Living with eczema is more than just a challenge; it’s a shared journey among 223 million people worldwide. Many of us, unknowingly, face the daily disruption of our skin barriers due to harmful chemicals. If you’re dealing with eczema, you’re not alone.
Let’s explore together how ordinary things around us could be harboring a notorious trigger of extreme inflammation that can incite a chronic itching cycle within our skin.
The number 1 most toxic chemical to cause severe eczema flare-ups and sudden atopic dermatitis is diisocyanates!
Diisocyanates (DII) are part of a family of adaptable building blocks used to make a wide range of polyurethane products. Polyurethane is a plastic material that’s used in many forms. The flexibility of this substance makes it VERY popular in manufacturing an array of things. To give you an idea, they can be used anywhere from sofa cushions to car bumpers.
Because of the highly sought-after polyurethane material, the chemical used to make it (Diisocyanates) is a HUGE $38.8 billion enterprise. Yet, concerns have been rising about the adverse effects of Diisocyanates (DII) over the years; especially in those dealing with eczema.
Latest research singles out Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) as being the chief instigators of atopic dermatitis.
Although mainly found in work-related areas, diisocyanates (DII) have been shown to wreak havoc on not only the skin but the eyes and lungs as well. It can strain the cardiovascular and cause symptoms of, shortness of breath, chest tightness, dry throat, & even death in some cases!
There have been countless reports of factory workers experiencing itchy, inflamed skin when exposed to diisocyanates. The urgency to understand the connection between contact dermatitis and this harmful toxin increasingly grows each year.
Diisocyanates (DII) are used in a variety of applications. They infiltrate every corner of our lives, from the glues in refrigerators to the rubber in car tires. They’re also heavily involved in the manufacturing of:
The very materials used in building a house! However, we can’t go forward without mentioning the connection between Isocyanates & diisocyanates (DII). These chemicals are essentially one and the same. They can show up in your day-to-day without you even noticing via:
The list goes on…
Isocyanates are the active component of DII. The abbreviation “DII” meaning 2; suggests that two Isocyanates are needed to make it. Nevertheless, isocyanates have been linked to inflammatory skin conditions in people living in industrialized nations for many years.
This chemical can also take the form of modern pollutants such as steam or smoke from catalytic converters and car exhausts which has been proven to trigger atopic dermatitis.
Researchers revealed that Isocyanates disrupt lipid production in commensal bacteria of your skin barrier. This opens the door for harmful pathogens to invade your nervous system, resulting in skin irritation and the dreaded development of atopic dermatitis.
In addition to disrupting your commensal bacteria, Isocyanates activate the thermo-itch receptor TRPA1, subjecting you to an unending cycle of chronic itching upon exposure.
The NIH and Dr. Myles have witnessed how these chemicals prevent healthy skin from producing natural oils needed to stay hydrated when conducting experiments on mice. The chemical triggers certain receptors on your skin that increase eczema flare-ups.
The presence of eczema has risen 2 to 3 times higher in industrialized countries since the 1970s. Dr. Myles's research in eczema “hot spots” implies that the skyrocketing numbers of people experiencing inflamed skin in the past 50 years are due to the higher levels of isocyanate exposure.
Isocyanates is an environmental antagonist along with being a huge eczema trigger. It’s known to spread through pollution such as:
Shielding yourself from isocyanates might seem daunting, especially in a modern, industrialized world. On top of that, You’re probably already dealing with a lot of stress from mitigating other causes that have been triggering your eczema. Yet, simple strategies can make a significant difference.
Currently, there’s not much research on preventative measures towards isocyanates & diisocyanates (DII). However, you’re now armed with the awareness of the #1 most toxic chemical triggering debilitating eczema flare-ups in modern times.
As mentioned earlier in the blog, isocyanates & diisocyanates (DII) are widely used throughout society. They’re a HUGE component of manufacturing things we come in contact with every day.
The carcinogenic resides anywhere from our furniture to our way of transportation. It would be nice to rid away this eczema-inducing chemical that’s detrimental to our health; but, changing a system that’s been embedded in society since the 1970s is like trying to move a mountain.
Share your thoughts below on how we, as a community, can address the challenge of isocyanates in the modern world.
Zeldin, J., Chaudhary, P. P., Spathies, J., Yadav, M., D'Souza, B. N., Alishahedani, M. E., Gough, P., Matriz, J., Ghio, A. J., Li, Y., Sun, A. A., Eichenfield, L. F., Simpson, E. L., & Myles, I. A. (2023). Exposure to isocyanates predicts atopic dermatitis prevalence and disrupts therapeutic pathways in commensal bacteria. Science advances, 9(1), eade8898. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.ade8898
Kieć-Świerczyńska, M., Swierczyńska-Machura, D., Chomiczewska-Skóra, D., Nowakowska-Świrta, E., & Kręcisz, B. (2014). Occupational allergic and irritant contact dermatitis in workers exposed to polyurethane foam. International journal of occupational medicine and environmental health, 27(2), 196–205. https://doi.org/10.2478/s13382-014-0249-9
Kersh, A. E., Helms, S., & de la Feld, S. (2018). Glove-Related Allergic Contact Dermatitis. Dermatitis : contact, atopic, occupational, drug, 29(1), 13–21. https://doi.org/10.1097/DER.0000000000000335
Hamada, H., Isaksson, M., Bruze, M., Engfeldt, M., Liljelind, I., Axelsson, S., Jönsson, B., Tinnerberg, H., & Zimerson, E. (2012). Dermal uptake study with 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate led to active sensitization. Contact dermatitis, 66(2), 101–105. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0536.2011.01995.x
Tsagareli, M. G., Follansbee, T., Iodi Carstens, M., & Carstens, E. (2023). Targeting Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) Channels, Mas-Related G-Protein-Coupled Receptors (Mrgprs), and Protease-Activated Receptors (PARs) to Relieve Itch. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland), 16(12), 1707. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16121707
**The information provided above is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Individuals seeking guidance on health-related matters should consult with their healthcare provider for personalized advice and recommendations tailored to their specific needs and medical history.**
Psoriasis, a common and chronic skin disease affecting a significant portion of the population, is believed to have a genetic basis and can be triggered by environmental factors such as infections, stress, a leaky gut, and certain lifestyle choices like smoking and alcohol consumption.
