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Is psoriasis more common in women or men? Researchers dont necessarily agree on the answer, but according to one study in the journal JAMA Dermatology, 3.2 percent of women in the United States have a formal psoriasis diagnosis versus 2.8 percent of men.

These women may face challenges that the men dont. Women with psoriasis have unique considerations. I feel like [these issues] are under-addressed, says Jennifer Soung, MD, director of clinical research at Southern California Dermatology in Santa Ana, California, and a clinical professor at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.

What can women with psoriasis do to make sure their medical, emotional, and mental health needs are met? Here are a few important things to keep in mind if you are a woman with psoriasis.

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF), women are more likely than men to feel the stigma of having a visible skin condition, particularly untreated or undertreated individuals who experience frequent flare-ups.

This can cause stress, which can lead to more flare-ups. The mind and the body are inextricably connected with the skin. If someone has a history of psoriasis, if they are stressed, the psoriasis can flare up. When the stress is better controlled, the psoriasis will improve. It works in both directions, says Amy Wechsler, MD, a New York Citybased psychiatrist and dermatologist.

Research suggests that women with psoriasis are more likely than men to experience depression, even though psoriasis tends to be more severe in men than in women, and that psoriasis can have a greater impact on womens quality of life.

Does the start of your menstrual cycle, when estrogen and progesterone levels are at their lowest monthly levels, automatically lead to a psoriasis flare-up? Not necessarily. The effect of hormonal changes on psoriasis will differ from person to person.

That said, a womans estrogen level on any given day can raise or lower the risk of a flare-up. Research backs this up, showing a correlation between skin inflammation and hormone levels.

The dramatic hormonal changes that come with pregnancy appear to have a particular impact on psoriasis,research indicates. Many (though not all) women experience a significant improvement in psoriasis symptoms during pregnancy, when estrogen and progesterone levels rise, and a worsening of psoriasis symptoms after giving birth, when these hormone levels plummet.

According to theNPF, as many as two-thirds of men and women with psoriasis may experiencegenital psoriasis at some point in their lives. It definitely happens, says Dr. Soung.

Some women may feel extremely self-conscious if they are experiencing a psoriasis flare-up on or around the vagina, anus, or genital fold area.

Its important to properly identify if the skin condition is psoriasis or something else, says Soung. The No. 1 question my patients ask is, Are you sure its not a STD? Another question her patients ask is, Can I still have sex? (TheAmerican Academy of Dermatology Association offers useful tips on sex with genital psoriasis.)

There are two forms of psoriasis that can occur in the genital area: plaque psoriasis and inverse psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis often appears on the scalp, knees, elbows, and torso, as well as the genital area. According to the NPF, plaque psoriasis in Caucasian skin can look red, with a scaly, silvery-white buildup of dead skin cells. Among people of color, the plaques may be darker and can range in color from purple to gray to dark brown.

Inverse psoriasis usually occurs in body folds such as the underarms, under breasts, and in the genital area. Symptoms include skin that looks smooth, glossy, and tight.

Both forms of psoriasis can hurt, itch, or crack.

Dermatologists may treat genital psoriasis with topical steroids, generally low-potency formulations for mild to moderate cases. Since the skin of the genital area is thin and extremely sensitive, its important for patients on topical drugs to talk to their doctor immediately about any issues involving pain, bleeding, or stinging, including during urination or defecation.

If topical steroids arent working or are causing side effects, or if the genital psoriasis is severe, doctors might consider oral medication or injectable biologics instead.

Call your dermatologist if you think you are pregnant or actively trying to conceive in order to potentially adjust any medications you are taking, including but not limited to oral medication used for psoriasis, says Soung.

The concern is that certain psoriasis drugs could potentially harm a fetus.

For instance, while doctors dont commonly prescribe the psoriasis medicationacitretin (Soriatane) anymore, women whove taken the drug should wait three years after their last dose before trying to conceive in order to reduce the risk of serious birth defects.

Soung says that pregnant patients should apply high-potency topical steroids sparingly or not at all during pregnancy. She notes that before a breast-feeding session, a patient should use a damp cloth to gently wipe off any steroid creams or ointments on the skin.

