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How Histamine Affects Skin Pigmentation

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beautiful young brunette woman with vitiligo disease close up isolated on white positive smiling, model problems concept, bad tan real problem

Histamine affects skin pigmentation in a numbers of ways: my two old buddy’s melasma and vitiligo. You know those patches of dark skin on your face that are barely covered by make up, get worse when exposed to the sun, and are aggravated by pregnancy hormones? Yeah, we have histamine and mast cells to thank for those. On the flip side we have the autoimmune skin condition vitiligo, which causes white patches to develop all over. I don’t know about you, but my skin hyper-pigmentation has been a constant source of frustration, so I decided to take a closer look into both. 

MELASMA

Sadly I couldn’t find any rights-free photos of this, and I’m far too vain to share any make up free shots of myself, so I’ll just explain. Melasma looks kind of like you didn’t scrub your face right and dirt or bronzing powder got left behind.

Fun right?

A number of studies tell us that histamine is a major melasma trigger. It seems that the release of histamine by skin mast cells, as triggered by ultraviolet light, causes these brown patches on the skin.

What about the hormone link? Yes, pregnancy hormones and birth control are involved, and I’ll be covering them in upcoming posts on the subject. Make sure to sign up to my mailing list so you don’t miss them. But other than the histamine-hormone interplay, other studies have found that histamine and prostaglandins (both released by mast cells) are the primary drivers of sunburn, which is why topical antihistamine cream has become a home care mainstay.

I’ve personally always used a piece of fresh aloe vera plant. You pretty much can’t walk more than a few steps without seeing it where I grew up in Spain, so I’d just break off a piece to nurse my poor skin on the way home from the beach. In my defence we knew little about skin cancer back in those days…

An animal study in the BMC Dermatology Journal found that silymarin cream (milk thistle) effectively treated melasma. The study authors believe that the milk thistle is reversing sunlight damage generally, not just the melasma pigmentation.

Their before and after milk thistle treatment photos were so amazing that they’ve had me frantically rubbing Herb Pharm’s pure extract into my face nightly. I’m impressed so far…

VITILIGO

The Mayo Clinic website tells us that vitiligo is triggered when cells stop producing melanin, the stuff that pigments our skin, hair, and eyes. So far we know that an immune system response, exposure to stress or chemicals, and sunburn can cause it. Complications are sunburn and skin cancer, eye inflammation, hearing loss, and of course, stress.

People with vitiligo are advised to wear sun protection of at least 30SPF and to get their hearing professionally tested. Possible treatments include topical steroid creams that may help re-pigment the skin, topical vitamin D, calcineurin inhibitors (which may trigger lymphoma and skin cancer), ultraviolet light therapy (also skin cancer risk), de-pigmentation of the rest of the skin and skin grafting.

Read my post on vitamin D and histamine here.

The histamine/mast cell link

A 2013 study found that blood histamine level appears to play a significant role in a particular type of vitiligo that’s linked to de-pigmented patches with itching.

My own vitiligo finally cleared up a few years ago. It was never very visible, just a de-pigmentation around my hands that was slowly creeping upwards. I have dealt more with melasma, and still do!

Interestingly, for other types of vitiligo, histamine may be a treatment. A 2010 study found that histamine release in the body triggered by bee venom may be able to add pigment back to the skin.

A few other options worth looking into

Melanin, the skin pigment stuff, is created by melatonin. I wrote about melatonin recently and how supplementing it may help prevent mast cells from leaking histamine. Read the post here.

A study with a small sample size found that patients with non-segmental vitiligo, which is what it’s called when the patches are symmetrical, melatonin was lower than the average. They point out that melatonin is one of the links in the body’s stress defence mechanism and that it also helps modulate immune system function. They concluded that further research was needed.

The Mayo Clinic website also shares that some studies show that Gingko biloba may help return colour in people with slow spreading vitiligo and other studies that folic acid and vitamin B12 may help.

It’s finally here! Man Food – a high nutrient antihistamine and anti-inflammatory ingredient filled book geared towards guys, women who love to work out, yoga like they mean it, or just load up on healing nutrients. Features my personal shopping list of antihistamine and anti-inflammatory foods.

