ECZEMA TREATMENT

Treatment of Eczema Skin Conditions

2011-10-06T08:32:00.000-07:00

The sensitve skin of eczema responds well to treatment with Eczema-Ltd.
During the past 10 years, 98% of Eczema-Ltd III patients confirm that they are very pleased with their improvement of the appearance of their facial skin, knees, elbows, feet or any other eczema irritated skin area within days. The beneficial improvement in your eczema continues while being soothed with less itching rashes and other symptoms. Also to improve your comfort, Eczema-Ltd III has a 100% refund within 120 days for any reason or no reason.

Treating Eczema With Eczema-Ltd

2010-10-11T08:06:00.000-07:00

Eczema-Ltd III was invented by a team of Eczema Researchers with 40 years of collective eczema treatment research. Eczema-Ltd has Medical Patents in 73 countries where eczema sufferers live. Eczema-Ltd has no dangerous side effects.

It is important to treat the specific cause of your eczema, and the aggravating factors in as many ways as possible. One way to treat your eczema is behavioral with positive lifestyle changes such as better eating habits and reducing stress. Another way is by eliminating contact with environmental factors which can aggravate your sensitive skin such as allergens, harsh chemicals, certain metals, and irritating fabrics. A third way is through the use of Eczema-Ltd.

Eczema-Ltd III was designed for sensitive eczema skin. During the past 10 years, 98% of Eczema-Ltd III patients confirm that they are very happy with their improvement in the appearance of their facial skin condition within 2 to 3 weeks. The ingredients within Eczema-Ltd III are 99.2% natural ingredients that are already within the healthy human body which meets the needs of the body. There are no harsh, synthetic steroids, messy coal tars nor oral medications.

Options in Eczema Treatment

2010-08-30T09:18:00.000-07:00

1) 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.
2) 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.
3)Other options include oral antibiotics; oral cyclosporine designed to suppress the immune system;
4) 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.
5) Eczema-Ltd an all natural topical mineral option for the treatment of eczema.

Peri-oral Dermatitis

2010-05-28T10:53:00.000-07:00

Perioral Dermatitis is an eczema-like inflammation generally consists of small red bumps or even pus bumps and mild peeling as the skin is extremely aggravated. Often the skin around the nose is affected too, and sometimes it can affect the area under and around the eyes. There may be some flaking of the skin at the site of occurrence. Many times if the flaking is isolated to the lip area it may be mistaken for chapped lips. Perioral dermatitis is characterized by symptoms of microvesicles, scaling, and peeling.

Eczema Symptoms

2010-04-28T12:06:00.000-07:00

Eczema is a common skin disease. Symptoms of eczema include dry, rough, red, itchy, skin dryness, crusting, flaking, blistering, cracking, oozing, or bleeding skin. The most common symptom that people complain about is the itch that is a side effect of eczema. It's sometimes called the 'itch that rashes', meaning that once you start scratching, you develop a rash.

Eczema-Ltd Discusses Foot Eczema

2009-11-17T09:37:00.000-08:00

Foot eczema is a rash concentrated in scaly areas of irritated skin, common in children during wintertime when the air contains less moisture. Foot eczema can cause feet to dry out and crack. The most common cause of foot eczema is dyes used in the manufacture of shoes and sneakers, which are made with dyes and/or rubber. These irritants cause rashes and dry or scaly skin. Leather shoes also contain dyes. Also known as dyshidrosia or dyshidrotic eczema, foot eczema has nothing to do with sweating feet. Sweating is an important symptom in that it washes off natural oils, which lead to additional dryness. The symptoms of foot eczema are characterized by the sudden onset (1 to 3 days) of deep-seated, clear vesicles, which resemble the pearls in tapioca pudding. In the later stages, scaling, thickening, and painful fissuring may occur. Secondary bacterial infection is very often a complication with dyshidrotic eczema. Successful treatment may include wearing socks that are 60% cotton and changing shoes every day -- alternate 2 to 3 pairs of shoes. Follow recommended treatments for at least 4 months after skin has healed. It takes a long time for skin to recover, and unless you're careful the eczema will reoccur. Pompholyx or pedopompholyx eczema is vesicular foot eczema. In early stages it is seen as tiny blisters deep in the skin associated with itching and may cause a burning feeling. In later stages, it shows more peeling, cracking or crusting.

Xerotic eczema, winter itch, or asteatotic eczema is a rash that occurs in winter and in the elderly on the legs, arms, and hands. It is characterized by dry, cracked, fissured skin and redness. Stasis eczema is a rash of the lower legs, which is due to poor return of blood to the heart. Usually the inner leg is more involved than the outer lower leg. Sometimes the rash breaks down into a sore resulting in a stasis ulcer. It affects people with varicose veins.

Nummular eczema is a ringworm-like rash of circular, itchy, scaling patches, widespread on the arms and legs but may also be found on the trunk and buttocks. Nummular eczema is most common in older people with very dry skin.

Eczema-Ltd Discusses the Stages of Eczema

2009-10-29T09:39:00.000-07:00

Eczema, often called dermatitis (inflamed skin), affects people of all age groups, but is most common in infants and young adults.

Early stages of eczema can cause the skin to turn red, blister, and ooze. Later stages of eczema can cause the skin to turn a brownish color and be scaly. In almost every case, eczema itches. Eczema can be widespread or limited to a few areas. Atopic eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is the most common form of eczema. Eczema runs its course through three distinct phases: acute, sub acute, and chronic.

The usual symptoms associated with the acute stage of eczema include pain, heat, tenderness, and possible itching. The affected areas are characterized by extreme redness and drainage at the lesion site. In acute eczema you would experience vesicles, blisters, and intense redness of the skin. The skin surface will sting, burn, or may itch intensely. The common examples for this stage of eczema would include acute contact eczema, acute nummular eczema, stasis eczema, and pompholyx eczema. The standard courses of treatment at this time would include cold wet compresses, antihistamines, antibiotics, and possibly a short-term course of steroids. The acute disease typically is characterized by inflammation, redness, swelling, and itching, as well as some blistering and oozing. Skin biopsies show inflammatory cells and swelling.

The sub acute phase of eczema includes symptoms associated with skin redness and crusting; however, there is no extreme swelling. You may observe redness, scaling of the skin, fissures, and a parched or scalded appearance to the skin. People in the sub acute phase tend to complain about the symptom of itching more than the pain. The itching in the sub acute phase is generally slight to moderate with possible stinging and burning. The common examples of the sub acute phase include contact allergy, irritation, atopic eczema, stasis eczema, nummular and asteatotic eczema. The basic course of treatment at this time would include a topical steroid, emollients, antihistamines, and antibiotics. The sub acute disease typically is characterized by inflammation, redness, swelling, and itching, as well as some blistering and oozing. Skin biopsies show inflammatory cells and swelling.

Individuals with lesions developed over three months are referred to as having chronic eczema. Itching is a predominant symptom in this phase as well and scratching causes the lesion to worsen. In the chronic stages of eczema the skin would show a thickened, lichenified, excoriation and or fissuring appearance. At this time you would experience a moderate to intense itch. Chronic eczema most occurs in atopic eczema and lichen simplex chronic eczema, fingertip eczema, and hyperkeratosis eczema. Again your standard courses of treatment would include an antihistamine, antibiotics, emollients, and possibly a topical steroid. Chronic dermatitis is identified by thickened, leathery skin with excess ridges, as well as dark and dull skin. Under the microscope, the outermost (epidermal) skin layer is seen to proliferate and become elongated.

Treating Eczema

2009-10-22T08:37:00.000-07:00

It is important to treat the specific cause of your eczema, and the aggravating factors in as many ways as possible. One way to treat your eczema is behavioral with positive lifestyle changes such as better eating habits and reducing stress. Another way is by eliminating contact with environmental factors which can aggravate your sensitive skin such as allergens, harsh chemicals, certain metals, and irritating fabrics. A third way is through the use of prescription medications, moisturizers, Jojoba oil, or Eczema-Ltd III topical skin conditioner.

Eczema Ltd is dedicated to helping you to find new and novel ways to treat and control your eczema. The ingredients of Eczema Ltd III are exactly what the skin and body needs! Since it contains no irritating fragrances it provides the most favorable skin acceptance for those with damaged and sensitive eczema skin.

ITCHY PALMS – DYSHIDROTIC ECZEMA

2009-10-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

According to an old wives tale, nearly every bodily sensation or skin condition has an explanation. One such tale involves itchy palms. The tale states: if the palm of your right hand is itching, you’ll soon be coming into money. But if you scratch your right hand while it is itchy, it'll prevent the money from coming your way. If your palm of your left hand is itchy, this foretells that you will be paying money to someone, and you should scratch away to do get rid of or lower the payments.

In reality an itchy palm usually has to do with a nervous system or allergic response, and it’s unlikely that is has to do with money one way or the other. An itchy palm is a common symptom of dyshidrotic eczema which incudes itching of the hands and feet, resulting in a sudden onset of blisters. Symptoms of this rash include burning pain or itching may be experienced before blisters appear. The cause of dyshidrotic eczema may be sensitivity to nickel or other metals such as chromium or cobalt, also fragrances, fungal infection (tinea pedis), stress, aspirin, oral contraceptives, smoking, and implanted metals. Dyshidrotic eczema is a form of hand eczema, which is more common in women and starts on the sides of the fingers as itchy little bumps and then develops into a rash. It takes a long time for skin to recover, and unless you're careful, the eczema will reoccur. The symptoms of hand eczema include red, itchy, scaly, cracked skin with blisters up to one inch in diameter, usually on the palms of the hands. Dentists are prone to hand eczema. The cause of hand eczema is usually a combination of sensitive skin and irritation or an allergic reaction from materials touched. Prevention and avoidance can be a powerful treatment.

