Itchy skin is a problem we all have to endure, from time to time.
Although not always long-lasting, it can become a nuisance, and if left unaddressed, a total disruption of your entire day. It doesn’t matter if it’s at your elbows, behind your knees, or elsewhere; those raw, flaky patches are enough to drive anyone crazy!
And for millions of Americans and millions more across the world, atopic dermatitis (AD) is all too familiar. Sadly, this chronic inflammatory skin condition affects up to 20 percent of children and three to 10 percent of adults worldwide.
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When you factor in how many billions of people there are on the planet, that’s a lot.
So what’s causing it? While we know of certain environmental factors and other variables that come into play, such as allergies, exercise, and poor hygiene, the causes go beyond even that. Believe it or not, emerging science now points to an unexpected accomplice: high levels of bad cholesterol.
Specifically, a form called low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), the type most commonly associated with heart disease.
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Want to reclaim your smooth skin and soothe all that itching and pain? Let’s cover exactly what you need to know, so you can do exactly what you need to do to start treating it today.
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The Surprising Crossover
Atopic dermatitis (AD), better known as eczema, loves to crop up when your immune system has its defenses down. Although gene mutations and environmental triggers like pollen are often to blame, they aren’t the end-all, be-all.
New studies are discovering that high ‘bad’ cholesterol levels may play a bigger role than ever thought. Known as dyslipidemia—imbalanced blood fats—this issue is becoming more and more linked to skin problems across the spectrum.
In one 2023 cross-sectional study of 1,617 Korean adolescents, kids diagnosed with AD had much higher LDL-C levels than their peers. This was determined based on measurements of LDL-C ≥130 mg/dL, a clear marker of a potential problem brewing.
Interestingly, although being overweight or obese is linked to AD as well, it’s the cholesterol levels that are the most significant predictor.
Other research backs this up. In addition to the elevated LDL-C levels, people with eczema also show higher levels of inflammation and lower levels of antioxidants. In other words, their bodies are fighting a constant battle. We’re talking constant damage on a cellular level, continuing without being ‘cleaned up’ like it should be. As a result, the immune system can fall out of line, causing more harm than good.
Are You At Risk?
Before we go further, let’s get one thing out of the way. Just because you or someone else has elevated LDL – even sky-high LDL – that doesn’t mean you’re going to struggle with eczema. But it does increase your risk significantly.
Adolescents, however, top the list of those at risk. This is likely because they are going through all kinds of hormonal shifts and also dietary changes. Taken together, these major changes can lead to processed fats that then spike LDL levels. Of course, certain genetics increase this risk even more.
Not to mention comorbidities, like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and women in perimenopause. It’s also – as always – important to consider the role of lifestyle. People who are inactive and consume too much saturated fat (constant red meat) are also more likely to have cholesterol struggles, and potentially, skin problems.
Another critical factor in all of this is your skin. You might be thinking, well obviously, but it goes deeper than that (no pun intended).
See, all of this is occurring at the cellular level. Your skin’s stratum corneum, which is similar to a natural ‘shield,’ relies on healthy lipids to function correctly. Roughly a quarter of it is cholesterol, a little less is made of fatty acids, and the rest comes from ceramides, which are lipids that serve as a ‘glue’ to hold your skin together.
However, when the skin is not held together well, your barrier becomes weak. And when the barrier’s weak, all kinds of bad things can penetrate.
Unfortunately, high LDL levels are a key factor in creating this weakness. LDL can infiltrate your blood, unleashing various proteins that send your immune system into overdrive. From there, issues like eczema can occur.
Impacts range, but one of the worst is the loss of water, which dries the skin and makes it easier for nasty allergens to take hold.
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Spotting (and Treating) the Symptoms
While all of this sounds like no fun, don’t get discouraged.
If you’re observant, you’ll easily be able to spot the signs that something is going wrong. For eczema, some of the most obvious telltale marks are dryness, itchiness, and redness. You’ll typically notice flare-ups at the inner elbows and knees, as well as flaking scales that seem like dandruff.
Most of the time, the itching is worse at night, because this is when your skin barrier loses humidity. In some cases, those unsightly inflamed patches may even ooze or crust, especially if you’ve been scratching!
Beyond these physical indicators, you should also look for broader effects. Because eczema is linked to inflammation, you may feel chronically fatigued as a result. Yellow plaques may also develop if your condition is linked to cholesterol issues.
As for changes of the season? You can definitely expect an uptick, if not managed, during the winter due to dry air.
But here’s what you can do.
First, make sure you get result LDL checks, aiming for levels <100 mg/dL. And when you’re at home, or work, or wherever you may be, try to mind your diet. A Mediterranean diet, rich in olive oil and nuts, can drop LDL levels 10-15 percent in 12 weeks, according to many studies.
Then there’s exercise. Ideally, you want 150 minutes per week. It doesn’t need to be crazy, just simple exercises like a brisk walk. This will enhance HDL or high-density lipoprotein, the ‘good’ cholesterol.
And finally, don’t forget your skincare routine. Talk to your dermatologist about using daily emollients, especially those that are ceramide-infused. These can help seal weak skin barriers, cutting flares by half in some studies.
Overall, you can and do have the power to address this. While eczema is generally considered a lifelong condition, many people manage it so well that they barely notice it! If you suspect your skin condition is linked to cholesterol levels, fortify your barriers. Talk to your doctors. And begin on your journey to healthier, happier, smoother skin.
The change starts from within, and with some time and diligence, those wonderful changes will shine through.