The Anti-cookbook and all liquid Anti-Detox Book, don’t treat any conditions, but feature a plethora of the high nutrient antihistamine and anti-inflammatory ingredients that have been instrumental in helping me feed myself on a limited diet. The Anti-cookbook features a four page list of antihistamine and anti-inflammatory foods and comes in regular and Paleo.

The Low Oxalate Cookbook features antihistamine and anti-inflammatory rich recipes.

Don’t miss the Low Histamine Beauty Survival Guide for non-toxic beauty tips, the skinny on histamine releasing (mast cell degranulating) beauty ingredients, antihistamine and anti-inflammatory beauty alternatives and the top brands natural brands I’ve found.

Take a peek at my other low histamine and antihistamine cookbooks for more high nutrient recipes

——REFERENCES—–

“Vitiligo Treatments and drugs.” Mayo Clinic. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2017.

“What is segmental & non-segmental vitiligo?” Vitiligo Cover. N.p., 23 Jan. 2017. Web. 24 Mar. 2017

Panja, Salilkumar, Biman Bhattacharya, and Siteshchandra Lahiri. “Role of histamine as a toxic mediator in the pathogenesis of vitiligo.” Indian Journal of Dermatology 58.6 (2013): 421. Web.

Brenner, Michaela, and Vincent J. Hearing. “Modifying skin pigmentation – approaches through intrinsic biochemistry and exogenous agents.” Drug Discovery Today: Disease Mechanisms 5.2 (2008): n. pag. Web.

Kwon, Soon-Hyo, Young-Ji Hwang, Soo-Keun Lee, and Kyoung-Chan Park. “Heterogeneous Pathology of Melasma and Its Clinical Implications.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences 17.6 (2016): 824. Web.

Kim, Nan-Hyung, and Ai-Young Lee. “Histamine effect on melanocyte proliferation and vitiliginous keratinocyte survival.” Experimental Dermatology 19.12 (2010): 1073-079. Web.

Gilchrest, Barbara A., Nicholas A. Soter, Jeffrey S. Stoff, and Martin C. Mihm. “The human sunburn reaction: Histologic and biochemical studies.” Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 5.4 (1981): 411-22. Web.

Hernández-Barrera, R., B. Torres-Alvarez, J. P. Castanedo-Cazares, C. Oros-Ovalle, and B. Moncada. “Solar elastosis and presence of mast cells as key features in the pathogenesis of melasma.” Clinical and Experimental Dermatology 33.3 (2008): 305-08. Web.

Altaei, Tagreed. “The treatment of melasma by silymarin cream.” BMC Dermatology 12.1 (2012): n. pag. Web.

 

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Adolescent skin: 3 in 5 teenagers say acne affects self-confidence

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Growing up can be hard for any teenager without the added stress of acne. Sadly acne affects around 80% of adolescents aged 13-18 years at some point. Three out of five teenagers* surveyed by the British Skin Foundation said that the biggest impact acne has on their lives is a fall in self-confidence.

Dr Anjali Mahto, Consultant Dermatologist & British Skin Foundation spokesperson explains, “Acne is a disorder of the pilosebaceous unit in skin, which is composed of a sebaceous gland (oil producing gland), hair follicle, and hair.  Acne develops due to a complex interaction between excess oil production, bacterial proliferation, and “sticky” skin cells lining the hair follicle, which lead to inflammation.

Acne can have a number of appearances.  It can present as a combination of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), pus-filled spots (pustules) or deep painful red cysts. Its severity can vary from a few spots on the face, neck, back and chest to a more significant problem that may cause scarring and profound impact on self-confidence.”

Despite acne being so common, there are still many misconceptions that surround it. Myths include that acne sufferers are dirty or don’t wash properly, that their diet is poor or that they will ‘grow out of it’. These myths play a huge part in the stigma surrounding the condition and the perception of it by non-sufferers.

In fact, British Skin Foundation statistics show that teenagers with acne can often be bullied by friends, family and even people they don’t know.

Our survey of 10-18 year-olds with acne found that

  • 62% reported being verbally abused by friends, family or a person they know because of their acne
  • 40% reported being verbally abused by a member of the public due to their acne
  • 46% reported being bullied regularly due to their acne

Worryingly, this can lead to thoughts of self-harm or even suicide.

