Sperm Abnormalities 

What Is Acquired Cutis Laxa?

[dropcap]A cquired cutis laxa is an uncommon skin disorder characterized by abnormal reduction and degeneration of elastic fibers of the skin that can appear simply as thick, saggy skin with loose folds to severe involvement showing a premature aged appearance.

Q: What are elastic fibers of the skin?

A: Elastic fibers of the skin are connective tissue found in the dermis, which is the layer of skin under the epidermis, or surface layer. They hold the shape of skin and are important for wound healing in the development of scars.

What Is Cutis Laxa In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity?

• Cutis laxa is an associated immune disorder in celiac disease. There is a reduction and degeneration of dermal elastic fibers in biopsies from loose hanging skin.
• The association between celiac disease and other immune disorders may be due to the sharing of a common genetic background, such as HLA antigens.
• However, in a very large study, involving 909 patients with celiac disease, Ventura and his associates found that the development of immune disorders in celiac disease was clearly related to the duration of exposure to gluten.¹

How Prevalent Is Cutis Laxa In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity?

Cutis laxa is an uncommon disorder associated with celiac disease.²

What Are The Symptoms Of Cutis Laxa?

• Cutis laxa is marked by thick, loose and sagging skin.

How Does Cutis Laxa In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity Develop?

• Cutis laxa results from possible immune mechanism, although the mechanism is unclear. Direct immunofluorescence from non-inflammatory skin in a 35 year old patient revealed granular IgA deposits at the membrane zone and fibrillar IgA deposits in the dermal papillae and elastic fibers. Anti-gliadin, anti-reticulin, and anti-endomysium antibodies were present and jejunal biopsy positive for celiac disease. A possible IgA-mediated immune mechanism for the development of generalized acquired cutis laxa is suggested.³
• This disorder also involves nutritional deficiencies including copper, vitamin A, and vitamin C, which are common in celiac disease.

Does Acquired Cutis Laxa Respond To Gluten-Free Diet?

Studies are inadequate to determine response to gluten free diet.

6 Steps To Improve Acquired Cutis Laxa In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity:

• [dropcap]1 Remove the Trigger. Maintain a Strict, Nutritious Gluten Free Diet:

[box type=”shadow” ]Treatment. This condition responds to the complete elimination of gluten, which is the required treatment that improves both skin and gut health.

• Gut health is the foundation to restore ALL health. Restored health will enable you to maintain a strict gluten free diet, just as other life tasks will be easier.
• A strict gluten free diet means removing 100% of wheat, barley, rye and oats from the diet.
• Cutting out bread and other obvious sources of gluten is not good enough for recovery. Even 1/8th teaspoon of flour or bread crumb is enough to sustain the inflammation that is damaging your small intestine, causing increased permeability (leaky gut) and allowing undigested gluten to enter your body where it can damage structures and function, and instigate immune inflammatory responses.

Correct Your Individual Nutritional Needs.

• Eat foods that can replenish missing nutrients. Find them under NUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES.
• Take nutritional supplements as needed. Find them under NUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES.

Recovery. You should begin to feel better within a week and notice more energy as inflammation subsides and the  absorbing cells that make up the surface lining of your small intestine are better able to function.

• Intestinal lining cells are replaced every 5 days. The healing process is like sunburn where the damaged surface layer of skin sloughs off and is replaced with new normal cells.
• Leaky gut normally resolves in two month after starting a gluten free diet and brings about a big improvement in health. Improvement in intestinal permeability precedes morphometric recovery (cell appearance and structure) of the small intestine in celiac disease.⁴
• The intestinal lining may take up to a year to heal.[/box]

• [dropcap]2  Reduce Inflammation. Foods to Eat and Foods Not to Eat:

Because gluten is inflammatory, eliminate OTHER inflammatory foods from your diet to reduce an additive effect to gluten. At the same time, try to eat foods that reduce inflammation (anti-inflammatory).

[box type=”shadow” ]Here Are Major Inflammatory Food Types That Reduce Healing:

• Damaging Foods. In susceptible persons, includes corn, dairy (cow), and soy. Lactose, the sugar in any animal milk disrupts intestinal permeability causing leaky gut.⁵
• Allergenic Foods. Includes foods that trigger the immune sytem to produce IgE antibodies. Allergy testing is the usual way to discover these offending foods.
• Shelf Stable Processed Foods. Includes any that contain additives and preservatives. Look for them on the nutrition label of the box or package. Additives and preservatives also disrupt intestinal permeability causing leaky gut.⁵
• Fats. Limit deep fried foods, trans-fats, saturated fats (animal fat/butter), and EXCESSIVE omega-6 fatty acid oils like corn oil. Rancid fats, sodium caprate (a medium chain fat), and sucrose monester fatty acid (a food grade surfactant) induce significant disruption of the intestinal barrier that causes leaky gut.⁵.
• Excessive Refined White Flours (bran layer removed). Includes products made from them such as cookies, bread, cakes, pies. Bran contains the vitamins and minerals that metabolize grains and slows the otherwise rapid entry of sugar from their digestion into the bloodstream. Also disrupt intestinal permeability causing leaky gut.⁵
• Refined Sugars.  Includes white sugar, corn fructose and high fructose corn syrup.
• Certain Spices. Includes paprika and cayenne pepper which disrupt intestinal permeability causing leaky gut.⁵
• Alcohol and Caffeine. Disrupt intestinal permeability causing leaky gut.⁵[/box]

