Folliculitis & MGD

[LaDiva]

I am hoping patients and pros will have comments. I have MGD, ocular rosacea and tear deficiency. The most puzzling part for me has been the poor quality of the oil in my glands. I have had bouts of folliculitis (I think it is folliculitis) on my head, forehead, hairline, backs of my arms, and now my legs. (It doesn't itch.) I was most interested in reading several posts that say folliculitis is tied to MGD. I am taking low dose antibiotics, and this cleared the acne on my head and face, but the meibomian glands continue to be a problem (although they are better), and I continue to have problems with the back of my arms and now legs. I use TheraTears Nutrition, and eat healthy oils, nuts, and other foods that should promote healthy oil. I also use a good probiotic, use compresses and do scrubs. What else can be done to improve the oil quality? The problem seems to be the way oils are broken down in the system.

http://www.dryeyezone.com/talk/showt...t=folliculitis

http://www.dryeyezone.com/talk/showt...MGD&highlight=

http://www.dryeyezone.com/talk/showt...t=folliculitis

[NotADryEye]

You might look into the oils and nuts you are consuming. They key is the ratio between Omega 3's and Omega 6's. 06's have pro-inflamatory properties whereas 03's have anti-inflamtory properties.

Most people consume diets that are too high in Omega 6's. Some nuts contain a lot of Omega 3's e.g. Brazil nuts. But Brazil nuts contain an enormous amount of Omega 6's, so the ratio of Omega 3 to Omega 6 is not good.

Olive oil is high in O3.
Expeller pressed Sunflower oil is neutral.
Grapeseed oil is among the highest in O6.
Corn oil is high in O6.

Animals that are fed high corn diets have fat that is high in 06.
Grass fed beef, on the other hand, is higher in 03.

You might want to do some further research.

Incidentally, an ayurvedic doctor once told me to avoid chicken and turkey because they are "heating." Eventually I learned that chicken and turkey, the skin especially, is high in O6. Perhaps this is why chicken soup is great for colds and flu's. You do want some inflamtion - healing - when you are ill.

From Pubmed:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12442909

[LaDiva]

Thanks NDE. I will do more research, and appreciate the information. Looking at your link, different ratios are good for different health issues. Does anyone know the optimum ration for eyes? Thanks again!

[NotADryEye]

If I recall correctly from a discussion with the manufacturer where I get my 03, the correct percentage for dry eye is 8%. (If anyone knows otherwise, I'll stand corrected). That's a number for the general population. In other words, a statistic. Your ideal 03 ratio may be higher or lower.

Because it is difficult to measure exactly how much 03 one consumes, I try to avoid foods high in 03 as much as I can. It's not always possible. I also take my 03 supplements religiously, about 2800 mg daily. Up to 4000 mg 03 is generally safe. Always check with your doctor.

If you need to have some surgery or procedure, you may be asked to stop the 03. I needed a biopsy and the lab required I stop taking 03 for 2 weeks. I insisted right back and was referred to a surgeon who did the biopsy without stopping 03. I did not stop the 03 prior to AMT surgeries on both eyes.

[LaDiva]

Thank you!