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Eczema, Asthma and Hay Fever Diagnosis

Eczema, Asthma and Hay Fever, Genes identified that predispose us.

 Scientists have made a huge breakthrough in understanding the genetic connection between asthma, hay fever and eczema. In a study recently published in Nature Genetics, an international team of researchers managed to pinpoint over 100 genetic risk factors that can make someone predisposed to developing any or all of these common allergic conditions.

… “Eczema, Asthma and Hay Fever Diagnosis”…

“We already knew that [asthma, hay fever and eczema] were similar at many levels,” Dr Ferreira, the lead researcher, explained. “For example, we knew that the three diseases shared many genetic risk factors. What we didn’t know was exactly where in the genome those shared genetic risk factors were located.”

… “The Most Asked Question Can Eczema Be Cured?”…

The scientific team studied the genetic make-up of over 360,000 people and identified 136 genetic risk factors – many of which had previously not been reported – that influence the activity of genes which can affect our immune system and how it functions.

This is no surprise to our medical director and Consultant Dermatologist Dr Maria Gonzalez. “Atopic dermatitis is very common, and I see a lot of patients at the Specialist Skin Clinic who have suddenly started to experience eczema for their first time in their 20s, 30s or even 40s. However, when you question them, they usually have a strong history of conditions that we know are linked to eczema.

“Asthma, hay fever and eczema are all linked because of how your immune system reacts and we know there is a genetic predisposition. So, even if you’ve never had eczema before, but you’ve always had hay fever, or even if your sister or brother suffers from any of these conditions, then you can develop quite significant eczema later on in life.”

  • Expanding your treatment options

The findings of the study are interesting because understanding why these allergies develop in the first place could give us clues to prevention and treatment in the future. Dr Ferreira and his team identified drugs that could be used to target some of these genes and the next step is to test these drugs in the lab.

Currently, though, the treatment options for eczema, or atopic dermatitis as it is known medically, work to reduce inflammation and relieve itching. Topical solutions such as creams that contain steroids such as hydrocortisone or immunosuppressants can help. Antibiotics may be prescribed If your eczema has become infected or extensive and severe you may be offered oral steroids.

Also, knowing what can make eczema worse and making simple lifestyle changes can help. Dry skin, stress, sweating, harsh soaps or detergents, dust, certain fabrics and some foods can all worsen eczema.

To discover what your eczema treatment options are, call the Specialist Skin Clinic today on 02920 617690 to arrange a consultation with one of our skin experts.

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Specialist Skin Clinic
10 Penlline Road
Whitchurch
Cardiff
CF14 2AD

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T: 02920 617690

F: 02920 621209