The following suggestions will be helpful for anyone with symptoms of hand eczema: Wear waterproof or cotton-lined gloves,
Avoid contact with soaps, detergents, scouring powders, and irritating chemicals. Wear waterproof gloves when peeling or squeezing lemons, oranges, or grapefruit, peeling potatoes, or handling tomatoes.
Wear heavy-duty gloves while gardening,
Wash dishes in a dishwasher,
Do not wash clothes by hand,
Avoid contact with turpentine, paint, and paint thinner, floor polish, and shoe polish.
Wash hands in warm water and a small amount of mild soap, rinse carefully and dry gently.
Wearing rings can cause hand eczema to become worse.

Should you refrain from scratching your right hand or even your left hand when it itches? The answer is yes. Eczema occurs as a result of an immune system response to an irritant either through contact, inhalation or ingestion. The body activates an immune system response often resulting in a flushed appearance, a rash, or welts on the skin. The symptoms of eczema include itching, redness, dry/flaky skin, and even blisters. Usually the first symptom of eczema is intense itching; this itching can be very uncomfortable and individuals may tend to scratch the skin. The itchy feeling is an important symptom in eczema, because scratching and rubbing in response to itching worsen the skin inflammation characteristic of eczema. Scratching makes the eczema symptoms worse. The dry skin will become redder in color and may even crack due to scratching. Scratching may also lead to infection. The urge to scratch symptom becomes a repetitive cycle: the more you scratch, the more it itches.

As unusual as these old wives tales may sound, there are people who believe in them, and these theories are still being spread today from generation to generation. Just as outdated treatments for an itchy palm continue to be considered the standard if treatment. Among the many outdated treatments are Coal tar which has been used to treat the itching and inflammation caused by skin conditions for hundreds of years. The tar contains chemicals that soothe the skin. Crude coal tar is a byproduct of oil production. It makes the skin more sensitive to light. In its natural state it is a thick, brownish-black substance that is messy to apply to the skin. Refined coal tar preparations, many of which are available over the counter, may be more cosmetically acceptable. Coal tar has been used for many years to treat psoriasis and it has few side effects. However, it does not work for everyone. In addition to being messy to use, it has a strong odor and can stain skin and clothing. It can cause sun sensitivity, and may irritate acute eczema. The smell may be offensive to some people.

A few years ago, primrose oil was touted as a topical therapy for hand eczema, but it later was shown not to work. In November 1998, an American Medical Association journal, Archives of Dermatology, published a report listing several other plant extracts being used for skin conditions similar to eczema: calendula officinalis (marigold); chamomile; witch hazel; licorice root; and aloe vera gel. Unfortunately, a history of use doesn't necessarily translate to a history of effectiveness. Indeed, some of these substances, or their vehicle gel/lotion, may worsen your condition.

Climate Changes Affect Atopic Eczema

2007-02-13T11:29:00.000-08:00

ReferenceByremo, G., Rod, G. and Carlsen, K.H. 2006. Effect of climatic change in children with atopic eczema. Allergy 61: 1403-1410.
BackgroundAtopic eczema, to quote the authors of this study, "is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by itching, lesions and lichenification," especially at "the flexure sites of the major joints of the upper and lower extremities." The pain and itching associated with the disease, as they describe it, "may cause depressive symptoms, social isolation and reduced self-perception," negatively influencing the quality of life in both children and their caretakers. They further report that epidemiological studies suggest climate influences the disease's prevalence, noting that "atopic eczema has been reported worldwide to be positively associated with latitude and negatively with temperature (Weiland et al., 2004)."
What was doneThirty children, 4 to 13 years of age with severe atopic eczema, were transported from their homes in Norway to the Canary Islands, where they stayed for a period of four weeks before returning, while 26 similarly-infected children of the same age group stayed at home in Norway the entire time. All were evaluated for various disease characteristics (1) at the start of the study, (2) at the conclusion of the group-of-30's four-week period of stay in the Canary Islands, and (3) three months after the 30 children left the islands to return home to Norway. The specific disease parameters employed in the evaluation were the Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis, the Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index, skin colonization by Staphylococcus aureus, and pharmacological skin treatment.
What was learnedNoting that temperatures during the children's stay in the Canary Islands were much higher than they were back in Norway, Byremo et al. report that their time in the warmer climate significantly reduced the severity of atopic eczema, and that the youths improved in (1) severity of eczema, (2) quality of life, and (3) bacterial skin culture, which was reflected in (4) a reduction in the use of topical steroids, antihistamines and topical antibiotics. These positive changes were observed at the conclusion of the 4-week stay in the Canary Islands, as well as back home in Norway three months later. In fact, the researchers state that the four weeks spent in the Canary Islands "led to a lasting improvement for the children," while "the control group did not show similar improvement."
What it meansAlthough greater exposure to sunlight and the effect of regularly bathing in seawater, such as the children did at the Canary Islands, likely played positive roles in reducing the severity of their atopic eczema, the results of this study once again proved harmonious with the worldwide negative correlation that prevails between eczema and temperature, suggesting that global warming may well prove beneficial to people unfortunate enough to suffer from it.

Reference:Weiland, S.K., Husing, A., Strachan, D.P., Rzehak, P. and Pearce, N. 2004. Climate and the prevalence of symptoms of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic eczema in children. Occupational and Environmental Medicine 61: 609-615.

Exploring the Connection Between Rosacea and Seborrheic Dermatitis

2007-01-03T11:16:00.000-08:00

Research by Bass & Boney Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in 1999 determined that patients with rosacea often have seborrheic dermatitis which co-exists in 35% of sufferers which makes for a most delicate skin condition.(1)

In the summer of 2004, research by the National Rosacea Society verified these facts in a study of their own:

“According to a new study, rosacea is the most common facial skin disorder overlapping with seborrheic dermatitis (SD), a chronic and recurring inflammatory condition characterized by a red, scaly or itchy rash often found in the creases around the nose, the inner eyebrows or as dandruff on the scalp. Dr. James Del Rosso, clinical assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Nevada, found that 26 percent of rosacea patients had facial SD and 28 percent had SD of the scalp.(2)
Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition which results in overactive sebaceous glands which cause inflammation, flaking and a red rash in the central portion of the face. If one looks closely, the flakes usually have a greasy look, smell and feel. The dryness of seborrheic dermatitis is perceived because of the flaking which consists of dried layers of accumulated oil.
Seborrheic dermatitis usually affects the scalp, but can also affect other parts of the body, such as eyebrows, eyelids, the folds of the nose, lips, behind or inside the ears, in the external ear, the forehead and the chin and the skin of the trunk, particularly around the navel, in the skin folds under the arms, in the groin, or under the breasts.
In infants seborrheic dermatitis is referred to as cradle cap or infantile eczema.
Rosacea-Ltd can be used on skin that is sensitive to the occurrence of both rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis.

Associated Reference
1. Patients with Rosacea often have seborrheic dermatitis which co-exist in 35% of sufferers which makes for a most delicate skin condition; and even more so when adult acne co-exist with rosacea in approximately 82% of sufferers. The combination of the three is quite aggravating as seen by years of past efforts, the treatment of one condition aggravates the other two medical conditions.
2. Del Rosso J. The prevalence of seborrheic dermatitis in patients with other commonly encountered facial dermatoses. Poster presentation, American Academy of Dermatology summer meeting, New York, July 2004.

Nummular Eczema

2006-12-11T11:34:00.000-08:00

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.