In extremely rare cases, people may experiencepustular psoriasis of pregnancy, also known as PPP, a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate treatment.

PPP can impact both the pregnant person and the fetus and typically occurs during the third trimester of pregnancy. Skin lesions that look like open, infected sores may start on the stomach or abdomen, then spread.

The NPF estimates that of the nearly 8 million Americans with psoriasis, a third will develop psoriatic arthritis. While the prevalence of psoriatic arthritis is the same in women and men, someresearch has shown that the so-calledburden of disease is greater for women than men: Women tend to have more disease activity, higher levels of joint pain, and lower functional capacity.

Soung says that physicians should keep gender-specific considerations in mind (concerning cardiovascular and bone health, for instance) when prescribing psoriatic arthritis treatment.

Allan Avendao is a Hollywood makeup artist who has psoriasis. He thinks that while people with psoriasis may want the option of camouflaging any plaques on their face with makeup, its important to focus on how cosmetics can showcase your best features.

Here he lays out the basics of apsoriasis-friendly makeup routine:

One last piece of advice: When choosing makeup, listen to your skin. If a certain brand is making you flare up, you may need to switch, a process that may require some trial and error. During a bad flare you might also need to take a short break from cosmetics.

See the rest here:
Psoriasis in Women: Special Concerns - Everyday Health

Seth Singer of Salem, Oregon, was diagnosed with psoriasis at 18. After years of topical steroids, phototherapy, and countless dermatologist appointments, he decided to try a different approach to managing the condition.

Treatment was tedious, and I was constantly looking in mirrors to see if my eyebrow had a huge flake in it, says Singer, now 27. It felt like insanity three years of using ointments every day and being a regular at the dermatologists office and I only achieved a heightened sense of paranoia and insecurity.

Singer turned to products derived from CBD, the component of cannabis that does not produce a high. Today, he uses topical and ingestible CBD products as part of his daily psoriasis treatment routine and is CEO and founder of Muddy Boot Botanicals, a wellness company based in Salem that sells CBD products.

As a treatment for certain skin disorders, CBD has been drawing a lot of attention. Theres general interest in the dermatology community and more and more patients in recent years are asking about CBD, says Adam Friedman, MD, professor and chair of dermatology at George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Washington, DC.

Studies echo a growing interest in both prescribed and over-the-counter CBD for dermatology and research shows a high level of support among dermatologists.

Although CBD products are widely considered safe, few studies have been performed on humans using CBD, which makes it challenging to determine whether or not CBD can offer improvement, says Geeta Yadav, MD, a dermatologist and the founder of Skin Science Dermatology, in Toronto, Ontario. And while there are many potential benefits to CBD treatment, further study is needed, as is regulation.

CBD is a nonintoxicating cannabinoid (a compound found in cannabis and hemp) that has been studied for years for its medicinal properties.

CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system in the body which, among other functions, is involved in regulating inflammation, according to Dr. Friedman. The body continuously produces endocannabinoids, and CBD, as a similar cannabinoid, can bind to the same receptors.

We know certain cannabinoids bind to receptors in the human endocannabinoid system that are responsible for inflammation and can downregulate an inflammatory response, says Dr. Yadav. One endocannabinoid in particular, anandamide, can help inhibit the rapid growth of skin cells in the epidermis called keratinocytes, which is a key aspect of psoriasis, she adds.

Research points to the idea that CBD may help reduce inflammation and relieve overall joint pain and discomfort. [CBD] is a promising adjuvant or supplementary treatment, says Yadav. CBD may help reduce plaques and improve the quality of life for those managing psoriatic disease, and in some cases reduce the discomfort caused by psoriatic arthritis.

CBD may also help relieve stress and anxiety. Studies show a strong relationship between psoriasis and anxiety and depression, with the relationship often causing a damaging cycle of flares caused by emotional stress and emotional stress being worsened by successive flare-ups.

In a study published in September 2020 in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, CBD was shown to decrease anxiety, which can trigger physical symptoms of psoriasis. We know cannabinoids can have a positive effect on wound healing, and its possible if you improve someones skin disease, anxiety and frustration goes down overall, says Friedman. Chronic inflammation can make you feel down and low energy and have an impact on almost every organ system so when you remove inflammation, you may feel better.

