. Milder symptoms that do not occur as often are a major improvement for so many patients. As the immune system is retrained and allergic sensitivity decreases, the skin becomes less reactive. When combined with standard skincare treatments and lifestyle changes, immunotherapy shows very promising results.
Immunotherapy Provides Long-Term Treatment
Topical treatments can be effective for patients with eczema. However, they often provide short-term relief. Immunotherapy is designed for long-term immune system improvements. The results of immunotherapy do take time. However, they offer lasting improvements in eczema control. This is true even after treatment is over, especially for patients with allergy-related eczema.
The Connection Between Eczema and Allergies
Eczema is also referred to as atopic dermatitis. It is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. It often begins in childhood. However, it can affect people at any age. It is characterized by a skin barrier that does not work as well as it should. The skin barrier allows moisture to escape, which results in irritants getting in. Common symptoms include itchiness, redness, dry patches, and thickened skin. Flare-ups are often unpredictable and differ in severity. What triggers eczema varies from person to person.
Allergens can trigger immune cells to release inflammatory chemicals. These chemicals exacerbate eczema symptoms. They can make the skin itchier, redder, and much more sensitive which can lead to scratching, which further damages the skin barrier. A cycle of irritation and flare-ups can make managing symptoms feel impossible. If your allergies are causing this immune response, immunotherapy is an effective treatment option.
Immunotherapy Treatment
Immunotherapy is a form of allergy treatment. It is designed to reduce sensitivity to specific allergens. It is a great option for those with allergies, as it helps retrain the immune system to react less strongly. This means you can have respite without avoiding triggers entirely for the rest of your life.
The treatment is common among patients with allergic asthma or environmental allergies. It has also been proven to be beneficial for patients with eczema closely tied to allergic triggers. It is a long-term treatment option that comes in two forms. Both are uniquely effective, but the type that is right for you depends on several factors. This includes the severity of your symptoms, your triggers, and your current health.
Immunotherapy Allergy Shots
Allergy shots involve regular injections of small amounts of allergens that are known to trigger symptoms. An asthma doctor administers medication to patients of all ages in a medical office. It increases slowly over time as it is a series of injections. This helps the immune system build tolerance to the allergen and avoid overreacting.
The immunotherapy allergy shots are used to treat environmental allergens. This includes pollen, dust mites, mold, and pet dander. These are common triggers that play a role in eczema flare-ups. Patients start with a buildup phase, followed by a maintenance phase, depending on their unique needs. Each patient is different, so it’s important to work with a skilled allergy specialist.
Sublingual Immunotherapy
Sublingual immunotherapy involves using tablets or liquid drops placed under the tongue. The allergen is absorbed through the tissues in the mouth. This helps the immune system become less reactive over time. Similar to immunotherapy allergy shots, sublingual immunotherapy aims to reduce allergic reactions throughout the body.
This type of immunotherapy can often be taken at home, unlike the injections. A medical professional must prescribe it, as it is not an over-the-counter treatment. This makes it a convenient option for many patients. The only drawback to sublingual immunotherapy is that it is not as potent and fast-acting as allergy shots for patients with severe allergies. However, they are just as safe and effective.
Advanced Allergy Treatment
Eczema can disrupt your daily life in so many ways. If you suffer from the condition, contact Dr. Shukla at the Asthma & Sleep Institute today to schedule your consultation!