Understanding And Treating Peri-oral Dermatitis

2006-11-02T08:02:00.000-08:00

Scaly, erythematous papular and papulopustular rashes on the face are a common sight for dermatologists, and a number of possible diagnoses come to mind.
When these eruptions are concentrated mostly perinasally and around the mouth, experienced dermatologists diagnose perioral dermatitis (POD). Yet novice dermatologists must be wary not to use perioral dermatitis as a waste paper basket diagnosis. This eruption can mimic several other dermatoses, each having a different etiology.
Nikki A. Levin, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of medicine in the division of dermatology at University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Mass., offered her experience and insight on recognizing perioral dermatitis and how best to treat this chameleon-like dermatosis.
Different factors
Dr. Levin says, "There are many different factors that can exacerbate this common dermatosis, with corticosteroids being by far the most commonly cited precipitant, constituting 85 percent to 90 percent of presenting cases. Patients with an atopic diathesis and altered skin barrier are also at high risk for POD. Atopy may predispose patients to POD per se or it may predispose them to having potent topical corticosteroids in their possession that, in turn, may lead to POD. Patients who use foundations, moisturizers and make-up have a 13-fold increased risk to develop POD over those who use none of these. Although hormonal factors have been suggested as a cause of POD due to the female predominance, there is no correlation with the use of oral contraceptives or with the phase of the menstrual cycle."
Dr. Levin cites studies in which toothpaste ingredients, such as fluoride and anti-tartar agents, are implicated. In a case series of 65 patients with POD, all had used fluoride toothpastes. Half of the patients cleared when they made the switch to a non-fluoride toothpaste and the rest cleared upon switching to baking soda.
In another case series of 20 patients with POD, all had used tartar control toothpaste. All of these patients cleared with avoidance of this toothpaste. Interestingly, when 11 of these patients were rechallenged with tartar control toothpaste three times a day, a recurrence was noticed in all of the patients.
Typical areas of involvement
The typical areas of involvement of POD are around the mouth with a narrow zone of sparing around the vermillion border of the lips, as well as the chin, upper lip and perinasal skin.
Less common areas include the periocular skin, eyelids, glabella and the forehead. Here, it is important to note that the periocular skin may be involved with the absence of any perioral involvement.
Be wary, clinicians
Rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis belong on the long list of differential diagnoses, but can be ruled out because of the characteristic telangiectasia, erythema and facial flushing seen in rosacea (and not in POD), and seborrheic dermatitis is usually more scaly than papular and also tends to involve the eyebrows, scalp and forehead.
Contrary to POD, lip licker's dermatitis presents as a confluent erythema, scale and crust in a contiguous distribution without papules or pustules, and acne vulgaris can present with comedones affecting the cheeks, forehead, back, shoulders and chest areas and not only the perioral skin as in POD.
Less experienced clinicians might confuse POD with a contact dermatitis. This rash is characterized by erythema, scale and crusts and may occur around the mouth due to allergy to lip cosmetics, gum, candy, food, dental appliances and musical instruments. The difference is that a contact dermatitis is typically pruritic and usually has sharply defined borders, whereas POD is papular and usually has non-distinct margins.
Dr. Levin says that other differential diagnoses that the clinician must always keep in mind include demodex infestation, papular sarcoidosis, lupus miliaris disseminatus faciei, familial juvenile systemic granulomatosis, eruptive syringomas or xanthomas, and acrodermatitis enteropathica, most of which are not confined to the centro-facial skin and/or present with more than just erythematous papules.
Essential to treatment
"The discontinuation of topical corticosteroids is essential to treat POD," Dr. Levin says. "The patient should be warned that this will most likely cause a temporary flare of the rash. Substituting less potent corticosteroids in a tapering fashion may prevent the flare and improve patient compliance. The patient should also stop using facial moisturizers and make-up."
According to Dr. Levin, the gold standard of treatment for POD is oral tetracycline antibiotics. Tetracycline 250 to 500 mg b.i.d., minocycline 100 mg b.i.d., or doxycycline 100 mg b.i.d. are all effective. She suggests that the dosing should be full strength for three to four weeks or until the patient begins to respond, and then half strength (e.g. reduce to once daily dosing) for another three to four weeks until the symptoms resolve.
Topical regimens that appear to be effective in the treatment of POD include metronidazole 0.75 percent, 1 percent or 2 percent cream, erythromycin 1.5 to 2 percent solution or ointment (with or without 1 percent hydrocortisone), clindamycin gel, azelaic acid 20 percent, as well as adapalene gel 0.1 percent. Also, photodynamic therapy has also shown promise in clearing this eruption.
Dr. Levin says that with treatment, patients will usually clear rapidly. Patients may get better without any treatment if they strictly avoid potent corticosteroids, moisturizers and make-up.

Irritant Contact Eczema

2006-10-31T09:23:00.000-08:00

Irritant contact eczema is produced by a substance that has a direct toxic effect on the skin. After exposure to an irritant, a skin reaction can occur immediately or gradually after repeated exposure.

Examples of common irritants include acids (certain toilet bowl and drain cleaners, dishwasher detergents), alkalis (ammonia, lye), cement, turpentine, and paint thinners.

With acute and mild exposure, there is typically redness, swelling, and oozing. If left untreated, the condition can result in dry, thickened, cracked skin.

Irritant contact eczema is often more painful than itchy, and is the result of an offending agent that actually damages the skin with which it comes into contact. The longer the skin is in contact—or the more concentrated the agent—the more severe the reaction.

Water with added soaps and detergents is the most common cause. Thus, it is not surprising that these reactions appear most often on the hands, and are frequently work-related Individuals with other skin diseases, are most susceptible.

New Theories On The Cause Of Eczema

2006-10-18T10:14:00.000-07:00

Contrary to popular belief, eczema is not caused by an allergy and has a big genetic component, new research shows. The painful condition, often lumped with allergies, hay fever and asthma as being the result of an overactive immune system, is caused by cracks in the skin that allow irritants such as soap to get in.
A report in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found two-thirds of asthma patients who had eczema had a form that was triggered by something other than an allergic reaction.
“If a child has skin that is a bit fragile and then spends hours being washed with bubble bath and shampoo, sitting in an air-conditioned room and wearing synthetic clothing it is very likely they will develop eczema,” Perth dermatologist Kurt Gebauer said.

The West Australian

'Prebiotic' Reduces Risk Of Eczema In Infants

2006-10-11T11:28:00.000-07:00

STEVEN REINBERG
c. 2006 HealthDay News
Distributed by The New York Times Syndicate
Adding a supplement to infant formula that encourages the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria lowers the chances of high-risk babies developing eczema, an international team of researchers report.Using this "prebiotic" boosts the development of an immature immune system, the scientists explained, and that can help prevent allergies. Human breast milk contains natural prebiotics.In the study, researchers made an infant formula based on the prebiotic content of human breast milk, and tested it on a group of high-risk babies. At least one parent of each child had a history of eczema, hay fever or asthma. The study was published in the July 26 online issue of the Archives of Disease in Childhood.Infants who develop eczema are likely to develop other allergies as they age. In fact, 75 percent of infants who have eczema go on to develop hay fever, and half of those will go on to develop asthma.The infants were placed into two groups: 102 were given a prebiotic formula, and 104 were given a normal formula.Over six months, 10 babies receiving the prebiotic formula developed eczema, compared with 24 who received the normal formula."Although further studies are needed to understand completely the mechanism behind the immune-modulating effect of the studied prebiotics, the data support the potential role of prebiotics as dietary manipulation for primary allergy prevention during infancy," the study authors concluded.The study, done by German, Italian and Dutch researchers, was partially funded by Numico Research Friedrichsdorf, a subsidiary of the Numico infant nutrition food company.One expert thinks the use of prebiotics to prevent infant allergies will continue to grow, but he cautions that more research is needed before this approach is proven."This study demonstrates for the first time that prebiotics given to human infants decreases the likelihood of atopic dermatitis," said Dr. Martin G. Martin, a professor of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition at Mattel Children's Hospital at the University of California, Los Angeles.Martin noted the prebiotic was given to children who were at high risk for developing eczema. However, most infants who develop eczema do not have a family history of the disease or of any allergies, he said."It would be nice to look at the broader population, where 80 percent have no family history of allergies," Martin said. "It would be nice to see if these prebiotics have the same beneficial effects in this group."Prebiotics may be the wave of the future in preventing childhood allergies, Martin said. "But these results need to be repeated to see if this first observation is true," he said. It remains to be seen if using prebiotics to prevent eczema also prevents hay fever and asthma from developing, Martin added.

THE SYMPTOMS OF ECZEMA

2006-09-28T11:43:00.000-07:00

The symptoms of eczema include itching, redness, dry/flaky skin, and even blisters. Usually the first symptom of eczema is intense itching; this itching can be very uncomfortable and individuals may tend to scratch the skin. The itchy feeling is an important symptom in eczema, because scratching and rubbing in response to itching worsen the skin inflammation characteristic of eczema. Scratching should be avoided because it can only make the eczema symptoms worse. The dry skin will become redder in color and may even crack due to scratching. Scratching may also lead to infection. It is a good idea, therefore, to keep fingernails cut short and to keep the hands occupied during the day in order to control the urge to scratch. The urge to scratch symptom becomes a repetitive cycle: the more you scratch, the more it itches.

Tips To Control Eczema

2006-09-22T11:12:00.000-07:00

Limit your contact with things that can irritate your skin.
Some things that may irritate your skin include household cleansers, detergents, aftershave lotions, soap, gasoline, turpentine and other solvents. Try to avoid contact with things that make you break out with eczema. Because soaps and wetness can cause skin irritation, wash your hands only when necessary, especially if you have eczema on your hands. Be sure to dry your hands completely after you wash them.

Wear gloves to protect the skin on your hands.
Wear vinyl or plastic gloves for work that requires you to have your hands in water. Also, wear gloves when your hands will be exposed to anything that can irritate your skin. Wear cotton gloves under plastic gloves to soak up sweat from your hands. Take occasional breaks and remove your gloves to prevent a buildup of sweat inside your gloves.
Wear gloves when you go outside during the winter. Cold air and low humidity can dry your skin, and dryness can make your eczema worse.

Wear clothes made of cotton or a cotton blend.
Wool and some synthetic fabrics can irritate your skin. Most people with sensitive skin feel better in clothes made of cotton or a cotton blend.

Care for your skin in the bath or shower.
Bathe only with a mild soap, such as Dove, Basis or Oil of Olay. Use a small amount of soap when bathing. Keep the water temperature cool or warm, not hot. Soaking in the tub for a short time can be good for your skin because the skin's outer layer can absorb water and become less dry. Soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Then use a soft towel to pat your skin dry without rubbing. Immediately after drying, apply a moisturizer to your skin. This helps seal in the moisture.

Use the medicine your doctor has prescribed for you.
When your eczema flares up (gets worse), use the medicine prescribed by your doctor. Use it right after bathing. Medicine used to treat eczema is usually a steroid medicine that you rub on your skin. Follow your doctor's directions for using this medicine or check the label for proper use. Call your doctor if your skin does not get better after 3 weeks of using the medicine.

Use a moisturizer on your skin every day.
Moisturizers help keep your skin soft and flexible. They prevent skin cracks. A plain moisturizer is best. Avoid moisturizers with fragrances (perfume) and a lot of extra ingredients. A good, cheap moisturizer is plain petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline). Use moisturizers that are more greasy than creamy, because creams usually have more preservatives in them.
Regular use of a moisturizer can help prevent the dry skin that is common in winter.