Friedman notes people who may be the best fit to try CBD for treating psoriasis are those who havent seen results with conventional therapies, have a fear of other invasive treatments, or are looking for a natural alternative or complement to conventional treatment.

Psoriasis can be challenging to treat because it can affect so many aspects of a persons life, says Yadav. Newer targeted prescription therapies like biologics can be safe and clear the skin, but that doesnt take away the lifestyle factors that can trigger psoriasis like anxiety and stress.

CBD comes in many forms edibles, oils, ointments, tinctures, and more. Each has different potential physical and mental benefits that cater to individual needs in regards to the percentage of CBD, type of product, and frequency of use.

Its crucial to note not all products marketed as CBD treatments are made of pure CBD, nor do all products accurately list their percentages and ingredients.

Concern arises from the lack of current approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and related oversight. CBD is not regulated in the United States, meaning products formulated with CBD are not subject to testing, including testing that would accurately determine the percentage of CBD in the formula, says Yadav. This makes it challenging to find products that are of medical quality.

Another problem arises with companies that add other ingredients to their products that may trigger a negative reaction. Some people, for example, may experience an allergic reaction to vapors or contact dermatitis from topicals.

Its important to make sure there are no impurities in what you buy, says Friedman. He recommends checking the Department of Health website in your state that covers medical marijuana and cannabis to learn more about products and companies.

Some clinical trials have also found evidence that high concentrations of CBD may have the potential to damage the liver. But these are preliminary findings and the doses of CBD found to affect the liver were extremely large, according to Friedman. Over-the counter CBD or whats sold or recommended from an oral CBD perspective usually 500 milligrams once or twice a day is well below the threshold where they saw liver complications in clinical trials.

Theres little doubt CBD has potential as a supplementary or alternative treatment for psoriasis. That said, its important to do your own research, speak to your doctor, and only use well-researched products that fit your lifestyle and treatment goals.

Its not buyer beware, its buyer be mindful, says Friedman. Be a conscientious buyer know what you need to ask and think about when youre buying these products.

Seth Singer stresses that while CBD has not been a cure-all, its become an important part of his treatment. I do my best to learn about my own body and approach treatment from a holistic, guided approach. I believe it is a variety of good choices, not just CBD, thats fueling my ability to ward off flare-ups and heightened achiness.

Excerpt from:
What to Know About CBD for Treating Plaque Psoriasis - Everyday Health

Claire Spurgin, 25, strips down to help normalize what so many psoriasis patients feel uncomfortable and shameful about.

Shes been fierce and filterless filling people in on her daily struggles with psoriasis. She says in a post: Ive accidentally scratched my back and have a plaster on my wrist from where it wouldnt stop bleeding, to which she adds, its essential to moisturize your body everyday!

If you havepsoriasis(a chronic skin condition), you may feel shame or an emotional burden surrounding your flaky skin patches.

Its important to remember that its completely normal to feel nervous or aware of your skin condition,Dr. Saakshi Khattri, a certified rheumatologist dermatologist and internist practicing at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, tells SurvivorNet.

However, you may also be wondering how you can manage those feelings surrounding your psoriasis.

One piece of advice Dr. Khattri offers to manage this stress is advocating for yourself.

If you have psoriasis on your skin, and if its affecting your quality of life, its important to advocate for yourself and not be dismissed by a health care practitioner, she said. And if you feel this wherever you have psoriasis is really affecting you, just ask for options to treat your psoriasis.

In addition, its important to work with a doctor who understands that anxiety and depression are real comorbidities of psoriatic disease. Jaime Lyn Moy, a patient advocate with both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (a type of arthritis linked with psoriasis),tells Healio Rheumatology in an interview.

AJune 2020 study published in Arthritis Care & Researchre-enforced her point. The research analyzed 56 previously published data sets involving patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, and while the study concluded that the relationship between comorbid depression and systemic inflammation and disease manifestations in psoriatic disease patients is still being deciphered, doctors should be aware of these comorbidities, as this knowledge will effectively enhance remission rates and the quality of life in patients.

