The gastrointestinal tract is the largest immune reactive surface inside the human body, with a total surface area comparable to the size of a small tennis court. This surface is continually exposed to an incredible vast array of food particles, potential antigens, bacteria, and yeast that can dramatically alter the defense mechanisms of the gut mucosa, producing inflammatory responses associated with atopic eczema and other skin disorders.

This may explain why gastrointestinal symptoms are more common among patients with eczema than in healthy controls.1

Ionescu and his colleagues have studied fecal and duodenal flora in
patients with atopic eczema and found evidence of gastrointestinal (GI)
dysbiosis and subtle malabsorption in the majority.2,3

Chronic pancreatis is another GI-related dysfunction associated with this skin disorder.4

Immune sensitivity to colonization by the gastrointestinal yeast Candida albicans or the bacteria Helicobacter pylori are also closely linked with clinical manifestation of atopic dermatitis.5-7

In fact, an exciting new study suggests that probiotics--the reinoculation of the colon with "helpful" bacteria such as lactobacillus--may improve GI barrier mechanisms in patients with atopic dermatitis and thus reduce its inflammatory symptoms.8

Other skin conditions are also closely tied to GI dysbiosis. A study by
researchers in the Department of Dermatology at the Royal Infirmary in
Edinburgh concluded that "a combination of objective tests of small
intestinal architecture and function will detect abnormalities in most
dermatitis herpetiformis patients," even in some who exhibit normal
intestinal biopsy results."9

Great Smokies' Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis provides a
comprehensive assessment of the GI microbial flora and digestive function,
including yeast status, bacterial growth, and pH balance, providing
important information in many inflammatory skin conditions. Specific
individual assessments, such as the Helicobacter pylori test, the Candida
yeast culture or Candida Antibodies test are also available.

References:

1 Caffarelli C, Cavagni G, Deriu FM, Zanotti P, Atherton
DJ. Gastrointestinal symptoms in atopic eczema. Arch
Dis Child 1998;78(3):230-234.

2 Ionescu G, Kiehl R, Ona L and Schuler R. Abnormal
fecal microflora and malabsorption phenomena in
atopic eczema paitents. Journal of Advancement in
Medicine 1990;3:71-89.

3 Ionescu G, Kiehl R, Wichmann-Kunz F, and Leimbeck
R. Immunological significance of fungal and bacterial
infections in atopic eczema. Journal of Advancement of
Medicine 1990;3:47-58.

4 Kaliuzhnaia LD, Gaiduchenko LV, Gorbasenko NV,
Gubko L. Hepatobiliary system function in atopic
dermatitiis patients. [Russian] Vestn Dermatol Venerol
1990;9:44-48.

5 Samuilova TL, Mokronosova MA, Krasnoproshin LI,
Sdokhova SA, Sergeeva AS. Candida albicans
sensitization in patients with atopic bronchial asthma
and atopic dermatitis [Russian]. Ter Arkh
1997;69(11):41-44.

6 Savolainen J, Lammintausta K, Kalimo K, Viander M.
Candida albicans and atopic dermatitis. Clin Exp Allergy
1993;23(4):332-339.

7 Wilson WH. Eczema responsive to treatment for
Helicobacter pylori. [Letter]. Ann Allergy Asthma
Immunol 1995;75(3):290.

8 Majamaa H, Isolauri E. Probiotics: a novel approach
in the management of food allergy. J Allergy Clin
Immunol 1997;99(2):179-185.

9 Gawkrodger DG, McDonald C, O'Mahony S, Ferguson
A. Small intestinal function and dietary status in
dermatitis herptiformis. Gut 1991;32(40:377-382.