Wednesday, May 31, 2006
New Fiber Offers Possible Relief For Eczema
An Osaka-based textile maker has developed a new fiber that is effective in soothing the itchiness of atopic dermatitis.
About 80 out of 100 atopic dermatitis sufferers found in clinical testing that their itchiness was reduced when wearing underwear made from the fiber.
Those who suffer from atopic dermatitis, more commonly called eczema, have intense itchiness of skin. And the attendant excessive scratching further aggravates the skin condition by bacterial infection and bleeding, causing more itchiness.
Drawing on research conducted by Shinshu University and other institutions, the textile maker, Daiwabo Neu Co., dyed a fiber with iron phthalocyanine, an organic chemical that destroys the protein that accelerates itchiness.
As a result, the firm found that the fiber decomposes allergens such as dust mites and house dust, which are a major cause of itchiness.
In the tests, around 100 sufferers wore underwear made of the fiber when they went to sleep at night. In the morning, they answered questions about how itchy they felt. Doctors also checked their skin for the presence of scratches on their bodies.
About 80 out of 100 atopic dermatitis sufferers found in clinical testing that their itchiness was reduced when wearing underwear made from the fiber.
Those who suffer from atopic dermatitis, more commonly called eczema, have intense itchiness of skin. And the attendant excessive scratching further aggravates the skin condition by bacterial infection and bleeding, causing more itchiness.
Drawing on research conducted by Shinshu University and other institutions, the textile maker, Daiwabo Neu Co., dyed a fiber with iron phthalocyanine, an organic chemical that destroys the protein that accelerates itchiness.
As a result, the firm found that the fiber decomposes allergens such as dust mites and house dust, which are a major cause of itchiness.
In the tests, around 100 sufferers wore underwear made of the fiber when they went to sleep at night. In the morning, they answered questions about how itchy they felt. Doctors also checked their skin for the presence of scratches on their bodies.
Exposure To Cats Increases Risk Of Eczema
Children who are exposed to cats soon after birth face an increased risk of developing eczema, an inflammatory condition that causes the skin to become red, scaly and itchy, says a study.
Esmeralda Morales at the University of Arizona in Tucson and other researchers studied 486 children and asked their parents how many cats and dogs they had in the house at the time the child was born, according to science portal EurekAlert.
The researchers then followed up one year later to see which children had been diagnosed with eczema. Of the 134 children with cats in the household, 27.6 percent had eczema by one year of age, compared with 17.8 percent of 286 children without cats.
Previous studies have found that people with eczema have a higher chance of also having allergic conditions, including hay fever and asthma.
"Other studies have found that having cats or dogs at home seems to be protective against allergic diseases, so we expected to have similar findings," said Morales.
Being exposed to two or more dogs at home suggested a slightly protective, but not significant, effect on children’s risk of developing eczema, he however said.
"Pets are a source of a compound called endotoxin, and if a child is exposed to endotoxin early in life, the immune system may be skewed away from developing an allergic profile," she said.
It is possible that the children in the study who developed eczema at age one might end up having a reduced risk of asthma or other allergic diseases later in life, Morales noted.
"The findings do seem to add more questions about pets and asthma and allergies," she said. "Since there are a lot of contradictory data out there already, clearly it’s a topic that needs further research."
Esmeralda Morales at the University of Arizona in Tucson and other researchers studied 486 children and asked their parents how many cats and dogs they had in the house at the time the child was born, according to science portal EurekAlert.
The researchers then followed up one year later to see which children had been diagnosed with eczema. Of the 134 children with cats in the household, 27.6 percent had eczema by one year of age, compared with 17.8 percent of 286 children without cats.
Previous studies have found that people with eczema have a higher chance of also having allergic conditions, including hay fever and asthma.
"Other studies have found that having cats or dogs at home seems to be protective against allergic diseases, so we expected to have similar findings," said Morales.
Being exposed to two or more dogs at home suggested a slightly protective, but not significant, effect on children’s risk of developing eczema, he however said.
"Pets are a source of a compound called endotoxin, and if a child is exposed to endotoxin early in life, the immune system may be skewed away from developing an allergic profile," she said.