Avoid scratching or rubbing the itchy area.
Try not to scratch the irritated area on your skin even if it itches. Scratching can break the skin. Bacteria can enter these breaks and cause infection.

Avoid getting too hot and sweaty.
Too much heat and sweat can make your skin more irritated and itchy. Try to avoid activities that make you hot and sweaty.

Learn how to manage stress in your life.
Eczema can flare up when you are under stress. Learn how to recognize and cope with stress. Stress reduction techniques can help. Changing your activities to reduce daily stress can also be helpful.

Continue skin care even after your skin has healed.
The area where you had the eczema may easily get irritated again, so it needs special care. Continue to follow the tips in this handout even after your skin has healed.

Source
American Academy of Family Physicians

2006-09-15T10:25:00.000-07:00

National Eczema Week 16th – 23rd September 2006.

National Eczema Week is an annual health awareness campaign organised by the National Eczema Society to raise awareness of the condition that affects one in 12 adults and one-fifth of school-age children. This year's campaign will focus on the psychological impact of having eczema.

Occurance of Eczema May Be Declining

2006-09-07T10:53:00.000-07:00

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

After increasing over the past several years, it looks as if eczema and hayfever may be finally on the decline.
For many years, eczema and hayfever were on the increase in the UK. Now researchers say figures are stable and might even be in decline. Diagnoses of eczema and hayfever in children went up threefold over 30 years but now there seems to be a decrease in the reporting of symptoms to doctors. Hospital admissions for eczema have stabilized since 1995 as well, and those for hayfever are down by 40 per cent on 1990.
Between 1971 and 1991, consultations with a doctor for hayfever went up by 260 per cent and for eczema by 150 per cent. But these figures have been stable over the last decade. However, there has been an increase in hospital admission for anaphylaxis - serious allergic reaction - especially when linked to food allergies, like peanut allergy. The findings may reflect differences in medical practice, but also changes in the sources of allergies - from local to systemic.

Eczema Treatment Tips

2006-08-29T11:30:00.000-07:00

Treatment tips for eczema are like opinions; there are many of them. One obvious tip is to stay away from substances that cause reactions. Keep the skin as healthy as possible. When bathing, use soaps that are not harsh to the skin. Do not use any cortisone products that contain steroids. Steroid-bases products are known to have many side effects and should be avoided.Diet is very important. Some common foods known to contain allergens that can aggravate the body are daily products such as milk, cheese, ice cream, and yogurt. Eggs should be avoided. Crustacean meat should be greatly reduced or avoided altogether. Lobster, shrimp, squid, prawns, clams, oysters, and other crustaceans can cause allergic reactions. Salmon should also be avoided along with calcium supplements and color dyes, especially Yellow #5. Additional allergens are products containing NutraSweet. Mushrooms sometime cause reactions for eczema sufferers and should not be eaten. Hot, spicy foods can cause intestinal inflammation which can cause outbreaks of eczema.

Medications Commonly Used In Eczema Treatment

2006-07-10T11:39:00.000-07:00

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.

The Three Phases Of Eczema

2006-07-10T11:38:00.000-07:00

Eczema runs its course through three distinct phases: acute, sub acute, and chronic. Symptoms associated with the acute stage of eczema include pain, heat, tenderness, and possible itching. The affected areas are characterized by extreme redness and drainage at the lesion site .The sub acute phase of eczema includes symptoms associated with skin redness and crusting; however, there is no extreme swelling. People in the sub acute phase tend to complain about the symptom of itching more than the pain. Individuals with lesions developed over three months are referred to as having chronic eczema. Itching is a predominant symptom in this phase as well and scratching causes the lesion to worsen. Individuals with atopic eczema will find that their symptoms tend to worsen in the winter months due to decreased humidity in the home or office.

Can Controlling Dust Mites Prevent Eczema?

2006-06-27T07:43:00.000-07:00

Ridding the house of dust mites and making dietary changes does nothing to stop children developing asthma or eczema as was commonly thought.
The surprising research results prove that popular steps taken by parents to prevent the onset of allergic conditions simply don't work.
A team of Sydney researchers tracked 600 children from birth to age 5 to test whether avoiding dust mites in the home had any benefits.
"Basically, there wasn't any reduction in the risk of allergic disease or asthma, which was unexpected," said Dr Guy Marks, a researcher at Sydney's Woolcock Institute.
Scientists also tested the commonly held belief that boosting levels of omega-3 fatty acids in a child's diet could ward off allergic conditions.
Previous studies had shown that children who once a week ate fish, which has high doses of the special fats, were less likely than others to have asthma.
But this, too, was proven to have no preventative benefits, Dr Marks said.
"Once again we weren't able to demonstrate any beneficial effect," he said.
The study, published today in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, involved children in western and south-western Sydney with a family history of asthma.
The result undermines popular beliefs and leave parents with no solid advice as to how they can protect their children, beyond the recommendation not to smoke around them.
"We're left with not having any strong evidence, apart from the avoidance of environmental tobacco smoke, about things that can be done to prevent the onset of asthma in children," Dr Marks said.
On the upside, the results prove parents should not blame themselves for failing to help their children dodge the conditions.
"Clearly, now there is no reason for people to feel that they should have been making major changes in the household."
But this does not mean asthma and eczema are purely genetic diseases, with Dr Marks saying some environmental factors very likely contribute to their onset.
"The fact is that at the moment, though, we don't know what they are, or how they affect us," he said.
More than two million Australians have asthma, with 15 per cent of children diagnosed with the condition.

Eczema Symptoms

2006-06-16T11:43:00.000-07:00

Eczema is characterized by a rash, dryness of skin, itching, and redness of skin. The symptoms of eczema occur due to the overproduction of damaging inflammatory skin cells and continue to worsen as a result of certain factors in the environment. The cause of eczema can be traced to environmental factors. Foods, shampoos, soaps, laundry detergents, synthetic fabrics, stress, and temperature changes are capable of irritating already existing eczema and may even be the cause of a new eczema condition. Although eczema is a chronic skin condition, there are various forms of treatment and interventions available to help control eczema. Eczema is a hereditary condition and thus is not contagious to others. A general picture of eczema can encompass different stages. Some people may have only a small patch of affected skin while others may have larger patches all over the body. An individual may experience one mild eczema outbreak while others experience chronic severe incidences of eczema. In some cases after an eczema outbreak the skin remains more reactive than it was prior to the outbreak. The eczema-affected skin is very sensitive and the individual must be aware of the trigger factors and try to avoid them.

Poison Ivy Becoming More Toxic

2006-06-06T07:58:00.000-07:00

Poison ivy cases could become more toxic and common due to global warming, some scientists have predicted.
A recent experiment at Duke University found poison ivy became more toxic under one model for predicted climate conditions and levels of carbon dioxide in 2050, the National Academy of Sciences reported.
Already the most common plant-induced medical condition in Minnesota, scientists fear global warming and more carbon dioxide may cause the plant to flourish.
Last year, 42 people called the state poison hot line for help and there are many more undocumented cases, said Steve Setzer, pharmacist and educator for the Minnesota Poison Control System.
Hundreds have called local clinics or pharmacies for help, while thousands probably scratched in silence, Setzer said.
Lee Frelich, director of the Center for Hardwood Ecology at the University of Minnesota, said he's seen an increase in poison ivy even without studying it.
"But I think it has just as much to do with people disturbing the environment as much as anything else," Frelich said. "Any time you tear up the soil, you will favor poison ivy in the area."
Not only is the plant common across Minnesota, Setzer said, but nearly everyone is allergic to it.
While many climate studies have also predicted increases in other plant allergies and asthma as temperatures rise, the Duke report comes during what has been a noteworthy spring for allergies in Minnesota and elsewhere.
Dr. Nancy Ott, president of the Minnesota Allergy Society, said she's handled more tree pollen reactions this spring than in 15 years prior. A warm April could be the cause as grass pollen allergies are appearing several weeks earlier than usual, she said.
Climate scientists say the Duke study could help figure out how additional carbon dioxide from the burning of coal and gas might alter the competitive balance among plants, allowing some to thrive and others to go extinct.
"Making poison ivy slightly more competitive isn't a huge deal," said Peter Reich, a University of Minnesota forest resources professor who is experimenting with high doses of carbon dioxide on prairie grasses. "But it is an indicator that everything we do to the environment has consequences. Some we might like, and some we won't like."

Treating Poison Ivy

2006-06-06T07:57:00.000-07:00

If you've stumbled on a patch of poison ivy, here are a few tips from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation to help minimize your discomfort:
Try to catch the rash early. If you think you might have poison ivy, wash the area well with soap and cool water.
Over-the-counter creams and antihistamines -- such as Caladryl lotion, hydrocortisone cream, or Benadryl -- can help with symptoms.
Try covering the rash with a mixture of baking soda and cool water.
Poison ivy is not contagious from person to person, but is spread when the oil from the plant is still on your skin and you touch other parts of your body or another person. You should be careful to look out for the plants when out in the woods or your garden, and wash your clothes in warm water when you come in from working outside.
If the rash covers a large portion of your body, or you experience fever, headache, nausea, painful rash or shortness of breath, you should contact your doctor to see if you may be having an allergic reaction to the poison ivy.
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New Fiber Offers Possible Relief For Eczema

2006-05-31T09:05:00.000-07:00

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.

Exposure To Cats Increases Risk Of Eczema

2006-05-31T09:04:00.000-07:00

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."

Early Skin Lesions Indicate Risk Of Atopic Eczema

2006-05-31T09:03:00.000-07:00

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.

