New research findings from UPenn's Perelman School of Medicine show that children and adults with atopic dermatitis are significantly more likely to be diagnosed with new-onset inflammatory bowel disease—ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. Given the seriousness of an Inflammatory Bowel Disease diagnosis, these findings should inform and impact future treatment strategies for inflammatory autoimmune diseases affecting the skin.

Atopic Dermatitis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Surprising Correlation

With conclusions drawn from a study sample of more than 1 million patients, the incident rate of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) was 34% and 44% higher in adults and children with atopic dermatitis (AD), respectively. Children with atopic dermatitis did not show a significant risk increase of ulcerative colitis, unless their atopic dermatitis was severe, but children with AD did show a 54-97% higher relative risk of developing Crohn's disease. Adults with atopic dermatitis showed a 32% and 36% higher relative risk for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, respectively. 

Atopic dermatitis, commonly referred to as eczema, is a chronic skin condition resulting in redness, itching and inflammation on specific areas of the body. Caused by an undefined combination of genetics, environmental factors and one's immune system, this disease tends to develop in infancy or childhood. While it often fades in the teenage years, the condition persists into adulthood for many people, and may also appear for the first time at any stage of life. This condition is marked by unpredictable periods when eczema patches flare up and worsen, along with remission periods where the irritation appears to be under control.

Inflammatory bowel disease comes in two types—ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease—both of which are defined by chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. These disorders are broadly believed to be caused by a malfunction in the immune system, causing it to attack otherwise healthy cells in the digestive tract. Common symptoms of both conditions include diarrhea, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, weight loss, and loss of appetite. Similar to atopic dermatitis, the severity of these conditions may vary, from a mild lifestyle inconvenience to a life-altering condition requiring daily attention and treatment.

Notably, atopic dermatitis affects the skin, while IBD affects the digestive tract, but it seems increasingly clear in research realms that autoimmune disorders of the body can be and often are interlinked. As the body's first line of defense against the environment and dangerous irritants, understanding the skin and the inflammatory diseases that affect it is crucial for holistic health and wellness. 

Hyaluronic Acid for Skin Inflammation

While there is no cure for atopic dermatitis, there are effective treatment options, primarily related to the use of emollients and keeping the skin moisturized. With the daily use of moisturizers, it is possible to reduce the persistent symptoms of itchiness, irritation and redness, as well as the secondary issues of cracked or hardened skin, bleeding or fluid leakage. 

A powerful player in the moisturizing game, hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring sugar molecule (a glycosaminoglycan) that is already found throughout our body, particularly in our skin, eyes and joints. Hyaluronic acid is famed for retaining moisture, and is largely responsible for the plump and fully hydrated appearance of our skin. However, as we age, our levels of hyaluronic acid begin to drop, which can lead to sagging skin, fine lines and wrinkles, and susceptibility to dry skin flare-ups, such as those associated with atopic dermatitis.

With a novel design that penetrates to deeper dermal layers than superficial moisturizers, NeuLuna Day and Night Cream offers carefully chosen therapeutic ingredients and a patented delivery system for rapid results. Featuring hyaluronic acid as its primary ingredient, supported by rosehip oil as a carrier, this twice-daily cream can quickly counter the symptoms of atopic dermatitis and other inflammatory skin conditions. 

Visit our website for more details on this cutting-edge solution, and take the next step towards comprehensive skin health.