We know that the burden of disease in psoriasis is quite high and is further compounded by the development of psoriatic arthritis,Dr. Joseph Merola, director of the Center for Skin and Related Musculoskeletal Diseases (SARM) at Harvard Medical School,says in an interview with Healio. Anxiety and depression are now well-documented and highly prevalent comorbidities of psoriatic disease.

So, one of the best ways to cope and understand that youre not alone is having a doctor who is well-versed in depression and anxiety as it relates to psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin conditionthat presents with red scaly plaques on the skin.

This condition tends to have a genetic predisposition. However, really anybody can get it, but the peak sort of seems to be between the ages of 30 and 50, but again, it can happen to anybody, Dr. Khattri says.

Dr. Khattri explains that when a person has psoriasis, basically whats happening is that the bodys own immune system in some ways is going on this overdrive and causing changes on the skin that are seen clinically. And thats how a diagnosis of psoriasis is made.

Dr. Saakshi Khattri, a Dermatologist/Rheumatologist at Mount Sinai Health System, explains what the different types of psoriasis are.

There are many types of this skin condition, Dr. Khattri notes.

I sort of joke that not all psoriasis is equal, she says.

But, the most ubiquitous presentation of psoriasis is what is known as psoriasis vulgaris. This form of the condition presents with those red scaly plaques mentioned earlier in this article.

Dr. Saakshi Khattri explains how systemic treatments can be used to treat psoriasis.

If you have psoriasis, its also important to understand that we have a lot of options to treat your psoriasis, she says. If one doesnt work, we can move to a second. We can move to a third We have an excellentsystemic modelthat can, if successful, result in all clearance of your psoriasis.

Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.

Originally posted here:
Woman, 25, Poses In Lingerie To Reveal Her Body COVERED In Scaly Scabs, Spots From Psoriasis As Her Instagram Fans Call Her An Inspiration -...

HANGZHOU, China, July 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --Lynk Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as 'Lynk Pharmaceuticals'), an innovative clinical stage company, announced that it has completed dosing the first participant in the phase I clinical study in China for its self-developed, innovative drug LNK01004.

This study is to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of the LNK01004 ointment in healthy adults and patients with mild to moderate plaque psoriasis in China.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease induced by a combination of genetics and environment. It is a difficult to treat disease that runs a long course, and often is persistent throughout life. In addition to symptoms on the skin, patients with moderate to severe psoriasis are more likely to have other associated diseases such as arthritis, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease, which seriously affect the quality of life. LNK01004 is a novel kinase inhibitor for the treatment of psoriasis and has shown good efficacy and safety in preclinical experiments. It has the advantages of restricted distribution to the skin and extremely low exposure in the blood system, avoiding potential safety problems caused by systemic exposure of the drug.

"In preclinical translational medicine studies, we saw the favorable efficacy and safety profile demonstrated by LNK01004." Dr. Henry Wu, Chief Development Officer of Lynk Pharmaceuticals, said, " It is a highly differentiated new molecular entity, we will continue to accelerate the clinical studies to evaluate its values as a novel therapeutic option that will benefit more patients worldwide in near future."

About Lynk Pharmaceuticals:

Lynk Pharmaceuticals, a clinical stage company, was founded in 2018 by senior drug R&D experts and executives from Pfizer, Merck, and Johnson & Johnson. Lynk Pharmaceuticals is dedicated to the discovery and development of innovative drugs for the treatment of cancer, as well as immune and inflammatory diseases. Driven by a higher goal, Lynk Pharmaceuticals aims to be a market leader to address unmet medical demands by the development of innovative therapies. To date, Lynk Pharmaceuticals has independently developed a number of innovative new drugs, and independently as well as jointly with its US partner launched a number of clinical studies globally. For more information about Lynk Pharmaceuticals, please visit: https://www.lynkpharma.com.

SOURCE Lynk Pharmaceuticals

Link:
Lynk Pharmaceuticals Announces the First Participant Dosed in Phase I Trial of LNK01004 - PR Newswire

When you live with an autoimmune disease such as psoriatic arthritis (PsA), you are always looking for ways to help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress (an overabundance of free radicals that can damage fatty tissue, DNA, and proteins in your body). Part of the solution this summer may be no farther than your backyard, farmers market, or supermarket: juicy, refreshing fruits.