Standard Medications For Treating Eczema

2006-05-22T10:41:00.000-07:00

Treating Eczema With Tea Tree Oil May Lead To More Problems

2006-05-15T11:44:00.000-07:00

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.

Living With Nummular Eczema

2006-05-10T11:45:00.000-07:00

Hand Eczema

2006-05-10T11:43:00.000-07:00

Hand eczema often results from a combination of causes, including genetic makeup, injury, contact with irritants and allergy. It is frequently caused or aggravated by work, when it is known as occupational dermatitis. Hand dermatitis is particularly common in industries involving cleaning, catering, metalwork, hairdressing, healthcare and mechanical work.Hand dermatitis varies in severity. It may affect the backs of the hands, the palms or both sites. Often it starts as a mild intermittent complaint, but it can become increasingly severe and persistent. The affected skin initially becomes red and dry, then progresses to itchy bumps and fluid-filled blisters, scaling, cracking, weeping and swelling. Bacterial infection can result in pustules, crusting and pain. Longstanding dermatitis at the ends of the fingers may result in deformed nails. Hand dermatitis can spread to affect other sites, particularly the forearms and feet.

Treating Eczema

2006-05-01T12:32:00.000-07:00

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.

Kiwi Can Improve Atopic Eczema And Dermatitis

2006-04-27T08:13:00.000-07:00

Some find that eating two kiwi a day will improve their skin, others find it may be easier to take in pill form:

A multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the effectiveness of kiwi fruit extract in adults with atopic dermatitis of moderate severitySerena Mraz, MD, Solano Dermatology Associates and Solano Clinical Research, Vallejo, CA, United States; Bruce Miller, MD, Oregon Medical Research, Portland, OR, United States; Alicia Bucko, DO, Eduardo Tschen, MD, Academic Dermatology Associates, Albuquerque, NM, United States

Background:
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease charac- terized by the dysregulation of th1/th2 cytokine systems. Available treatments offer limited long-term efficacy and/or carry significant side effects. There is early preclinical evidence that the kiwi extract (KE) formulation tested has a direct impact on th1/th2 regulation. An effective and safe treatment for the management of AD would have an important impact on the clinical evolution of AD.
Methods:
In all, 51 patients with active AD of moderate severity (age 19-65 years) were enrolled and treated for 42 days with either oral KE or placebo (control). Patients took two capsules once a day. Moderate severity was defined by a physician's global assessment score of 3 and minimum body surface area of 10%. Patients were stabilized with a topical steroid until day 14. Topical steroid use was disallowed for the last 28d ays.Blood and urine were collected at screen days 1, 14, and 42 for urinalysis, biochemistry, and hematology profiles. Measurements of IgE and C-reactive protein were collected at days 1, 14, and 42. Clinical signs and symptoms were measured at study days 1, 14, 28, and 42.
Results:
Of patients, 90% (46) completed the trial. Of the 5 patients who discontinued early, one discontinued because of an AD flare. No patient was discontinued secondary to other adverse events. An interim efficacy analysis conducted when the first 17 patients completed the trial (17 intent to treat and 14 per protocol) showed no significant difference between cohorts in the primary endpoint. Strong trends were detected in the active treatment group for the secondary end points: induration and erythema (n = 9, P = .09 and P = .13, respectively).
Conclusions:
In a randomized, controlled, double-blind trial of 51 adults with active AD of moderate severity, preliminary evidence shows treatment with KE may improve signs and symptoms of the disease.
From Biotech firm picks BrentwoodMark Braman, CEO of the Boulder, Colo.-based Efficas, the company that launched the project, said he is working off of new scientific research showing that hardy kiwi -- a specialized fruit that looks more like a crab apple than it does the more common fuzzy, green kiwi we're used to -- has unparalleled natural healing properties. It's also quite rare, he says, with only about 200 acres planted throughout the world -- in Chili, New Zealand, Oregon, and as of last week, Brentwood.

Results Of A Clinical Trial For Treatment Of Atopic Dermatitis

2006-04-27T05:55:00.000-07:00

Topical vitamin B12--a new therapeutic approach in atopic dermatitis-evaluation of efficacy and tolerability in a randomized placebo-controlled multicentre clinical trial.

Stucker M, Pieck C, Stoerb C, Niedner R, Hartung J, Altmeyer P. Clinic for Dermatology and Allergology, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany. m.stuecker@derma.de

BACKGROUND: Vitamin B(12) is an effective scavenger of nitric oxide (NO). As the experimental application of a NO synthase inhibitor, N omega-nitro-L-arginine, led to a clear decrease in pruritus and erythema in atopic dermatitis, it would be reasonable to assume a comparable effect of vitamin B(12). OBJECTIVES: The efficacy and tolerability of a new vitamin B(12) cream as a possible alternative to current therapies was examined.

METHODS: A prospective, randomized and placebo-controlled phase III multicentre trial, involving 49 patients was conducted. For the treatment duration of 8 weeks, each patient applied twice daily (in the morning and evening) the vitamin B(12)-containing active preparation to the affected skin areas of one side of the body and the placebo preparation to the contralateral side according to the randomization scheme.

RESULTS: On the body side treated with the vitamin B(12) cream, the modified Six Area Six Sign Atopic Dermatitis score dropped to a significantly greater extent than on the placebo-treated body side (for the investigational drug 55.34 +/- 5.74 SEM, for placebo 28.87 +/- 4.86 SEM, P < 0.001). At the conclusion of the study, the investigator and patients awarded mostly a 'good' or 'very good' rating to the active drug (58% and 59%, respectively) and a 'moderate' or 'poor' rating to the placebo (89% and 87%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS: Topical vitamin B(12) is a new therapeutic approach in atopic dermatitis. These results document a significant superiority of vitamin B(12) cream in comparison with placebo with regard to the reduction of the extent and severity of atopic dermatitis. Furthermore, the treatment was very well tolerated and involved only very low safety risks for the patients.

Eczema Treatment Tips

2006-04-26T10:33:00.000-07:00

The Inflammation Of Dermatitis

2006-04-18T09:04:00.000-07:00

Dermatitis is inflammation of the various levels of the dermis which is the second layer of the skin. The dermis contains sweat glands, blood vessels and nerves to provide sensations of pleasure, pain, pressure, itch, or temperature. The dermis is composed of tissue types of collagen, elastic tissue, and reticular fibers. Any rash or inflammation such as psoriasis, eczema, skin cancer, seborrhea, etc. is dermatitis. Specific types of dermatitis are as follows: allergic contact dermatitis which is a delayed hypersensitivity reaction involving allergens and antibodies, contact dermatitis is due to exposure to irritating chemicals or detergents, atopic dermatitis which is an allergic reaction that is accompanied by hay fever, asthma, and very dry skin.

Toxicity To Mercury Can Cause Eczema

2006-04-18T08:59:00.000-07:00

It has long been known that mercury in high concentration is toxic to humans, but until 50 years ago, it was not really too much of a problem for most of us. However, the prevalence of mercury in our food and environment has now reached global proportions that pose a serious threat. Toxicity can result in many diseases, including eczema.

As the world has industrialized, sites such as gold and mercury mines, alkali and metal processing plants, coal burning facilities and medical and other waste dumps have resulted in more and more mercury in the environment. As mercury is being released into the atmosphere it is transported to and deposited in water or on land. One example of how this affects us is in our lakes and waterways. Bacterial action in the water converts the mercury to a more toxic form known as methylmercury, which is then absorbed by fish. As they remain in the water, they continue to absorb higher quantities. Although consumption of the fish itself can be dangerous, the contamination does not end there - it moves up the food chain to birds, animals, marine mammals and, finally, humans. Since the properties of mercury allow it to be absorbed into very small particles of matter and it is therefore very difficult for the body to get rid of, the amount we’re consuming far exceeds the amount we’re eliminating, and the levels of mercury in the body become more concentrated as we consume more of the toxic foods.

Mercury can also be found in fillings for the teeth, vaccines such as those for flu and hepatitis B, and those given to children, and, now, in much of our foods due to the process described above. And, it is still being emitted through industrial processes. In 2001, the EPA even found that the mercury levels in rain and snow falling in the New England states was far beyond those considered safe for aquatic life, wildlife, and humans.

Mercury is also known to cause eczema and, as the incidence of mercury toxicity has increased, so has that of eczema. One study in England found that 20% of British school children now have eczema – compared to 5% of the 1950’s. Research has linked heavy metal toxicity to skin disorders, and several studies have concluded that toxic metals, including mercury, are the most common cause of contact eczema.

What can you do about it? While it’s dangerous to have too much mercury in your body, detoxing can be even more dangerous. As the mercury is released from various body parts, it goes into the blood stream and can cause serious problems. It’s best to find a doctor who is oriented towards nutrition and is aware of this type of problem, get tested to find out what your mercury levels are and then follow the protocol the doctor recommends.

In the meantime you should, of course, eat organic foods, fish that come from uncontaminated waters, and step up your intake of beneficial bacteria and antioxidants.

With Eczema The Treatment Can Be As Confusing As the Disease

2006-04-11T10:29:00.000-07:00

An article entitled “Eczema Uncomfortable But Not Dangerous” was recently published on a popular medical site. It presents a light-hearted view of the condition, stating that most kids gets rashes at some time or other, and if they get eczema (as do one in ten), it’s simply solved by giving them steroids. Eczema can have serious underlying causes that are going to be ignored if this light-hearted advice is followed.Let’s have a look at just a few of the most common underlying causes of eczema and their true significance.

