Eczema Articles

Eczema can be treated safely and effectively by immunotherapy, of which there are currently two forms:

1. Enzyme Potentiated Desensitisation (EPD)
2. The Provocation Neutralisation Technique

Eczema is an allergic disease. It is caused by multiple allergens in our diet and environment. There is no way that anyone can avoid all of these allergens, so the only thing to do is to immunise the body against them.

This has been called Immunotherapy and has a long history dating back to the 1890s. In 1906 a method was developed which was called Incremental Immunotherapy (I.I.T.). The method consisted of injecting small doses of allergens - dust, grass, pollens etc.- into a patient and, over a period of months, increasing the dose with each injection. The theory was that by introducing progressively larger doses of an allergen into the body the immune system would be forced to build up an immunity to these allergens. It worked for about 20% of people, but was always risky, and in the 1980s Incremental Immunotherapy was withdrawn from use in the UK. Several countries, however, still use it.

In the 1960s two new forms of immunotherapy were developed quite independently of each other - Enzyme Potentiated Desensitisation, and Neutralisation. Both methods are effective in immunising the body against the harmful effects of nearly all allergens, such as dust, moulds, foods, grasses, fur, feathers, and many chemicals, and both methods are now used worldwide.

EPD and Neutralisation are not accepted by the established medical profession, and many doctors have never even heard of them. Some doctors will confuse EPD and Neutralisation with the old I.I.T. method, and will say that Immunotherapy has been withdrawn from use because it was unsafe. This is correct only for I.I.T. The two methods that I am talking about - EPD and Neutralisation - have not been withdrawn. They both have a Special Licence from the Drugs Safety Act and both are available if you know where to look for them.

Enzyme potentiated desensitisation

This was developed in England in 1966 by Dr. L.E. McEwen and is now used worldwide. EPD is an ultra low dose technique, and the dose does not increase. A natural enzyme - beta glucuronidase, which is part of the body's defense system - is incorporated with the allergens. This enzyme enhances or potentiates the desensitisation. Testing for individual allergens is not necessary because the dose is so minute that many allergens can be included in each treatment. It is given by intradermal injection at intervals of ten weeks for one year, three monthly for one year, and six monthly after that.

Provocation neutralisation technique

This was developed in the 1960s America by Dr. J. B. Miller and is now used worldwide. Diagnostic testing consists of a serial dilution (rather like a homeopathic dilution) of known or suspected allergens being injected intradermally into the patient's arm from stronger to weaker dilutions. The dilution which produces no reaction is the neutralising point.

This dilution is the treatment dose, which is then prepared and given to the patient for self-administration. Neutralisation Therapy can be taken in two ways: intradermal injection; or drops under the tongue (Neutralisation is sometimes called "the drops method").

Improvement can be immediate, but this will quickly wear off, and treatment must be continued for two to three years for long-term benefit. Neutralisation is effective, and has a good safety record when administered by an experienced specialist. A fuller explanation of Neutralisation will be prepared by Dr. Jean Monro for the Features Section of TalkEczema. For a list of practitioners in the UK please write personally to TalkEczema , who can supply the list.

Warning

Both EPD and Neutralisation can only be administered by a qualified doctor who has also specialised in allergies. Do not go to anyone who is not a doctor for either of these treatments. It is necessary to demand evidence of qualifications and the Special Licence to administer these treatments. I have heard of people with no medical training whatever who claim to practice Immunotherapy, This is fraudulent, and can be very dangerous.

Personal note

Ten years ago I was covered in weeping eczema from head to foot. The itching almost drove me mad, and the infections nearly killed me. I have found total cure through a combination of diet and EPD. The full story is told in my book 'Eczema and Food Allergy' published by Merton Books price £7.95.

Jennifer Worth was formerly ward sister & midwife, and author of Eczema & Food Allergy and the books about her days as a midwife which resulted in the popular TV drama Call the Midwife