It is possible that the children in the study who developed eczema at age one might end up having a reduced risk of asthma or other allergic diseases later in life, Morales noted.
"The findings do seem to add more questions about pets and asthma and allergies," she said. "Since there are a lot of contradictory data out there already, clearly it’s a topic that needs further research."
Early Skin Lesions Indicate Risk Of Atopic Eczema
Eczema at the arms and joints are the early skin lesions that are the most predictive of atopic dermatitis in young children, according to a new study.
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, indicates a hypersensitivity to something in the environment and may occur together with symptoms of asthma or hay fever. The condition is usually genetic, and may also be particularly severe during the winter months. The itchy, painful condition can affect just about any area of the body.
The current study involved 411 infants who were born to mothers with a history of asthma. During follow-up until 3 years of age, the subjects were seen every 6 months and whenever any skin symptoms presented. Fifty-five subjects had incomplete follow-up and were not included in all of the analyses.
Forty-four percent of the children had developed atopic dermatitis by 3 years of age, Dr. Hans Bisgaard, from Copenhagen University Hospital, and colleagues report. Disease occurrence peaked at 2 years of age in boys and at 2.5 years in girls, but no other gender-based differences were noted.
Atopic dermatitis in young children typically started in the scalp, forehead, ear, and neck, before moving on to the trunk and extremities, the authors note.
As noted, the best predictors of atopic dermatitis were early skin lesions of the arms and joints, the report indicates.
"This improved description of the progression of skin lesions facilitates early diagnosis of atopic dermatitis in infancy and allows studies examining the early intervention and prevention strategies," the authors conclude.
SOURCE: Archives of Dermatology May 2006.
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, indicates a hypersensitivity to something in the environment and may occur together with symptoms of asthma or hay fever. The condition is usually genetic, and may also be particularly severe during the winter months. The itchy, painful condition can affect just about any area of the body.
The current study involved 411 infants who were born to mothers with a history of asthma. During follow-up until 3 years of age, the subjects were seen every 6 months and whenever any skin symptoms presented. Fifty-five subjects had incomplete follow-up and were not included in all of the analyses.
Forty-four percent of the children had developed atopic dermatitis by 3 years of age, Dr. Hans Bisgaard, from Copenhagen University Hospital, and colleagues report. Disease occurrence peaked at 2 years of age in boys and at 2.5 years in girls, but no other gender-based differences were noted.
Atopic dermatitis in young children typically started in the scalp, forehead, ear, and neck, before moving on to the trunk and extremities, the authors note.
As noted, the best predictors of atopic dermatitis were early skin lesions of the arms and joints, the report indicates.
"This improved description of the progression of skin lesions facilitates early diagnosis of atopic dermatitis in infancy and allows studies examining the early intervention and prevention strategies," the authors conclude.
SOURCE: Archives of Dermatology May 2006.
Monday, May 22, 2006
Standard Medications For Treating Eczema
The following medications are most commonly used to treat eczema: Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine which is used to help decrease the amount of itching. These medications may cause drowsiness. Some new antihistamines are also available that do not cause drowsiness; Topical steroid creams used to help to decrease the inflammation in the skin, thus decreasing the itching and swelling. Many topical steroids in various strengths are available. Steroids, if overused, are potentially damaging to the skin. Other options include oral antibiotics; oral cyclosporine designed to suppress the immune system; phototherapy; topical immunomodulators which are a new class of drugs for the treatment of eczema. These drugs are used topically to alter the immune response.
Monday, May 15, 2006
Treating Eczema With Tea Tree Oil May Lead To More Problems
ALLERGIC reactions to tea-tree oil are rising as more people mistakenly apply the popular herbal substance undiluted and directly to the skin.
Dermatologists have warned the public to take care when using tea-tree-derived products, which despite their seemingly benign origin have powerful antiseptic properties even at low concentrations.
Tea-tree oil is sold almost pure as an essential oil and is included in many skin and hair products. It is often used to treat sores, cuts and abrasions, even acne.
A study to be presented at a conference of dermatologists in Melbourne today found that the longer the tea-tree oil product was used after opening, the greater its potential for causing skin irritation, as the oil "readily oxidises to become more allergenic".