High pH factor: When the level of acid gets so high that normal function fails to neutralize it, the body starts to take unusual measures in an attempt to keep the acid from invading the blood and vital organs. These include encasing the acid in fat tissue, and creating more fat tissue if there’s not enough, and leaching acid-neutralizing minerals like calcium from teeth and bones. If these actions fail, the acid starts to penetrate and corrode the vital organs. Much of the above has already occurred by the time the acid erupts through the skin, starting the eczema.

Dehydration: The brain is 80 percent water, and the blood is 92 percent. It’s important to keep these levels constant, as going below optimum by just 1 percent starts to cause problems. First we get thirsty, then our mental acuity starts breaking down, our metabolism slows, and our circulatory and digestive systems start to malfunction and the rest of the body starts to deteriorate. These processes have already begun when our skin becomes dry and itchy, and we get eczema.

Essential Fatty Acid Deficiency: EFA deficiency can cause growth retardation, inhibit development, and compromise the immune system. EFAs are vital for prevention of chronic diseases including coronary artery disease, hypertension, type II diabetes, arthritis and other immune/inflammatory disorders, and cancer. By the time the eczema shows up, you already have an internal situation.

Eczema, like most skin problems and many other conditions and disorders, is a symptom of something else going on. It’s a visible warning sign – designed to alert the owner that the body is not doing well. Failure to find out what’s behind it could have serious consequences.

Dyshidrotic Eczema

2006-04-10T11:24:00.000-07:00

Dyshidrotic eczema appears as intensely itchy blisters on the hands, fingers and soles of the feet. When it affects the hands it’s called cheiropompholyx and pedopompholyx when it affects the feet. It is also known as pompholyx, keratolysis exfoliativa, or vesicular eczema of the hands and/or feet. The cause of this pattern of eczema is not fully understood but in some cases there is a history of allergic contact dermatitis especially to nickel. Very often no specific allergen is found despite extensive patch testing. This form of eczema is aggravated by stress.

European Panel Advocates Careful Use Of Eczema Treatment Creams

2006-03-29T11:49:00.000-08:00

The European Medicines Agency said on Monday two prescription creams used to treat eczema could still be used but "with greater caution" to reduce skin cancer and lymphoma risks.
The creams are Novartis AG's Elidel and Astellas Pharma Inc's Protopic, the London-based agency said in a statement, adding "the benefit associated with the use of these dermatological medicinal products outweigh the risks".
Its Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has been reviewing the safety of the two creams since last April following reports of skin cancer and lymphoma in patients.
"On the basis of the available data, the committee was unable to conclude whether Protopic/Protopy or Elidel caused the reported cases of skin cancer or lymphoma," the European Medicines Agency said.
The creams' makers have been asked to gather more data on long-term safety. In the meantime, "patients who are using Protopic/Protopy or Elidel should not stop or modify their treatment without consulting their prescribing healthcare professional," the agency said.
On January 19, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Elidel and Protopic would carry strong warnings about the possible risk of skin cancer, lymphoma and other cancers.
The creams now come with a "black-box" warning -- the strongest type used in the United States. FDA officials said while a clear link between the drugs and cancer risk had not been found, there were enough reports to warrant the change.
Eczema, a rash-like inflammation that causes itchy, red skin, can also be treated with antihistamines, oral and topical steroids and over-the-counter products.

Protecting Hands With Eczema

2006-03-22T12:20:00.000-08:00

The next time you reach for a sponge soaked with your favorite cleanser without using gloves, listen to the hand.
One hand to another: Why are you worked into a lather? Harsh products really irritate me.
All cleaning products are not equal when it comes to harshness to hands.
If it's already dry, cracking and itching, it's probably telling you that it's tired of being abused. If it's not yet, it probably will. The longer you expose those digits to household chemical cocktails, the more apparent cardboard-hard hands will become.
On its own, skin produces a waxy barrier to keep harmful chemicals out and moisture in, says Racine-based dermatologist Kenneth Pechman, who treats myriad skin condi tions.
"It's like a raincoat," he explains of the skin's protective coat. "It's waxy and flexible. But when it heats up the barrier becomes liquid and can be washed away."
The good news is that the barrier replenishes itself within an hour, Pechman says. But over time, hands that have been abused for days on end develop thicker, harder skin.
Soaps and detergents are often the culprits. Once they and other forces erode that protective barrier, the skin starts to dry out, crack, itch and burn. The damage results in a condition formally called irritant contact dermatitis, or informally known as dishpan hands. But in many cases it all can be turned around with a few lifestyle changes.
For starters, slip on a protective glove.
"If you're using chemicals that are caustic, it's probably beneficial," Pechman says of a gloved hand.
Just make sure to examine the gloves often. "Don't forget to change them, especially if you get a little pinhole in them," he says. "Otherwise, your hands will bathe in the chemicals as the hands sweat."
If your to-do list includes everything from washing clothes to washing hair, Pechman suggests grouping such water tasks together. "If you get into water and then allow the hands to dry the continuing cycle is damaging," he says.
Yet, gloves can only do so much. Take dishwashing, for instance. "While the glove is protecting you from the chemical agent, it's not from thermal injury," he explains.
He suggests using tepid water, instead of hot water, to clean dishes and not allowing the hands to air dry. Instead, blot the hands and promptly apply an unscented moisturizer. "Remember that the barrier takes a while to replenish," he says. "And the moisturizer offers a temporary barrier."
When choosing a moisturizer, Pechman says, check the labels. Fragrances should be avoided, and creams and emollients that include alcohols and plant extracts may be drying and irritating. Preservatives like parabens (that extend products' shelf life) and Kathon CG (often found in shampoos and conditioners) can be problematic, too, as can wool oil, wool alcohols or lanolin for those with eczema.
Once you decide on the right moisturizer, apply it correctly. "You want to have slow gentle strokes to avoid friction injury," he says. "Gently massage one hand over the other."
Over time, the condition should improve. But if it doesn't, Pechman says, it's best to seek professional help.
Linda Cobb, author of six common-sense housecleaning guides and host of the DIY Network's "Talking Dirty with the Queen of Clean" series, says hands weren't meant to be exposed to so many chemicals in the name of cleanliness.
"On average, people will open about seven cleaners each time they clean their house," she says. "And, 99% of those will have a chemical agent involved. Their labels will say, 'Don't ingest or inhale,' and all of those are hazardous to our hands."
While a proponent of wearing rubber latex gloves and other protective gear, Cobb says she believes in using gentler products and home remedies first and foremost.
"Look for cleansers with the Green Seal logo," she says, speaking of the approval stamp offered by a Washington, D.C.-based non-profit group for products and services it deems environmentally safe. "They're 100% natural and biodegradable."
She says the Holy Cow line, for example, is worth it. "It's safe enough to wash your dog or your car engine. And while it wouldn't taste good, it wouldn't harm you (if you ingested it) either." There are other natural products lines on the market as well.
Cobb also is known for her knack for concocting homemade solutions. "Go back to using baking soda, vinegar and lemon juice to clean," she says, "and your hands will automatically improve."
Her alternative to commercial drain cleaners? Use a cup of salt, a cup of baking soda and a large tea kettle of boiling water to clear a clog.
Her homemade furniture polish: Take a cup of olive oil and one-fourth cup of white vinegar and mix well.
If your list of chores includes tubs full of water, Cobb suggests wearing a latex or synthetic glove or buying a liquid glove product that applies like a hand cream and dries into a protective coating.
Among tangible glove varieties, lined ones are preferred, she says, because "they go on and off easier." After use, remember to wash them with soapy water and allow them to dry thoroughly, inside and out.
It's also best, she says, to keep pairs in the kitchen and in each bathroom of your house.
Consumer expert Paula Begoun is known for her Paula's Choice beauty line, her sassy Web site Cosmeticscop.com and for authoring multiple beauty guides including, "Don't Go To The Cosmetics Counter Without Me." Begoun contends that there is life after hard hands.
Her advice: Get your hands out of these detergents. "Even the healthiest of skin can only take so much bleach, washing dishes, doing the floors and baby," she says.
Steer clear of bar soaps. "They're incredibly drying," she says.
Use a well-formulated moisturizing sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher. "Be religious about it," says Begoun.
Use a moisturizing emollient at night. Dove's Essential line, she says, is effective and cheap.
For extra dry body parts, apply a drop of olive oil on top of your moisturizer. "Massage it into your skin," she says. "Olive oil is a great antioxidant."
A word to the wise: A good moisturizer, Begoun says, will not come in a jar but an airtight container in order to keep the antioxidant ingredients active and stabilized.

Eczema May Be Uncomfortable But Not Dangerous

2006-03-21T10:43:00.001-08:00

Most kids get rashes at one time or another. One in 10 children will develop eczema.
Eczema is a particularly itchy rash that scratching only makes worse.
The term refers to a number of conditions where the skin gets red, irritated, and occasionally, fills with small fluid-filled bumps.
Kids who get eczema often have allergies or asthma, or their family members do, the Nemours Foundation says.
For many children, the condition eases after age 5 or 6. But some children may experience flare-ups through adolescence.
Eczema is not contagious and can be treated with steroidal creams or ointments.

Eczema May Be Uncomfortable But Not Dangerous

2006-03-21T10:43:00.000-08:00

The Treatment of Eczema

2006-03-17T11:49:00.000-08:00

It is important in the treatment of eczema to treat the specific cause of your eczema and the aggravating factors in as many ways as possible. One way to treat or cure your eczema is behavioral. Those who make positive changes to their lifestyles such as eating habits and reduce their level of stress often experience a much greater degree of eczema clearing. While you try to treat the symptoms of eczema that are most visible and distressing, you should also try to treat the cause!
Usually the first symptom of eczema is intense itching; this itching can be very uncomfortable and individuals may tend to scratch the skin. The itchy feeling is an important symptom in eczema, because scratching and rubbing in response to itching worsen the skin inflammation characteristic of eczema. One needs to find a way to break the chain of itching and reaction. Scratching while difficult to avoid should be minimized because it can only make the eczema symptoms worse. The dry skin will become redder in color and may even crack due to scratching. This scratching may also lead to infection.

