What is Potato Eczema
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Before detailing on what is potato eczema, let us see what eczema is. Eczema is a chronic condition generally identified during infancy, but it can also affect adults. It is an inflammatory rash that affects the skin of the face, arms and legs and makes it itchy. Till date the cause of eczema is unknown, but there are certain factors that trigger the allergic condition. This includes airborne allergens, emotional stress, soap or smog, fragrance of any product or material and some food.
What is Potato Eczema?
Potato or Solanum tuberosum belongs to the solanaceae family. This family also includes eggplants, tomatoes, melons, cherries, green peppers and pears. Potato eczema flare-up occurs to those who are allergic to these nightshade vegetables.
Potatoes are vegetables containing proteins, glycoproteins and alkaloids. Sol T or patatin is one of these proteins that may cause eczema. The immune system of a person suffering from potato eczema recognizes the proteins in the potato as a harmful element and releases various chemicals in the body. This results into allergic reactions causing itching and burning of the skin.
In many American diets, potatoes form a staple diet. People eat them in different forms which include mashed, fried and baked. Anyone having immunological problems or predisposition towards allergies can get affected by potato eczema.
Effects of Potato Eczema
A person suffering from potato eczema shows symptoms like severe nausea, diarrhea, swelling of the throat, vomiting and asthma. The skin becomes dry and appears to be scaly, leathery and blotchy.
Natural Treatment of Potato Eczema
Potato eczema can be treated naturally by applying a cool, wet compress, avoiding scratching, eating uncooked oatmeal and taking a warm bath with baking soda. Eliminate strong deodorants, soaps and any product having strong fragrance from your daily routine. Try to keep your skin moisturized.
Medical Treatment of Potato Eczema
The best way to treat potato eczema is by avoiding consumption of potatoes and potato based products. To reduce the inflammation and the itch, it is recommended to wash the affected areas and apply hydrocortisone cream at regular intervals. Those with severe potato eczema must visit a doctor specializing in allergies, immunology and asthma.
Considerations
Cook the potatoes and its byproducts well before consuming them. Many potato allergens lose its effectiveness when cooked at a high flame or exposed to heat.
Potato eczema is very rare. Although lots of research work has been done in this area, no particular cure or medicine has been developed. It can only be handled through a balanced diet and avoidance of allergens, according to MayoClinic.com.
So here is a brief description on what is potato eczema, its effects and treatment. A person suffering from potato eczema must take good care of himself/herself to avoid the after effects.
About the Author
John sterling is a well known physician who has done his graduated from the Louisiana State University Medical School, New Orleans. He is practicing as a general physician from last 10 years. He has a good knowledge of treating patients with problems using clinical best practices and protocols. He gives individualized, updated, personal attention to his patient at the uppermost level of clinical efficiency. His special interests are Neuro Somatic disorders, heart diseases, neurological disorders, join pains and chest diseases. Currently he is working at Kindred hospitals.
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