It is not a substance routinely "patch tested" by allergy specialists who see patients with unexplained dermatitis. But researchers found that of 2320 people tested over five years at one clinic, 41 (1.8 per cent), had a positive reaction. It was deemed the cause of dermatitis in 41 per cent of cases.
Study co-author Rosemary Nixon, of the Skin and Cancer Foundation, said allergy specialists should be aware of tea-tree oil's potential to cause skin rashes.
"We are not saying don't use it - we are just saying it shouldn't be used in a concentrated form and directly applied to the skin," she said. It was an effective antiseptic in concentrations of 5 to 10 per cent, said Dr Nixon.
Dermatologists have warned the public to take care when using tea-tree-derived products, which despite their seemingly benign origin have powerful antiseptic properties even at low concentrations.
Tea-tree oil is sold almost pure as an essential oil and is included in many skin and hair products. It is often used to treat sores, cuts and abrasions, even acne.
A study to be presented at a conference of dermatologists in Melbourne today found that the longer the tea-tree oil product was used after opening, the greater its potential for causing skin irritation, as the oil "readily oxidises to become more allergenic".
It is not a substance routinely "patch tested" by allergy specialists who see patients with unexplained dermatitis. But researchers found that of 2320 people tested over five years at one clinic, 41 (1.8 per cent), had a positive reaction. It was deemed the cause of dermatitis in 41 per cent of cases.
Study co-author Rosemary Nixon, of the Skin and Cancer Foundation, said allergy specialists should be aware of tea-tree oil's potential to cause skin rashes.
"We are not saying don't use it - we are just saying it shouldn't be used in a concentrated form and directly applied to the skin," she said. It was an effective antiseptic in concentrations of 5 to 10 per cent, said Dr Nixon.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Living With Nummular Eczema
Nummular eczema is a name given to a stubborn, sometimes itchy rash that forms coin-shaped patches on the skin. The lesions as they get older may clear in the center resembling ring worm or fungus. The condition tends to be chronic, with periods of quiescence and exacerbation.The cause is unknown although it is more common in the winter. Nummular eczema is frequently associated with dry skin. Wool, soaps and frequent bathing (more than once a day) often worsen the condition. People with eczema have skin that is dry and easily irritated by soap, detergents, and rough wool clothing. Clothes washed or dried with liquid or sheet fabric softeners such as Cling, may also irritate the skin. Hot and cold weather often aggravates eczema. Certain allergies may worsen eczema, but they don't cause it.
Monday, May 01, 2006
Treating Eczema
Specific strategies to employ in the successful treatment of eczema:
Do your homework- ask questions before you begin the new treatment
Use your support networks. Ask your friends with eczema if they have experience with the therapy.
Look carefully at the product's ingredient list, printed on the package. There should also be a Product Insert (PI) sheet for all FDA-approved prescription drugs. If you do not get one, ask your pharmacist, prescribing physician, or check the Physician's Desk Reference (PDR), available in most public libraries. Most PI's are also available over the Internet.
A good pharmacy is an important source of health information. When filling your prescription, the pharmacist will double-check to see that the drug is the right one, and should offer instructions on how to use the medication properly. If the ingredients of a product you are considering aren't fully disclosed on the label, beware. If all ingredients are stated, you can usually track down why they are included, and what they do. Drugs and pharmaceutical products must designate the name of the "active ingredient"-the therapeutic agent. The rest of the ingredients are usually "helpers" to make the product easier to use or to extend its shelf life. In the case of creams or lotions, there will be emulsifiers, preservatives, perfumes, or dyes. Unfortunately, any of these non-active ingredients can cause irritation or allergic reactions for sensitive or allergic skin. Ointments (also called "greases") don't need these, as a rule, because most active drugs against eczema mix well with ointments. After a little experience, you will become expert at reading labels.
Pick a specific day to start the therapy. Try to pick a time that will minimize the possibility that other things happening in your life may cause misleading results. If you're a woman, don't start the therapy while you are menstruating, as hormonal changes may affect your eczema. Avoid consuming alcohol or engaging in activities which may cause dehydration. Be aware that other drugs (prescription or not) can mask a therapeutic effect of the new regimen, or could possible have an adverse effect when combined with a new therapy.