Treating Eczema With Probiotics

2006-03-14T08:54:00.000-08:00

Chicory, blue cheese and yogurt may not be on your daily menu, but these foods are emerging as possible new ways to prevent -- and perhaps treat -- a host of common ailments, from itchy eczema to traveler's diarrhea.
It all comes down to healthy bacteria.
Trillions of these microscopic organisms -- more than the number of cells elsewhere in the body as a whole -- populate the gastrointestinal tract, especially the colon. There they serve as a key line of defense against harmful bacteria, viruses and toxins that attempt to invade the body through the intestines.
"It is becoming more and more apparent that an appropriate microbial balance in the intestine is crucial for human health," note the University of Munich's Ilse J. Broekaert and Harvard University's W. Allan Walker in a review article published recently in Nutrition Today.
As the team reports, changes in diet -- for example, decreased consumption of fermented foods such as blue cheese and buttermilk -- have altered the natural balance in the intestines for many people. Increased use of antibiotics has also taken a toll on healthy bacteria.
That shift comes just as scientists better understand the value of these beneficial organisms, which have tongue-twisting names but are known collectively as probiotics. Among the leading strains are bifidobacteria and lactobacillus.
Studies show that when probiotics are given to children with diarrhea, they can shorten the illness' duration by a day. They also boost immune response to polio and rotavirus vaccinations and cut by up to 40 percent the diarrhea linked with antibiotic use.
There's also evidence that they can help reduce the bloating and flatulence of irritable bowel syndrome, inhibit growth of the bacteria responsible for stomach ulcers and boost effectiveness of drug treatment for this common disorder. "Yogurts containing live probiotics could become inexpensive tools for the treatment" of ulcers, suggests Broekaert and Walker in Nutrition Today.
There seem to be significant benefits outside the gastrointestinal tract, too, including improved overall immunity, possible prevention of some types of cancer and even better skin. One study has found that probiotics significantly reduced eczema symptoms in children. Another has found that infants born to women with a family history of eczema were 50 percent less likely to develop the disorder in the first four years of life when their mothers took probiotics during the last month of pregnancy and the first few months of breast-feeding.
Despite their promise, however, probiotics may not be for everyone. People whose immune systems are compromised by cancer chemotherapy, HIV or medication to prevent organ transplant rejection could be at risk for rampant infections from probiotics. But in healthy people, "the use of probiotics is unlikely to cause bacterial infections," Broekaert and Walker conclude.
Here are some foods and tips to help boost your healthy bacteria:
.Add chicory to your coffee . This practice was popular during World War II, when coffee supplies were limited. Chicory is gobbled up by bifidobacteria and seems to foster growth of this healthful strain in the colon.
· Eat a cup of yogurt daily. It's a fermented food that contains various strains of probiotics, depending on the product. So mix and match brands to get the most impact. For example, Stoneyfield yogurt contains six strains of probiotics. Activia, introduced to the United States by Dannon earlier this year, provides a proprietary strain of bifidobacteria that company studies suggest improves regularity. Research also suggests that foods containing probiotics must be eaten daily to keep healthy bacteria thriving in the colon.
· Sip buttermilk, kefir or drinkable yogurt. They're all fermented foods that contain healthy bacteria. Read labels to choose the brands with the least fat.
· Top your salads with a little blue cheese . Not only does it add flavor and bone-preserving calcium, but it also delivers healthy bacteria. Other cheeses that provide probiotics include Roquefort, Stilton and Shropshire.
· Have some tofu . This fermented soybean product is a plant-based source of healthy bacteria.
· Expect to see more functional foods with healthy bacteria. At the University of Reading in England, Robert Rastall, head of food and bioprocessing sciences, has teamed with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to see if agricultural waste such as citrus peels could be turned into probiotic food ingredients. Also emerging: synbiotics -- a mixture of healthy bacteria and the food needed to keep them vibrant as they move through the acid-filled stomach and the bile-salt-filled small intestine before reaching the colon.
· Stick to food sources of healthy bacteria. Rastall and his colleagues tested probiotic dietary supplements from around the world. They found that some products had sterile bacteria that could not colonize the intestines. Others "didn't contain the bacteria they were supposed to, and one or two brands had bacteria that were harmful," Rastall says. ·

Factors That Can Affect An Eczema Diagnosis

2006-03-10T10:18:00.000-08:00

The largest human organ isn't the liver, the kidneys or the lungs; it's the skin. Our skin is our front line protection against the outside world. The skin guards our internal organs against sunburn, dirt, bacteria, and other dangers.

There are hundreds of different skin conditions. Dermatitis, melanoma and other types of skin cancer, acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis are just a few of the many types of skin problems. Skin problems may be caused by food allergies, sunburn, hormones, pregnancy, genetics or a host of other causes. They are rarely life threatening. Even skin cancers (including melanoma) often respond well to treatment if detected early enough.

Skin problems cause many people emotional pain and suffering. Some skin conditions are severe enough that patients can suffer depression. In many cases, healing the emotional scars related to a skin condition can take even longer than treating the physical problem.

The cause of skin conditions range from sunburn and drug reactions to genetics and pregnancy. Many of the causes can be avoided with a little prevention, while others are more random in occurrence. Below are the most common causes of skin conditions. Any of these conditions can occur alone or in a combination of two or more which can sometimes make the diagnosis difficult.

Skin Infections - Skin infections have a viral, bacterial or fungal basis. Rashes caused by athlete's foot, impetigo, and chicken pox all fall into this category. Bacterial and fungal skin infections are usually successfully treated with antibiotics and other medications. Viral skin infections must be combated by the body's own immune system, although the symptoms associated with the infection can be treated. Skin conditions caused by infections may appear as rashes or other types of lesions such as pustules.

Sun Exposure, Sunburn and Heat Rash - Sunlight contains harmful ultraviolet rays that can damage the skin. Sunburn increases your chance of developing a skin condition, as does tanning and lengthy unprotected exposure to the sun. Skin cancer is the best known condition caused by sunburn and tanning. Premature aging of the skin also occurs with prolonged exposure to the sun.

Certain drug reactions increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight, thereby increasing the chance of sunburn or heat rash. A skin condition called hyperpigmentation, where areas of skin become darker than the surrounding area, can be caused by unprotected exposure to sunlight. As hyperpigmentation may also be caused by drug reactions; excessive sun exposure while taking certain medications is ill advised.

In hot, humid weather, prickly heat rash can develop. Staying cool and dry, wearing light, cool clothing and drying thoroughly after bathing are the best defenses against the irritating prickly heat of the heat rash pustules.

Pregnancy - Certain skin conditions occur more often during pregnancy. Almost 90% of pregnant women have temporary hyperpigmentation called Melasoma, or the "mask of pregnancy" where naturally darker areas of pigmentation (such as freckles, scars, moles, and nipples) appear darker than usual. The condition slowly disappears after childbirth.

Natural Irritants and Allergies - Many temporary skin problems are caused by natural sources. Insect bites inflame and irritate the skin. Poison ivy and other irritating plants cause skin rashes, pustules and itching. Parasites such as lice and mites can cause extreme itching and discomfort.

A food allergy can cause skin rashes, hives and even facial swelling. While the symptoms of a food allergy are often dramatic, tracking down the food that causes the allergic reaction can sometimes take time. If you suspect you have a food allergy, consult your doctor: allergy testing may be in order.

Diaper rash is caused by exposure to urine and feces, allergies to disposable diapers, soaps and detergents, or by diapers that are worn too tightly. While most cases of diaper rash are mild and resolve in a day or two, more severe cases form painful pustules that cover the baby's bottom, and may even result in a yeast infection. All cases of diaper rash should be monitored for potential secondary infection by bacteria or yeast.

Drug Reactions - Adverse drug reactions can cause rashes, hives, and swelling. As mentioned above, some medications increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun. Notify your doctor of any skin problem that develops after you start a new medication.

Genetics - People whose parents suffer from skin-affecting allergies may themselves be at increased risk of developing allergies. Acne has a hereditary pattern, as do some other common skin conditions. In the field of new drug development, a skin rash is considered to be a relatively "minor" side effect. Even medicines that successfully treat problems for most people frequently list the side effect of causing or worsening skin problems for an unfortunate few. After all, who's to say whether their product caused a new rash, or was just ineffective in treating an existing one? Supplements include vitamins, minerals, herbs, botanicals, and amino acids. The FDA requires that they include the words, "dietary supplement" on the label. By law, supplement manufacturers may not make health claims linked to a specific disease, in most cases. But many supplements do mention specific diseases (including eczema) in their ads, which is a legal gray area. Some supplements probably are effective, but don't yet have formal scientific studies to demonstrate this. Others may be a waste of your money or may worsen your condition.

New Eczema Treatment In Clinical Trials

2006-03-07T12:46:00.000-08:00

Anacor Pharmaceuticals has presented positive data from phase I clinical and preclinical studies of AN0128, the company's novel topical compound currently in phase II clinical trials for atopic dermatitis.
These studies demonstrated that AN0128 was well tolerated at the site of application and indicated that further study was warranted.
"While atopic dermatitis is fundamentally a disease of the immune system, one of the primary triggers for the disease is the presence of Staph aureus on the skin," said Dr Karl Beutner, chief medical officer at Anacor. "Therefore, physicians often treat atopic dermatitis with a combination of antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. AN0128 holds the promise of treating both components of the disease with a single compound."
Anacor scientists and collaborators presented six posters detailing the preclinical and clinical studies of AN0128 at the American Academy of Dermatology's annual meeting.
Anacor is currently enrolling patients in a double-blind, placebo-controlled phase II study of AN0128 for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. The study will evaluate 100 patients at multiple US centers.