Just keep in mind that fruits are in no way a replacement for medical treatment. However, they can be a delicious part of your overall therapy, says Bonnie Taub-Dix, RDN, author ofRead It Before You Eat It: Taking You From Label to Table.

If youre buying canned, dried, or frozen fruits, read the labels to make sure there arent added sugars or sodium. These can exacerbate your symptoms and make comorbidities like diabetes and cardiovascular disease worse, warns Taub-Dix.

Avocado is a good source of vitamin Cand vitamin E the latter is not found in a lot of other fruits. These vitamins have an anti-inflammatory effect, which means eating avocados may help decrease joint pain.

Try It Make guacamole, of course, or use avocado as a veggie burger topping. Taub-Dix also substitutes mashed ripe avocados for butter or oil in muffins, using a 1:1 ratio. That can help decrease saturated fat intake, which is great for some PsA comorbidities such as heart disease, she explains.

Cherries both sweet and tart have polyphenols (plant-based compounds) and vitamin C, both of which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, notes a review published in Nutrients in 2018. Studies have also shown that cherries may help improve the quality of your sleep. If you have PsA, you may be uncomfortable and/or in pain that can disrupt restorative sleep. Cherries can perhaps help with that, says Taub-Dix.

Try It Cherries are so naturally sweet that if you use them for a cobbler, you dont even have to add any sugar. (Some canned varieties do have extra sugar and sodium, so watch out for that.) Or serve them frozen for dessert.

RELATED: 16 to Foods to Eat or Avoid If You Have Psoriatic Arthritis

Berries are loaded with polyphenols such as anthocyanins, which produces their red, blue and purple colors; quercetin; and various types of phenolic acids that reduce inflammation, according to a review published in Food and Function in 2018. They are also high in vitamin C, which is important for collagen building in skin and bones, says Taub-Dix, adding that just eight strawberries have as much vitamin C as an entire orange.

Try It Cut them up and put them into a jug of water in your refrigerator. As you drink water throughout the course of the day, youll get the bonus of the berries taste and nutrients. Or throw them on a spinach salad with mandarin oranges and walnuts.

A traditional symbol of welcome, this hydrating fruit is loaded with vitamin C, as well as manganese, which helps maintain bone health. Pineapples are also a good source of the enzyme bromelain, which helps reduce inflammation and pain while also boosting the immune system. An added bonus: Pineapples may aid in digestion.

Try It Grill pineapple-chicken-cherry tomato kabobs with a little olive oil. Hollow out the pineapple and use the shell as a bowl for a fruit salad. Or core it from the top and use the shell to hold a pineapple fruit smoothie.

Mango contains vitamin C, polyphenols, and carotenoids, which can help reduce inflammation and protect against bone destruction, says Taub-Dix.

Try It This is another fruit thats yummy when grilled. You can also cut it up and add it to cottage cheese or yogurt. Taub-Dix likes to put a slice in a hot cup of herbal tea. It naturally sweetens your tea. When youre done with your tea, you have this warm mango to eat. So good.

This fuzzy fruit is high in vitamin C and antioxidants, which stimulate the immune system. It also contains a healthy dose of dietary fiber, which may reduce the risk of heart disease, a common comorbidity of PsA.

Try It Peel and slice it, then put it on top of a kale salad. Make kiwi chips: Slice thinly (its up to you whether you want it peeled or not), place on a baking tray, and bake at the lowest temperature for around 4 to 6 hours.

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6 Best Fruits for Psoriatic Arthritis - Everyday Health

Biologic therapies may expose patients to an increased risk for contracting infections, including this from live-attenuated vaccines.

Novel biologic therapies have become the preferred treatment for patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (AD). However, due to the immunomodulatory and/or immunosuppressive effects, biologic therapies may expose patients to an increased risk for contracting certain infectionsincluding those stemming from live-attenuated vaccines.

