Why did Eczema get worse on LDN?LDN Side Effect Eczema: Integrative Functional Medicine Quincy San Antonio

Why did Eczema get worse on LDN?

Question:

I'm curious! My eczema worsened since I started LDN. But I do think I've had fewer allergic reactions (I can swell up from unknown causes, usually when I eat something odd or sleep in another place, so maybe laundry detergent or house mites?). Why would my eczema get worse, though?

Answer:

First, what does LDN do?

LDN is thought to modulate the immune system, mostly by:

• Blocking opioid receptors briefly, which leads to a rebound increase in endogenous endorphins.

• Modulating microglial cells in the central nervous system (reducing neuroinflammation).

• Altering T-regulatory (Treg) cell function, helping balance overactive immune responses.

So in theory, it should help with autoimmune or inflammatory conditions — including allergies and eczema. But paradoxical reactions can happen.

Why could your eczema get worse?

Here are some possible reasons:

1. Immune System Rebalancing

LDN may be shifting your immune response — sometimes this initial rebalancing flares up existing conditions before they improve. Think of it like “unmasking” inflammation that was being suppressed in another way.

2. Th1/Th2 Immune Shift

LDN may shift the immune response from Th2-dominant to a more Th1-balanced profile. Eczema is typically Th2-mediated, so this shift can initially aggravate it — before calming down later on. Meanwhile, allergic responses (like your swelling episodes) might improve with this Th2 dampening, which fits what you're describing.

3. Endorphin/Opioid Receptor Effects on the Skin

LDN increases endorphins, and skin has opioid receptors. There’s some evidence that these can influence itch perception, inflammation, and barrier function. You might be unusually sensitive to these changes, especially if you already have thin or inflamed skin.

4. Histamine Sensitivity

LDN doesn’t directly block histamine, but immune modulation might change how your body responds to histamine triggers (dust mites, detergents, food additives). It’s possible your threshold for skin irritation went down temporarily.