Lactose-intolerance may induce severe chronic eczema

Int Arch Allergy Immunol. 1997 Aug;113(4):516-8. doi: 10.1159/000237632.

Abstract

The primary acquired lactase deficiency of the adult is known to cause various disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract while extraintestinal symptoms are unusual. Here we report on a histologically proven chronic eczema requiring corticosteroid treatment for several months. It was obviously induced by a concomitant lactose intolerance since the introduction of a lactose-free diet led to a complete disappearance of the eczema and allowed the discontinuation of the corticosteroid treatment. As far as we know, this is the first case report of an eczema caused by a lactose intolerance.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Bacteria / immunology
  • Biopsy
  • Eczema / diagnosis*
  • Eczema / diet therapy
  • Eczema / drug therapy
  • Epitopes / immunology
  • Humans
  • Intestines / microbiology
  • Lactose Intolerance / complications*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Skin / immunology
  • Skin / pathology

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Epitopes