If spring has you sneezing, certain foods leave you queasy, or a musty room makes your eyes itch, your immune system might be trying to tell you something. Behind many allergic reactions is a key player you may not have heard of: IgE. Understanding this tiny but powerful antibody could be the first step to making sense of your symptoms—and taking control of them.
How Does IgE Work?
What is IgE? Immunoglobulin E is a type of antibody produced by the immune system to combat allergens and parasites.
When you are exposed to a new substance that immune system doesn’t recognize, sometimes it will label that substance a threat (whether it really is a threat or not.)
Your immune system then sends out IgE with orders to tell other immune cells to be on the alert for this substance both now and in the future. Now on alert, the other immune cells then release histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins to attack the invader whenever they encounter it. It’s these chemicals the immune cells release, like histamine, that actually cause the allergy symptoms (think runny nose, itchy eyes, hives, or sneezing.)
An increased level of IgE is often found in those with eczema, asthma, parasitic infections, viral infections, and even certain. In fact, it is not unusual for patients with an inflammatory skin condition to find out that their IgE is astronomically high.
In fact, it is not unusual for patients with an inflammatory skin condition to find out that their IgE is astronomically high levels.
Interesting Facts About Allergies
- Food and other allergies are more strongly linked to eczema in young children, rather than older children or adults. This is one reason it is wise to follow your pediatrician’s guidance on when to introduce new foods to your infant or toddler.
- If you have an allergy or allergy-related illness (such as asthma, or eczema) in childhood, you’re more likely to have other allergies later in life as well.
- Pregnancy can change allergic reactions, either creating new allergies or seeing other allergies subside.
- It’s possible to cure some allergies by medically supervised, gradual, and repeated exposure to the allergen.
- In a worst-case scenario, IgE can spur immune cells into such a strong defense that it can cause an anaphylactic reaction. These symptoms might include difficulty breathing or swallowing, red welts, intense swelling, or very low blood pressure. These symptoms can be fatal, and are why it’s always important to seek emergency care if you have any severe allergic reactions to a new medicine, insect sting, chemical, or food item.
IgE and Skin Health
A common skin reaction to allergen exposure is hives (urticaria) or dermatitis (inflammation or rash). Avoiding exposure to the allergen, or taking an over-the-counter antihistamine or allergy medication, often resolves the problem.
Many who suffer from serious skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and TSW, have an immune system component to their disease as well. (This is why many modern dermatological prescriptions include immune blockers to help control their symptoms.) Immune system involvement doesn’t always mean a skin condition is caused by an allergy. However, many patients notice that they flare-up less often if they avoid certain triggering foods, cosmetic and personal care product ingredients, and household chemicals. Why?
Reducing your exposure to chemicals or foods you’re sensitive to can ease the burden on your immune system, helping it function more calmly and effectively. This, in turn, may help keep your skin stable. Choosing natural personal care products, using gentler household cleaners, and avoiding processed foods often support this balance and can help prevent skin flare-ups.
Conclusion
IgE levels will likely be higher when you’re experiencing an inflammatory response. However, it’s not necessarily a sign that anything is wrong in and of itself, therefore there is no need to be overly alarmed. It’s just one of many factors your doctor examines to understand what is happening in your body.
Allergies and their resulting symptoms are no fun, but there are lots of treatment options available. Understanding what causes symptoms, and how to reduce stress on your immune system, may help keep your allergies from triggering a flare-up of your skin condition.
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About the Author
Olivia Hsu Friedman, LAc, Dipl.OM, DACM, Cert. TCMDerm, is the owner of Amethyst Holistic Skin Solutions and treats Acne, Eczema, Psoriasis, and TSW. Olivia treats patients via video conferencing using only herbal medicine. Olivia is Chair of the Board of Directors of the American Society of Acupuncturists, serves on the Advisory Board of LearnSkin, and is a faculty member of the Chicago Integrative Eczema Group sponsored by the National Eczema Association.