When our skin itches, we tend to scratch it. However, because scratching usually provides only short-lived relief, and the itchiness (pruritus) often returns more intensely than before, we can get into a cycle of itching and scratching that becomes hard to break. Itching may be localized to a certain area of the body, or can be all over, or generalized. Dry, itchy inflamed skin can make life a misery. It is estimated that at any one time around 25% of the population has a skin problem that could benefit from medical care; skin conditions account for between 15 and 20% of a GP’s workload. One cause of itchy skin is eczema, a general term encompassing various inflamed skin conditions. ‘Atopy’ is the term used for the tendency to develop eczema, asthma and/or hay fever. Atopic people have an overactive immune system and their skin easily becomes inflamed. Eczema is not contagious and, like many diseases, currently cannot be cured. However, for most patients the condition can be managed well with treatment and avoidance of triggers.

 

Despite the overwhelming evidence of an association between itchy skin, and eczema, and hidden food allergies, very few sufferers are tested for food sensitivity by their doctors. Tests for allergies are sometimes carried out but food intolerance, which is less easy to diagnose, is frequently overlooked. Diet plays an important role in the management of skin symptom flare-ups, however, it is difficult to determine which foods, or combinations of foods, are responsible for each individual’s condition. Everyone is unique with a different biochemical make-up to others with the same condition. Cow's milk, nuts and yeast may be responsible for some people’s itchy skin but safe for others.

 

For those with skin symptoms, acknowledging that certain food combinations can contribute to symptoms, and then identifying and eliminating the specific foods from their diet, is an important step forward. The problem with attempting any dietary modification is that first you need to know what to change. Currently the best accepted method for confirming food sensitivities is by elimination diet. This involves eating a restricted diet for several weeks. If there is no reduction in symptoms during this time, it is assumed that the food type that has been restricted is not the problem and the process is repeated with another food type. Using this method it is impossible to test all the different combinations of food types that may be causing the problems, it is a very ineffective process.

 

The most scientific approach that can be used to identify the different food types involved for each individual is a blood test that measures food-specific IgG antibodies. A recent study surveyed 263 people suffering from skin symptoms such as rashes and itching, and 183 eczema sufferers. A staggering 86% of those with rashes and itching, and 83% of those with eczema, showed a significant reduction in their skin symptoms if they removed the foods from their diet that showed a positive reaction in the blood test[i]. The fact that people saw their skin symptoms return on reintroduction of the foods identified by the food-specific IgG test supports the fact that this is an active and specific approach. The test used in the study is the YorkTest FoodScan 113, it only requires a few drops of blood from a finger prick that can be collected in the comfort of your own home.

 

Taking a First Step food intolerance test enables you to eliminate uncertainty and confirm whether you have food intolerance through a ‘positive’ or ‘negative’ test result. This way you can check if you have a food intolerance before taking the Second Step FoodScan 113 which is the comprehensive service that identifies the specific foods you are intolerant to.

Please call our food intolerance specialists on 0800 074 6185 who will be happy to provide you with free, confidential expert advice and guidance on the First Step food intolerance test. Alternatively click here for further information or buy now at a reduced special offer price of £9.99 (usually £19.99).