Tuesday, December 27, 2005
The Eczema Condition: Is Your Skin Too Clean?
Americans almost seem obsessed with cleanliness. A walk into the local grocery store or department store reveals one or more aisles of products related to personal hygiene. Shoppers often have a wide selection of choices of soaps, facial washes, scrubs, and shampoos. Is it possible for us to be "too clean"?
The outer layer of the skin acts a barrier against potentially dangerous organisms. Normally, the skin maintains a delicate balance of water, fats, pH, and turnover of skin cells. Washing removes the oils in the skin, upsetting the moisture balance, and compromising the protective barrier properties. It's particularly a problem in the cold, dry months of winter. Eventually, too-frequent washing can lead to chronic damage to the outer layer of the skin and cause the development of rough, dry skin and conditions, such as irritant contact dermatitis or eczema. Ironically, while washing is meant to remove germs, research shows dry, damaged skin actually harbors more disease-causing GERMS than healthy skin. In addition, in people with damaged skin, washing is less effective in removing germs. One study found the number of organisms spread by nurses who wash frequently with antimicrobial soap actually increased over time.
There are other reasons to be concerned about over-cleanliness. Not all bacteria are bad. But personal cleaning products don't distinguish between the good and the bad ?washing it all away. In addition, overly clean environments may not be good for infants and children. We need some exposure to GERMS for our immune system to develop antibodies and to learn how to respond to an infection. Some researchers speculate the increase in asthma and other immunological diseases may be related to decreased exposure to GERMS and poorly developed immune systems.
There are some small steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of skin problems from personal hygiene routines. Try to limit washing to one bath or shower a day. Use a mild cleanser and warm (not hot) water. Pat dry the skin with a soft towel. Use a moisturizer immediately after washing to seal moisture in the skin and reduce further moisture loss.
The outer layer of the skin acts a barrier against potentially dangerous organisms. Normally, the skin maintains a delicate balance of water, fats, pH, and turnover of skin cells. Washing removes the oils in the skin, upsetting the moisture balance, and compromising the protective barrier properties. It's particularly a problem in the cold, dry months of winter. Eventually, too-frequent washing can lead to chronic damage to the outer layer of the skin and cause the development of rough, dry skin and conditions, such as irritant contact dermatitis or eczema. Ironically, while washing is meant to remove germs, research shows dry, damaged skin actually harbors more disease-causing GERMS than healthy skin. In addition, in people with damaged skin, washing is less effective in removing germs. One study found the number of organisms spread by nurses who wash frequently with antimicrobial soap actually increased over time.
There are other reasons to be concerned about over-cleanliness. Not all bacteria are bad. But personal cleaning products don't distinguish between the good and the bad ?washing it all away. In addition, overly clean environments may not be good for infants and children. We need some exposure to GERMS for our immune system to develop antibodies and to learn how to respond to an infection. Some researchers speculate the increase in asthma and other immunological diseases may be related to decreased exposure to GERMS and poorly developed immune systems.
There are some small steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of skin problems from personal hygiene routines. Try to limit washing to one bath or shower a day. Use a mild cleanser and warm (not hot) water. Pat dry the skin with a soft towel. Use a moisturizer immediately after washing to seal moisture in the skin and reduce further moisture loss.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Information On Eczema Clinical Trials
The Pediatric and Adolescent Dermatology office at Children's Hospital in San Diego is conducting a research study to help treat pediatric eczema.
This new study is assessing a skin cream compared to a placebo (no active ingredient) to help treat the condition. The study is enrolling children 6 months to 12 years of age with mild-to-moderate eczema.
The research site is in San Diego.
More Information
Please see http://www.centerwatch.com/patient/studies/cat625.html.
This new study is assessing a skin cream compared to a placebo (no active ingredient) to help treat the condition. The study is enrolling children 6 months to 12 years of age with mild-to-moderate eczema.
The research site is in San Diego.
More Information
Please see http://www.centerwatch.com/patient/studies/cat625.html.
Friday, December 16, 2005
Treatment Gets FDA Approval
More than 15 million Americans are diagnosed with atopic dermatitis, commonly referred to as eczema. There's a new therapy available by prescription.
While many products to treat eczema are currently available, the FDA has recently cleared a new approach in managing the signs and symptoms of eczema called Mimyx cream.
Unlike current prescription therapies, Mimyx is safe enough to be used on patients of any age and there is no limit on the duration of use.
The chronic inflammatory disease that affects 90 percent of patients within the first five years of their lives, is characterized by red, dry, itchy skin that rashes.
This uncomfortable and unpleasant condition largely affects children but can also affect adults and often leads to sleep interruption due to the severity of the itch.