Jeffery M. Cohen, MD, and his colleague addressed this concern and provide guidance in their review in the Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine. As explained by Dr. Cohen, Biologics have revolutionized the treatment of psoriasis and AD. While these therapies are generally safe, they are immunomodulatory.Therefore, certain vaccinations are recommended, and others are contraindicated for patients on these treatments.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) provides best practices guidelines separately for patients who are on medications that can affect their immune system, such as biologics (Table).

Inactivated vaccines such as Haemophilius influenzae type b, hepatitis A and B, human papillomavirus (HPV), inactivated influenza, meningococcal, pneumococcal 13- and 23-valent (PCV13 and PPSV23), tetanus and diphtheria toxoids and acellular pertussis (TDAP), and recombinant zoster vaccines (RZV), do not carry any risk of causing infection in patients taking biologics and can, therefore, be administered in accordance with standard practice.

Live-attenuated vaccines such as mumps, measles, rubella (MMR), oral poliomyelitis, oral typhoid fever, yellow fever, and varicella zoster vaccines run the risk for severe complications, including reactivation of the viruses, and are, therefore, contraindicated in patients who are on biologics. If these vaccines need to be administered, they must be given 14-30 days prior to initiation of biologics therapy or 3 months after the biologics therapy has concluded.

Recommendations for vaccinations against SARS-CoV-2 are constantly being updated as new information is being uncovered. Currently, all three approved COVID-19 vaccinations (ie, Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnsons Janssen) are considered safe and effective for patients on biologics. On November 17, 2021, the ACIP expanded the eligibility for the third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine for adults 6 months after receiving the second dose. Also, a second dose of the Johnson & Johnsons vaccine is recommended to all adults for a booster dose 2 months after the initial dose. On February 17, 2022, boosters were recommended by the CDC for those on biologics; a third dose of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines is recommended more than 28 days after the completion of the second dose followed by an additional booster dose administered 3 months after the third dose.

As for the Johnson & Johnsons vaccine, patients should receive a second dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine more than 28 days after the initial dose and an additional booster at least 2 months following the second dose. Biologic medications should be continued during and after the administration of the vaccines.

Tumor necrosis factor- (TNF) inhibitors have had many clinical studies examine their safety and efficacy regarding vaccinations. Influenza vaccinations, for example, have been found to be safe and effective in patients who are taking TNF inhibitors. This is applicable to combination therapies as well.

Studies have shown that patients prescribed an interleukin-12/23 (IL-12/23) inhibitor are able to safely and effectively be vaccinated with inactivated vaccines. However, live-attenuated vaccines are contraindicated. A phase III placebo-controlled study comparing 60 patients with psoriasis on an IL-12/23 inhibitor for 3 or more years with control subjects showed no difference in immune response between the two groups when they were administered pneumococcal and tetanus vaccinations. Other studies with different vaccines produced similar results.

No clinical studies have evaluated IL-23 inhibitors. However, as with other biologics, live-attenuated vaccinations are contraindicated, and inactivated vaccinations are considered safe and may still be administered. Further studies are needed to understand the effect of this treatment on vaccinations.

Although some limited studies have examined IL-17 inhibitors and IL-4 receptor /IL-4/IL-13 inhibitors, further studies are needed to determine the impact of these treatments on vaccinations. Currently, the recommendations specify that live attenuated vaccines are contraindicated with these biologics and inactivated vaccines can be used according to standard recommendations.

See the original post here:
A Practical Guide to Vaccination for Patients on Biologics - Physician's Weekly

Cows milk allergy is common in babies and young children. It can cause skin reactions, digestive symptoms, and breathing difficulties.

A milk allergy is an adverse reaction to food containing cows milk. It can cause a range of symptoms, including eczema, hives, vomiting, and diarrhea. The severity of symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Doctors can diagnose milk allergy using a skin test or blood test. Caregivers should avoid giving products containing milk to infants with a milk allergy.

Milk allergy is the most common food allergy in infants and young children. Around 0.53% of babies in developed countries have a milk allergy at the age of 1 year. A 2018 article estimated the rate of milk allergy in infants and young children as 25%.

A milk allergy is an immune system response that happens when a childs body recognizes cows milk protein as a foreign invader and produces antibodies against it. The antibodies then attack the protein, which can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, hives, eczema, or hay fever-like symptoms.