[box type=”shadow” ]Here Are Important Anti-Inflammatory Food Types to Promote Health:

• Fruits. Contain ample amounts of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals which are naturally occuring components in plants that detoxify toxins, carcinogens (reducing the risk by 50%) and mutagens.
• Non-Starchy Vegetables. Support intestinal integrity and provide ample amounts of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. Includes lettuce, kale, onion, broccoli, garlic, and others.
• High Quality Complex Carbohydrates. Provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber while boosting serotonin levels to help you relax and feel calm. Includes whole grains, legumes, and root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, turnips, red beets, and others.
• Antioxidants. Protect the body from inflammatory oxidant molecules that continually occur and help us handle stress and reduce irritability. Includes vitamin C-containing foods such as lemon, grapefruit, apricot, Brussels sprouts and strawberries, and others. Also, includes vitamin E-containing foods such as nuts, seeds, avocado, olive oil, and others. Cocoa is good, too.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Balance opposing omega-6 fatty acids and bad fats. Fish sources includes tuna, salmon, cod, and others. Plants sources include flax, chia seeds, canola oil, and others.
• Probiotics. Supply normal microbes needed for colon health and health of the body such as these fermented foods: yogurt, kefir, and unpasteurized apple cider vinegar.
• Prebiotics/ High Fiber Foods.  Food with fiber keeps our population of colonic microbes healthy.
• Protective Herbs and Spices.  See below #6 below for examples.[/box]

• [dropcap]3  Information Sheet You Can Take to Your Doctor or Other Health Professional:

Click here.

 

• [dropcap]4  Manage Your Medications Safely:

[box type=”shadow” ]

Certain prescription drugs cause deficiencies of these nutrients: copper, vitamin A, and vitamin C that can promote acquired cutis laxa. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about this possible adverse effect if you are taking any of the drugs listed below. Do not stop prescribed medications without supervision.

 This is not a complete listing.

ANTACIDS / ULCER MEDICATIONS

• Pepcid®, Tagamet®, Zantac® deplete Vitamin A,  Copper.
• Magnesium and Aluminum Antacid preparations (Gaviscon®, Maalox®, Mylanta®) deplete Vitamin A,  Copper.

ANTIBIOTICS disrupt intestinal permeability.

• Gentomycin, Neomycin, Streptomycin, Cephalosporins, Penicillins deplete Vitamin C.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORIES disrupt intestinal permeability.

• Corticosteroids (Prednisone, Medrol®, Aristocort®, Decadron) deplete Vitamin C.
• Aspirin and Salicylates deplete Vitamin C.

ANTICONVULSANTS

• Phenobarbital and Barbituates; and Dilantin®, Tegretol®, Mysoline®, Depakane/Depacon® deplete Copper.

ANTIVIRAL AGENTS

• Zidovudine (Retrovir®, AZT and other related drugs) deplete Copper.

CHOLESTEROL DRUGS

• Colestid® and Questran® deplete Vitamin A.

DIURETICS

• Loop Diuretics (Lasix®, Bumex®, Edecrin®) depletes Vitamin C.

FEMALE HORMONES disrupt intestinal permeability.

• Oral Contraceptives (Norinyl®, Ortho-Novum®, Triphasil®, and others) deplete Vitamin C.
• Oral Estrogen/Hormone Replacement (Evista®, Prempro®, Premarin®, Estratab® and others) deplete Vitamin C.[/box]

• [dropcap]5 Nutritional Supplements To Help Correct Deficiencies:

[box type=”shadow” ]

The type and quantity of nutritional supplements that may be needed depend on which nutrients are deficient.

• Multivitamin/mineral combination once a day is useful to improve overall nutrient levels. This is a safe dose, but always check with your doctor to avoid interactions with medications.
• Copper as prescribed following blood test for status.
• Vitamin C as prescribed following blood test for status.
• Vitamin A as prescribed following blood test for status.