If you hope to replace an existing therapy with a new one you've never tried, start the new one on a part of your body that is relatively free of eczema, to eliminate the possibility that something in it may cause allergic contact eczema, thus making your problems worse. Or better still, mark a small area where you will try the new agent and then only apply it there, using your regular regimen everywhere else. Once you've tried this for a day or two, try the new therapy on one side of your body and the old one on the other.
Be patient! Results may not be immediate. The healing process takes several days, even with a tissue as active as skin.
Remember that treating skin disease is a mixture of both science and art, and fine-tuning may improve the outcome, even with relatively small changes. It's best to make these in close partnership with your trusted provider. A small proportion of persons with eczema will learn that their disease is primarily based on an allergic reaction to something. Indeed, the hope of every person with eczema is for a real cure, but at this writing there isn't one in sight. The clinical management of this disease remains quite complex, with much trial and error required. It's always a good idea to look into any rumored new therapy, whether you actually try it or not. And if you do try it, don't be too put off by apparent failures, or too ecstatic at what appear to be promising results. Although your disease is stubborn, it is also manageable. This information sets forth current opinions from recognized authorities, but it does not dictate an exclusive treatment course. Persons with questions about a medical condition should consult a physician who is knowledgeable about that condition.
Do your homework- ask questions before you begin the new treatment
Use your support networks. Ask your friends with eczema if they have experience with the therapy.
Look carefully at the product's ingredient list, printed on the package. There should also be a Product Insert (PI) sheet for all FDA-approved prescription drugs. If you do not get one, ask your pharmacist, prescribing physician, or check the Physician's Desk Reference (PDR), available in most public libraries. Most PI's are also available over the Internet.
A good pharmacy is an important source of health information. When filling your prescription, the pharmacist will double-check to see that the drug is the right one, and should offer instructions on how to use the medication properly. If the ingredients of a product you are considering aren't fully disclosed on the label, beware. If all ingredients are stated, you can usually track down why they are included, and what they do. Drugs and pharmaceutical products must designate the name of the "active ingredient"-the therapeutic agent. The rest of the ingredients are usually "helpers" to make the product easier to use or to extend its shelf life. In the case of creams or lotions, there will be emulsifiers, preservatives, perfumes, or dyes. Unfortunately, any of these non-active ingredients can cause irritation or allergic reactions for sensitive or allergic skin. Ointments (also called "greases") don't need these, as a rule, because most active drugs against eczema mix well with ointments. After a little experience, you will become expert at reading labels.
Pick a specific day to start the therapy. Try to pick a time that will minimize the possibility that other things happening in your life may cause misleading results. If you're a woman, don't start the therapy while you are menstruating, as hormonal changes may affect your eczema. Avoid consuming alcohol or engaging in activities which may cause dehydration. Be aware that other drugs (prescription or not) can mask a therapeutic effect of the new regimen, or could possible have an adverse effect when combined with a new therapy.
If you hope to replace an existing therapy with a new one you've never tried, start the new one on a part of your body that is relatively free of eczema, to eliminate the possibility that something in it may cause allergic contact eczema, thus making your problems worse. Or better still, mark a small area where you will try the new agent and then only apply it there, using your regular regimen everywhere else. Once you've tried this for a day or two, try the new therapy on one side of your body and the old one on the other.
Be patient! Results may not be immediate. The healing process takes several days, even with a tissue as active as skin.
Remember that treating skin disease is a mixture of both science and art, and fine-tuning may improve the outcome, even with relatively small changes. It's best to make these in close partnership with your trusted provider. A small proportion of persons with eczema will learn that their disease is primarily based on an allergic reaction to something. Indeed, the hope of every person with eczema is for a real cure, but at this writing there isn't one in sight. The clinical management of this disease remains quite complex, with much trial and error required. It's always a good idea to look into any rumored new therapy, whether you actually try it or not. And if you do try it, don't be too put off by apparent failures, or too ecstatic at what appear to be promising results. Although your disease is stubborn, it is also manageable. This information sets forth current opinions from recognized authorities, but it does not dictate an exclusive treatment course. Persons with questions about a medical condition should consult a physician who is knowledgeable about that condition.
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