There are two main types of milk allergies: IgE-mediated and non-IgE-mediated. IgE-mediated milk allergy is the most common type, with symptoms usually appearing within minutes to hours after consuming milk or milk products. Non-IgE mediated milk allergy is less common and may not cause an allergic reaction until hours after consuming the product.

The symptoms of a milk allergy can vary from person to person and depend on factors like age, severity, and when the allergen was consumed.

Babies with milk allergies may have skin reactions such as:

They may also have digestive symptoms such as:

Other symptoms include breathing difficulties, asthma-like symptoms, and symptoms similar to hay fever, such as a runny or blocked nose.

It is also possible for a child to have a delayed reaction. These include:

In some cases, babies with a milk allergy may experience sudden and severe symptoms. These include:

This is called anaphylaxis, and it can be fatal. If this happens, people should call 911 for immediate medical attention.

Learn more about dairy allergy here.

Not all allergic reactions require treatment. Most symptoms of an allergic reaction will resolve within a few hours.

Caregivers should make a doctors appointment after the babys first allergic reaction. The doctor can advise them on what to do if it happens again. Sometimes, a babys allergic reaction can be more severe on the second exposure to the allergen.

If a baby has symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, caregivers should call 911 immediately.

If a doctor has prescribed an adrenaline autoinjector or Epi-Pen, caregivers should administer it according to the doctors instructions.

Learn more about what to do if a baby has an allergic reaction.

A doctor or allergist usually diagnoses milk allergies. They will ask about the childs medical history and do a skin prick test.

They will also ask a variety of questions about the babys symptoms. Before the appointment, it is helpful if caregivers keep a food diary of what the baby eats and the symptoms they experience.

Doctors may order a blood test to confirm the diagnosis. IgE (Immunoglobulin E) antibodies in the blood indicate an immune reaction to an allergen.

A doctor may also recommend an oral food challenge. This involves eliminating milk from the babys diet before reintroducing a small amount in a medical setting. If there is a reaction, the doctor can treat it and confirm the diagnosis. Healthcare professionals conduct this in a medical setting due to the risk of anaphylaxis.

It can be difficult for caregivers to find milk-free foods, as many items contain milk products, including bread, cereals, yogurt, and ice cream. However, it is important to eliminate all milk from a babys diet if they have a milk allergy.

Milk proteins can pass through breastmilk. If a child who drinks breastmilk has a milk allergy, the person producing breastmilk should eliminate all foods containing milk, such as cheese, yogurt, and butter, from their diet.

The only way to treat a milk allergy is to avoid food products containing milk.

People should read all food labels before giving new foods to a baby with a milk allergy.

Some other foods to avoid include:

People should also consider over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines for managing mild allergic reactions. Healthcare professionals may recommend parents or caregivers carry epinephrine injections in case of a severe allergic reaction.

Lactose intolerance is not an allergic reaction but a digestive disorder resulting from the inability to digest lactose. The symptoms of lactose intolerance are usually milder than those of a milk allergy and may include gas, bloating, or diarrhea after drinking or eating dairy products such as milk.

Around half of children with a milk allergy will outgrow it by their first birthday. By age 3, more than 75% of children will have outgrown their milk allergy, and over 90% of children will become tolerant of milk by age 6.

Most children will outgrow their milk allergy by the time they are 6 years old. Some people will continue to have a milk allergy throughout their lives. Doctors should assess children every 612 months to see if they have grown out of their milk allergy.

A milk allergy is a common adverse immune response to the proteins found in cows milk. Milk allergy can manifest in many ways, from mild to severe. The most common symptoms are abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and skin reactions such as hives or eczema.

If people think a baby has a milk allergy, they should consult a doctor or allergist to confirm a diagnosis. Diagnosis may involve a skin prick test, blood test, or an oral food challenge.

To avoid an allergic reaction, caregivers should eliminate milk products from a babys diet.

Most children outgrow their milk allergy by the age of 6 years.

Read more from the original source:
Milk allergy in babies: Causes, symptoms, and diagnosis - Medical News Today