Taking Antihistamines For Eczema Symptoms
Antihistamines have become a popular eczema treatment, as they tackle allergy symptoms as well as eczema, which affects many sufferers. Antihistamines can help alleviate symptoms such as itching and inflammation. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of antihistamines for eczema and how to use them effectively.
What is Histamine and How Does it Relate to Eczema?
Histamine is a type of chemical messenger, produced in the gut and immune cells. Histamine plays an important role in our health, primarily in the functions of our immune system. Histamine raises an alarm if our body is injured or invaded by pathogens. This triggers an inflammatory response, which tackles toxins and promotes healing. As we know, inflammation levels are key when faced with eczema.
When our system identifies a substance as an allergen, it then begins defending against it, in a bid to rid the body of these perceived toxins. This is what an allergic reaction is. The itching, runny nose, sneezing, etc. is your body trying to lower levels of allergens. These are likely harmless (pollen, dust, pet hair, etc.) but our body misinterprets them as a threat and tries to protect itself. An allergic reaction is an overreaction to this threat.
Histamine also plays a large role in the digestive system. Histamine aids the production of gastric acids, which are required to break down food. Histamine is also a neurotransmitter, that helps the brain regulate the circadian rhythm. The circadian rhythm regulates the sleep-wake cycle. This is why antihistamines can make users feel sleepy or drowsy.
Bacterial growth also plays a part in our histamine levels. When food isn’t digested properly it causes bacterial growth, which leads to the overproduction of histamine. Enzymes are unable to break down this excess histamine and this may cause a reaction.
Despite histamine providing many health benefits in our body, most of us have only ever heard of it when it comes to hay fever. Hay fever is a collection of symptoms, linked to exposure to pollen. Symptoms include red itchy eyes, a runny nose, and sneezing. About 25% of adults in the UK are affected. For most people, symptoms are mild and easily managed. For others, the summer months can be a real challenge. Anti-histamines are the best way to treat hay fever. Many skin condition sufferers take one a day, regardless of what time of year it is.
Some hay fever sufferers may experience symptoms year-round. This is known as Histamine Intolerance. This is where too much histamine is produced by the body which leads to various persistent symptoms. Symptoms of histamine intolerance can include:
Skin Conditions- Eczema + Psoriasis
Asthma
Rashes
Headaches
Fatigue
Sinus Issues
Digestive Problems
Nausea
Anxiety
Food Intolerances
If you have severe or continuous symptoms, you should consult with your doctor. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help if your allergies are affecting your quality of life. Persistent allergy symptoms can be a side effect of any medication you are taking or a sign of a digestive disorder, so it’s important to seek medical advice.
People with eczema have been found more likely to suffer from Histamine Intolerance. Histamine causes the expansion of blood vessels, leaving skin swollen and itchy. Histamine levels are heightened in inflamed skin, so it is likely that it plays a part in the development of these skin conditions. Therefore, lowering and managing histamine levels may be beneficial for eczema sufferers. Histamine Intolerance is linked to a leaky gut. The leaky gut is where the gut lining becomes permeable, allowing toxins into the bloodstream. This triggers a histamine response. In turn, this causes inflammation, which is always bad news for those of us with skin conditions.
Antihistamines for Eczema: How Can They Alleviate Symptoms?
Antihistamines work by blocking the effects of histamine, a chemical released by the body in response to an allergen or irritant. In eczema, histamine can cause itching, redness, and inflammation. By blocking histamine, antihistamines can help reduce these symptoms and provide relief. It's important to note that not all types of eczema may respond to antihistamines, and they should always be used under the guidance of your doctor.
Anti-histamines only work for around 12 hours, so depending on your schedule, you may need to take 2 on some days. If antihistamines aren't providing you with enough relief, speak to your doctor. They can prescribe prescription-strength antihistamines, which are a very safe and effective treatment.
How to Handle Your Histamine Levels:
Take a daily anti-histamine- 2 if necessary (check with your doctor first)
Wash your hair and clothes after spending extensive time outdoors
Keep an eye on pollen levels- most weather forecasts include this
Wear sunglasses when outdoors- these guard your eyes against pollen
Don't dry clothes outside- this can allow pollen to accumulate
Store + cook food carefully- fish, for example, builds up histamine over time leading to ‘histamine poisoning’
Food allergies can also be a response triggered by histamine. Some foods are naturally high in histamine. There is no such thing as a histamine-free diet but eating low-histamine foods may improve allergy and eczema symptoms. You may wish to try histamine-friendly eating, using the principles of the Elimination Diet. This diet helps you identify what effect if any, these foods have on you, and your skin.
Foods to include:
Fresh Meat
Fresh Fish
Whole Grains- Try going gluten-free. Rice + quinoa are good options
Dairy Substitutes- such as plant-based milk
Fresh Vegetables (no nightshades or any in the below list)
Fresh Fruit (no citrus fruits, bananas, or papaya)
Foods to avoid:
Canned Fish
Meat that is canned/smoked/cured/marinated
Alcohol- red wine in particular. Although alcohol itself does not contain histamine, it triggers the release of histamine in the body
Dried Fruits
Food Dyes + Additives
Naturally Histamine-Rich Vegetables- Avocado, Shellfish, Spinach, Eggplant
Cheese that is mature or processed
Fermented Foods- including dairy products and yogurt
Citrus Fruits
Tomatoes- trigger the production of histamine
Types of Antihistamines and their effectiveness for Eczema Treatment
There are two main types of antihistamines: first-generation and second-generation. First-generation antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), can cause drowsiness and are typically used for short-term relief of itching and other allergy symptoms. Second-generation antihistamines, such as loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec), are less likely to cause drowsiness and are often used for the long-term management of allergies and eczema. While antihistamines can be effective in reducing itching and inflammation in some cases of eczema, it's important to consult with your doctor to determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs.
Potential Side Effects of Antihistamines and How to manage them
While antihistamines can be effective in treating eczema symptoms, they can also cause side effects. Common side effects of first-generation antihistamines include drowsiness, dry mouth, and blurred vision. Second-generation antihistamines are less likely to cause drowsiness, but may still cause dry mouth and other mild side effects. If you experience any severe side effects, such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, seek medical attention immediately. To manage mild side effects, try drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol and other substances that can worsen drowsiness. Always consult with your doctor before starting any new medication.
Combining Antihistamines with other Eczema Treatments for optimal results
While antihistamines can be effective in treating eczema symptoms on their own, they can also be combined with other treatments for even better results. For example, using a topical corticosteroid cream in conjunction with an antihistamine can help reduce inflammation and itching. Additionally, moisturising regularly can help improve the overall health of the skin and reduce eczema symptoms. It’s important to work with your doctor to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses all aspects of eczema management.