While many products to treat eczema are currently available, the FDA has recently cleared a new approach in managing the signs and symptoms of eczema called Mimyx cream.
Unlike current prescription therapies, Mimyx is safe enough to be used on patients of any age and there is no limit on the duration of use.
The chronic inflammatory disease that affects 90 percent of patients within the first five years of their lives, is characterized by red, dry, itchy skin that rashes.
This uncomfortable and unpleasant condition largely affects children but can also affect adults and often leads to sleep interruption due to the severity of the itch.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Patients Sought For Eczema Studies
The National Jewish Medical and Research Center is seeking a variety of patients for two separate eczema studies. Both studies will be conducted at the Center in Denver, Colorado. Patients who are selected will be compensated for their time.
Patients Needed With a History of Eczema Herpeticum
This study, which will take place over a four-year period, is looking for patients of any age who have a history of eczema herpeticum. The purpose of this study will be to determine why eczema patients are at an increased risk of developing this condition after receiving a smallpox vaccine. For more information about this study, please contact Judy Lairsmith at (303) 270-2413.
Patients Needed With a History of Eczema and Sleep Problems
This study, which will take place over a four-week period, is looking for patients ages 18 to 60 who have experienced sleep problems caused by mild to moderate eczema (atopic dermatitis). The purpose of this study is to determine if a recently approved sleep medication will improve the eczema or sleep disturbances. For more information about the study visit the Web site or contact Craig Jones at (303) 398-1672.
Source: 12/08/05 National Jewish Medical and Research Center News Release
Patients Needed With a History of Eczema Herpeticum
This study, which will take place over a four-year period, is looking for patients of any age who have a history of eczema herpeticum. The purpose of this study will be to determine why eczema patients are at an increased risk of developing this condition after receiving a smallpox vaccine. For more information about this study, please contact Judy Lairsmith at (303) 270-2413.
Patients Needed With a History of Eczema and Sleep Problems
This study, which will take place over a four-week period, is looking for patients ages 18 to 60 who have experienced sleep problems caused by mild to moderate eczema (atopic dermatitis). The purpose of this study is to determine if a recently approved sleep medication will improve the eczema or sleep disturbances. For more information about the study visit the Web site or contact Craig Jones at (303) 398-1672.
Source: 12/08/05 National Jewish Medical and Research Center News Release
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Christmas Season Can Trigger Eczema
The Christmas season along with cold weather bring on health symptoms most people associate with colds or the flu. These symptoms could very well be allergy-related.
Are you suffering from hives, eczema, nasal congestion, sinus headaches, chronic cough, bronchitis, or asthma? You may be suffering from allergies.
The following factors are often associated with Christmas allergies.
Pulling out the Christmas decorations and putting up the Christmas tree, whether it be real or artificial, can cause allergic reactions in those individuals with dust and mold allergies.
Those with fragrance sensitivity suffer more during the holiday season. The smell of Christmas abounds from scented candles, potpourri and sales of perfumes.
Did you know stress can aggravate your allergies? Psychological stress suppresses the immune system which may result in increased frequency and duration of colds and flu, allergies, and asthma.
Ingredients found in many holiday treats including eggnog, cookies and candy can cause a variety of symptoms for the food allergic individual and can even be deadly for some
Are you suffering from hives, eczema, nasal congestion, sinus headaches, chronic cough, bronchitis, or asthma? You may be suffering from allergies.
The following factors are often associated with Christmas allergies.
Pulling out the Christmas decorations and putting up the Christmas tree, whether it be real or artificial, can cause allergic reactions in those individuals with dust and mold allergies.
Those with fragrance sensitivity suffer more during the holiday season. The smell of Christmas abounds from scented candles, potpourri and sales of perfumes.
Did you know stress can aggravate your allergies? Psychological stress suppresses the immune system which may result in increased frequency and duration of colds and flu, allergies, and asthma.
Ingredients found in many holiday treats including eggnog, cookies and candy can cause a variety of symptoms for the food allergic individual and can even be deadly for some
Monday, December 05, 2005
Natural Eczema Treatment
Recipe for eczema from
The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy
by Valerie Ann Worwood:
Combine:Chamomile 10 drops
Yarrow 5 drops
Tagettes 5 drops
Diluted in:Vegetable Oil 2 tablespoons
Jojoba Oil 30 dropsEvening
Primrose Oil 10 drops
Apply to affected area twice daily
The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy
by Valerie Ann Worwood:
Combine:Chamomile 10 drops
Yarrow 5 drops
Tagettes 5 drops
Diluted in:Vegetable Oil 2 tablespoons
Jojoba Oil 30 dropsEvening
Primrose Oil 10 drops
Apply to affected area twice daily
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