  • 19% have contemplated suicide due to their acne, with another 4% actually attempting suicide
  • 19% have considered self-harm and a further 16% have actually self-harmed

More positively, our survey discovered that almost half (48%) of 10-18 year-olds surveyed rely on their family for support for their acne.

It also revealed that over half (52%) of those surveyed have tried five or more treatments for their acne.

The British Skin Foundation’s Dr Anjali Mahto explains “Acne, for the majority of people is a treatable skin disorder, and having suffered with it myself, I really do feel that no one should just have to live with it.  A good dermatologist can offer a large number of potential treatments that can be tailored to the individual.  Unfortunately, the skin is such a visible organ, that it’s only natural that self-esteem is so closely tied to it.

People do underestimate acne and the impact it has on those suffering with it. I think these results highlight that acne should be taken far more seriously.  It is important to seek help and advice early before scarring (be that mental or physical) develops and request referral to a dermatologist if treatments aren’t working.  We also need to investigate the psychological burden of this further.”

Top tips for combatting acne by Dr Mahto include:

  • Cleanse your face twice a day with a face wash designed for acne-prone skin. Products that contain salicylic acid and zinc may be beneficial.  Exfoliate your skin weekly – this will remove the upper layer of skin cells, resulting in a brighter complexion and help reduce blackheads Try over the counter acne treatments such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to apply directly onto spots
  • Avoid heavy cosmetics and products that will block pores and choose items that are oil-free and non-comedogenic
  • See your GP or a dermatologist if your acne fails to respond to these measures, if you notice scarring, or it is starting to affect your self-esteem

*10-18 year-olds

British Skin Foundation Teenage Acne Survey 2014-2017 525 respondents, 10-18 year-olds

The British Skin Foundation is the only UK charity dedicated to raising funds for skin disease and skin cancer research. Our unwavering commitment to funding quality research means we won’t stop until we’ve found cures for common skin problems like eczema and acne through to potential killers like malignant melanoma. To date we’ve raised £15 million to fund research projects since 1996.  

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BSF – Pollution: How it affects our skin

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Concerned about the effects of pollution on the skin? Dr Anjali Mahto, Consultant Dermatologist & British Skin Foundation Spokesperson discusses the measures you can take at home to protect your skin.

pollution of environment by combustible gas of a car

Dr Mahto explains, “As skin is your outermost barrier, it is one of the first and largest targets for air pollution. So, what exactly is air pollution? Air pollutants include the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), volatile organic compounds (VOC), oxides, particulate matter, ozone, and cigarette smoke. Prolonged and repetitive exposure to these agents can have negative effects on the skin. Scientific studies in both animals and humans have shown that these components of air pollution can contribute to premature skin ageing (wrinkling, pigmentation spots) and worsening of inflammatory skin diseases such as eczema, psoriasis and acne. One major mechanism is via the generation of reactive oxygen species that can damage DNA in skin cells.” So short of leaving the city and moving into the countryside, what can you do to limit damage? Dr Mahto recommends the following…

  1. Cleanse your skin every night to remove dirt and environmental toxins from the skin surface
  2. Exfoliate once weekly (less if you have dry or sensitive skin) to give your skin a deeper clean. This will also improve the penetration of any products that are later applied to the skin.
  3. Use an antioxidant serum – antioxidants such as vitamin C and resveratrol have the ability to neutralize damage caused by reactive oxygen species.   They certainly have a role in your anti-ageing armory.
  4. Use a regular sunscreen (SPF 15 or above) – don’t forget your skin also needs UV protection to help reduce risk of skin cancers and signs of premature ageing.
  5. Moisturise daily, particularly if you have a tendency to dry, inflammatory skin conditions e.g. eczema and psoriasis. This will keep your skin hydrated helping to maintain the integrity of the barrier function of your skin.

“For many of us settled in city life, it is worth thinking about taking extra precautionary measures to protect against noxious chemicals we are exposed to on a daily basis. We may not be able to control the environmental factors that lead to skin inflammation and ageing, but it is in our hands to try and limit these.” Dr Anjali Mahto.

 

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How Home Renovation Affects Allergies and Eczema

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By Bryn Huntpalmer (bio below) Those two words you’ve been dreaming of may also come with a sense of dread: home renovation. Can you really update your home if you have allergies and eczema? The good news is you can, and it may actually improve your allergies in the long run to update your home now. […]
It’s an Itchy Little World