This scientific study aims to unravel the connection between dietary habits and psoriasis, specifically exploring how adherence to a particular dietary pattern might impact the onset and severity of this skin condition. Conducted within the NutriNet-Santé program in France, the research involves a large cohort of participants aged 18 years and older, who provide comprehensive information on lifestyle, health status, physical activity, and diet. To assess the severity of psoriasis, the study utilizes an online self-questionnaire specifically designed for psoriasis, which helps identify cases and evaluate the intensity of the condition.
The study's significant findings point to an inverse association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet, measured by the MEDI-LITE score, and the severity of psoriasis. This suggests that individuals who closely follow the Mediterranean diet may have a lower risk of developing severe psoriasis. Even after adjusting for factors like age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and other lifestyle variables, the study highlights that the link between following the Mediterranean diet and reduced severity of psoriasis remains significant.
In simpler terms, the research suggests that dietary choices, particularly adherence to the Mediterranean diet, may play a crucial role in managing the symptoms of psoriasis. However, the study emphasizes the need for further research, including prospective observational studies and clinical trials, to confirm and gain a deeper understanding of these associations.
If you are dealing with psoriasis, it's generally advised to consider avoiding certain foods that may exacerbate inflammation and potentially worsen symptoms. Common triggers include processed foods, red meat, dairy products, refined sugars, and alcohol. It's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or a nutritionist for personalized dietary recommendations based on individual sensitivities.
Research suggests that diet may indeed play a role in managing psoriasis. Adhering to an anti-inflammatory diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, which includes fruits, vegetables, and fish while limiting processed foods, has been associated with a lower risk of severe psoriasis. While diet alone may not be a cure, it can complement other treatment approaches and contribute to overall skin health.
Psoriasis is a multifactorial condition, and while diet may play a role, it is not the sole cause. Genetic predisposition and environmental factors, including infections, stress, and the presence of a leaky gut, contribute significantly to the development of psoriasis. Although dietary choices may impact the severity of symptoms, solely relying on diet does not address the root cause of psoriasis. It is crucial to make appropriate lifestyle adjustments, addressing multiple factors implicated in its development, such as diet, the integrity of the gut barrier, and emotional well-being.
Phan C, Touvier M, Kesse-Guyot E, et al. Association Between Mediterranean Anti-inflammatory Dietary Profile and Severity of Psoriasis: Results From the NutriNet-Santé Cohort. JAMA Dermatol. 2018;154(9):1017–1024. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2018.2127
**The information provided above is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Individuals seeking guidance on health-related matters should consult with their healthcare provider for personalized advice and recommendations tailored to their specific needs and medical history.**
Faecalibacterium prausnitzii is one of the most abundant bacterial species found in healthy adults. It has been consistently reported as one of the main butyrate producers found in the intestine.
Butyrate is produced when bacteria in your gut help your body break down dietary fiber in food. Butyrate is a short chain fatty acid that has been shown to reduce inflammation, relieve gastrointestinal conditions, support the gut barrier and immune system, and may help protect your body against a wide range of diseases.
Faecalibacterium prausnitzii → butyrate → healthy outcome
Researchers show that a F. prausnitzii subvariant named
F. prausnitzii L2-6 might play a pivotal role in patients with Atopic Dermatitis, from onset in childhood to the current day-to-day. This Faecalibacterium prausnitzii L2-6 is linked to a reduced production of butyrate.
This dysregulation of the gut microbiome promotes a chronic leaky gut, where toxins continually get into the bloodstream to trigger an overactive Th2 response, an abnormal immune response to skin allergens. 
Faecalibacterium prausnitzii L2-6 → reduced butyrate → disease outcome
Understanding the complicated, multifactorial nature of eczema and bacteria's role in it's progression can help us better understand strategies for managing healthy outcomes.
(We are not able to share any specific brands. However, you can go to page 11 on the supplemental article linked above to see if your lotion is on the list.)
Our skin's commensal bacteria aren't passive passengers; they function as a crucial defense mechanism against harmful pathogens. When these beneficial bacteria are harmed, it can lead to an imbalance that allows opportunistic pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus to thrive, worsening skin problems and discomfort. This emphasizes the importance of preserving the balance of skin bacteria for overall skin health.
According to the USDA, the vast majority of Americans are not eating enough dietary fiber, which is important for a healthy gut microbiome. Fiber can be found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. A lack of fiber can lead to the extinction of beneficial gut bacteria and chronic diseases. To improve your health, it is recommended to eat more fiber. Eating a cup of beans a day can add years to your lifespan. Eating a diverse range of foods that contain fiber is important for a healthy gut.
Please take the time to read and understand these published reports.
With an endless supply of new diet fads low in fiber, and some even completely eliminating fiber, we need to better understand fiber's role in feeding our bacteria and our overall health. Afterall, you contain more bacteria than human cells and these microbes are what keep us healthy.
It is suggested that we feed our microbes by eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables that agree with each of our individual systems. In the natural world, a diverse ecosystem is a healthy ecosystem.