Storage Note: Store container tightly sealed, away from heat, moisture and direct light to avoid loss of potency. That is, in a safe kitchen cabinet – not in the bathroom or on the kitchen table.[/box]

• [dropcap]6 Manage Natural Remedies: 

[box type=”shadow” ]Hydration:

• Eight glasses of water are recommended per day unless there is a contraindication such as kidney or heart disease. The Institute of Medicine recommends approximately 2.7 liters (91 ounces) of total water, from all beverages and foods, each day for women and 3.7 liters (125 ounces) daily of total water for men.
• If you are thirsty, drink water. Add fresh, squeezed lemon to water. Lemon is anti-inflammatory, alkalizing and provides vitamin C.
• Hydration Test: Urine should be pale yellow. Fingertips should be plump, without pruning but this may not be reliable when fingers are swollen with edema. Lips should be plump, without puckering. The feeling of thirst can be unreliable.
• What is wrong with soda, coffee, tea, and alcohol? These drinks are dehydrating, increase acid, and deplete nutrients.[/box]

[box type=”shadow” ]Carminatives. The following  anti-inflammatory plant sources called carminitives help heal the digestive tract. They also tone the digestive muscles which improves peristalsis, thus aiding in the expulsion of gas from the stomach and intestine to relieve digestive colic and gastric discomfort.

Carminative Food Remedies:

• Raspberry.
• Carrot is also a cleansing digestive tonic.
• Grape is also bile stimulating and a cleansing remedy for sluggish digestion and laxative.
• Redbeets also stimulate and improve digestion and are easily digested.
• Cabbage also stimulates and improves digestion and is also a liver decongestant.
• Lettuce also stimulates and improves digestion and is also an alterative, meaning it improves the function of organs involved with the digestion and excretion of waste products to bring about a gradual change.
• Potatoes are antispasmodic (due to atropine like properties) and a liver remedy.

Carminative Herb Remedies:

• Sage is also a digestive, astringent, bile stimulant and energy tonic that heals the mucosa.  Drink as tea or use in cooking.
• Chamomile, lemon balm, and fennel, (as a tea) also help relieve nervous tension.
• Parsley also relieves indigestion.
• Rosemary as a tea and in cooking also is a nervous system tonic for stress and fatigue, bile stimulant, and can relieve headaches and indigestion.
• Thyme is also soothing remedy useful for stimulating digestion of rich, fatty foods.

Carminative Spice Remedies:

• Cloves are also antispasmodic.
• Nutmeg is also useful for indigestion.
• Ginger.[/box]

[box type=”shadow” ]Exercise Helps:

Exercise improves circulation and rids the body of toxins.

• Walking is aerobic exercise that reconditions the whole body to improve stamina. Read more about Exercise and Fitness.
• Weight training builds muscle. Read more about Exercise and Fitness.
• Stretching improves flexibilty. Read more about Exercise and Fitness.

Note: Exercise is important, but the amount and type of exercise undertaken depends on your health. Your first priority is to heal. [/box]

What Do Medical Research Studies Tell About Cutis Laxa In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity?

“Generalized acquired cutis laxa associated with coeliac disease: evidence of immunoglobulin A deposits on the dermal elastic fibres.” This case report of a 35 year old man with generalized acquired cutis laxa (GACL) associated with a persistent papular erythematous eruption that histopathologically (biopsy proof) showed some resemblence to dermatitis herpetiformis describes investigation and subsequent diagnosis of celiac disease.

A marked reduction and degeneration of dermal elastic fibers was noted in biopsies from loose hanging skin. Direct immunofluorescence from non-inflammatory skin revealed granular IgA deposits at the membrane zone and fibrillar IgA deposits in the dermal papillae and elastic fibers. Anti-gliadin, anti-reticulin, and anti-endomysium antibodies were present and jejunal biopsy positive for celiac disease. A possible IgA-mediated immune mechanism for the development of GACL is suggested.²

Sources:

1. La Villa G, Pantaleo P, Tarquini R, Cirami L, Perfetto F, Mancuso F, Laffi G. Multiple immune disorders in unrecognized celiac disease: a case report. World J Gastroenterol. 2003;9(6):1377-1380, Available at: http://www.wjgnet.com/1007-9327/9/1377.asp. Accessed Jan 3, 2005. [↩]
2. Garcia-Patos V, Pujol RM, Barnadas MA, et al. Generalized acquired cutis laxa associated with coeliac disease: evidence of immunoglobulin A deposits on the dermal elastic fibres. The British Journal of Dermatology. Jul 1996;135(1):130-4. [↩] [↩]
3. Garcia-Patos V, Pujol RM, Barnadas MA, et al. Generalized acquired cutis laxa associated with coeliac disease: evidence of immunoglobulin A deposits on the dermal elastic fibres. The British Journal of Dermatology. Jul 1996;135(1):130-4. [↩]
4. Cummins AG, Thompson FM, Butler RN, et al. Improvement in intestinal permeability precedes morphometric recovery of the small intestine in coeliac disease. Clinical Science. Apr 2001;100(4):379-86. [↩]
5. Farhadi A, Banan A, Fields J, Keshavarzian A. Intestinal barrier: an interface between health and disease. Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2003;18:479-91. [↩] [↩] [↩] [↩] [↩] [↩]