Treating Eczema Naturally

2006-03-02T11:53:00.000-08:00

It is important in the treatment of eczema to treat the cause of eczema and the aggravating factors in as many ways as possible. Those who modify their lifestyles, eating habits and reduce their level of stress often experience a much greater degree of eczema clearing. While you try to treat the symptoms of the skin (eczema) that are most visible and distressing, you should try to treat the cause! If we find and treat the cause, then maybe all the symptoms of eczema need not occur! Good health for your skin as well as your entire body may require a permanent lifestyle change that will reward you with a longer life and more beautiful skin to wear during those extra years. A picture can be worth a thousand words. Before implementing the lifestyle changes, take a picture of your eczema so you can see the cause and effect of each lifestyle change in your eczema skin in 2-3 months by taking an "after" picture.

Relieving Eczema Contact Itching

2006-02-28T12:08:00.000-08:00

Making contact with almost any fabric can be an agonizing experience for people who suffer from itchy, dry sensitive skin caused by eczema, atopic dermatitis, or psoriasis, conditions which affect over 30 million people of all ages nationwide. Now, a breakthrough fabric called DermaSmart(TM) created by Milliken & Company promises to reduce itching and the appearance of dryness, peeling and scaling commonly associated with these skin conditions.
"DermaSmart has demonstrated in lab tests and instudies with patients to be a better choice of fabrics than the traditionally-recommended 100% cotton, both for comfort and for relief of symptoms," said Lyn Murajda, Brand Manager for the Apparel & Specialty Fabrics Division of Milliken.
DermaSmart is a silky, soft, breathable fabric that significantly reduces the friction or drag of the fabric against the skin.
* DermaSmart has been proven to help reduce itching and the appearance of dryness, scaling and peeling.
* DermaSmart fabric absorbs excess perspiration and disperses it through the fabric so it dries quickly, keeping the wearer comfortable.
* DermaSmart fabric contains silver, which is a safe, natural antimicrobial that prevents the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
Additionally, DermaSmart clothing is designed with superior comfort attributes. Each shirt and pant has smooth, flat seams and a "tagless" size label, and the pants have covered waistbands, features which keep the clothing construction from irritating the skin.
"Two of the most vexing problems confronting patients with eczema, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, aside from their disease, are how to dress and how to get a good night's sleep," explains Zoe Diana Draelos, M.D., a dermatologist based in High Point, North Carolina.
"And clothing plays alarge contributing role in this. Wearing a smoother, less irritating fabric directly against the patient's skin helps to reduce the irritation and itching, and this allows the oral and topical treatments to work more efficiently."
In 2003, Dr. Draelos completed a study with patients who had eczema, atopic dermatitis or psoriasis, to compare 100% combed cotton t-shirts toDermaSmart. She concluded that, "The study demonstrated statistically significant improvement in skin condition and decreased itching" in the patients who wore the DermaSmart shirts. The symptoms it improved specifically were itching, and the appearance of dryness, scaling and peeling. A clinical study she completed in early 2006 further verified these results.

Living With Eczema In Winter

2006-02-24T09:03:00.000-08:00

It’s been so dry this winter that Robyn Wellcome’s hands have been bleeding. While she’s using industrial strength lotion to combat the dryness, it hasn’t helped despite repeated applications during the day.
“My hands are constantly in water,” says Wellcome, who works as a hairstylist . Even so, many who don’t share her occupation are experiencing cracked, itchy and flaky skin, brittle hair and dry cuticles.
In Hunter Wellcome’s case, the more is bloody noses. “He’s been getting these gusher nosebleeds,” says the Chandler mom. The 6-year-old is applying Vaseline inside his nostrils at night, something that Dr. Andrew Carroll recommends. “Put a little Vaseline on a Q-Tip and apply it inside the nose,” says Carroll. Vaseline counters dry skin and moisturizes the nostril passages.
While some people may be regaling in the sunny, cloudless days and the clear, cool nights, others are cruising drugstore aisles for moisturizing remedies to avoid mummy-itis. “Oh, my gosh, I’m seeing a lot of dehydrated skin and dry, cracked cuticles — more so than usual,” says nail professional Michelle LeBlanc. Carroll has also been seeing the effects of the lack of moisture in his patients. “The dry air is not only hard on people with respiratory problems,” he says, “but people who have skin problems” such as eczema. This skin irritation is characterized by red, flaky skin, cracks or blisters, and is generally treated with prescription ointments.
“Drinking water does help,” says Carroll. So will turning on a humidifier at night. For dry skin, LeBlanc recommends a high-quality body cream and some cuticle oil. “Don’t use anything with a mineral oil base because that actually repels moisture,” she says. For dry hair, look for a moisturizing, not protein, conditioner, says Wellcome. For dry scalp, she recommends shampoos containing the essential oil of the tea tree.

Dermasalve Receives Patent

2006-02-22T08:26:00.000-08:00

Dermasalve Sciences, the dry skin moisturiser specialist, announced today that it has been granted the patent covering its intellectual property rights. The patent covers active ingredients used in its formulations, including the medicinal use of sodium silicate, in its first generation of moisturising creams for dry and sensitive skin sufferers. The patent also covers the production of creams, ointments, sprays, sunscreens and shampoos for the treatment of eczema, dermatitis, contact dermatitis, psoriasis, acne, viral plantar and palm warts. Chief executive Dr Mark Randle said, “Our hand, foot and body creams are available in retail chemists throughout the UK and we are delighted that these products are now protected by the granting of this patent.” A further patent has been filed for the 2nd generation of sensitiser, liquid paraffin free creams, said Dermasalve.

Eczema Treatment Tips

2006-02-14T07:57:00.000-08:00

Initial and ongoing treatment for eczema should include:
Avoiding dry skin. Keep your skin hydrated through proper bathing and using moisturizers. This includes bathing in warm water, bathing for only 3 to 5 minutes, avoiding gels and bath oils, and using only nondrying soaps;
Apply a moisturizer immediately after bathing; avoiding irritants that causes a rash or make a rash worse. These include soaps that dry the skin, perfumes, and scratchy clothing or bedding; Avoiding possible allergens that cause a rash or make a rash worse. These may include dust and dust mites, animal dander, and certain foods, such as eggs, peanuts, milk, wheat, or soy products;
Controlling itching and scratching. Keep your fingernails trimmed and filed smooth to help prevent damaging the skin when scratching. You may want to use protective dressings to keep from rubbing the affected area. Put mittens or cotton socks on a baby's hands to help prevent him or her from scratching the area.

Eczema Therapy: Keep The Skin Moisturized

2006-02-07T11:39:00.000-08:00

Moisturizers or emollients including bath oils, soap substitutes can be applied to the dermatitis as frequently as required to relieve itching, scaling and dryness. Emollients should also be used on the unaffected skin to reduce dryness. Emollient therapy helps to restore one of the skin's most important functions, which is to form a barrier to prevent bacteria and viruses getting into the body and therefore help to prevent a rash becoming infected. Emollients are safe and rarely cause an allergic reaction. Occasionally, products with lanolin may cause a reaction. Ideally, moisturizers should be applied three to four times a day. Apply in a gentle downward motion in the direction of hair growth to prevent accumulation of cream around the hair follicle (this can cause infection of the follicle).

Hand Eczema

2006-02-03T11:38:00.000-08:00

Use of Corticosteroids For Eczema

2006-02-01T08:29:00.000-08:00

Much of modern day medicine treats the symptoms, not the cause. But as symptoms are relieved, giving the apparency of a return to wellness, the disease not only continues to develop unbeknownst to the victim, it may even be exacerbated by the alleged cure.

Such is the case when one uses steroids as an eczema treatment. There are several types of steroids. Natural corticosteroids – the type synthesized for use in eczema medications – are made by the cortex (outer layer) of the adrenal glands. They are important to the function of almost every cell and organ. They help maintain blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and muscle strength. They control the balance of salt and water in the body. They reduce inflammation and the resultant pain, control protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism, and play an integral role in stress response and immune system function.It is obviously vital to control and maintain all of the foregoing. Inflammation, for example, is a common denominator found in many chronic conditions such as obesity, Type II diabetes, heart disease and Alzheimers.

However, when synthesized and administered as a drug, steroids are not the answer. According to Dr. Barry Sears, more people die by taking the correct amount of anti-inflammatory drugs than die from AIDS. The topical steroids prescribed for eczema actually work by suppressing immune response and thereby depriving the body of its natural defense mechanism, which can lead to many other serious conditions.

Many doctors maintain that steroids are damaging only if used for extended periods. In fact, many studies with findings to the contrary have been published in medical journals. Steroids reduce calcium absorption through the gastrointestinal system leading to osteoporosis. An eight percent reduction in bone mass can occur in just four months. Low doses of prednisone can cause cataracts after one year. Topical steroids may begin to cause eye damage or raise pressure after two weeks. Rub-on steroids have caused Cushing's syndrome in children within a month of beginning treatment. Inhaled steroids, like those used for asthma, slow growth in children after only six weeks.

There are many natural alternatives to steroid drugs for the relief of pain and inflammation, and many of them also promote fast healing. When treating skin conditions, substituting these products for steroid drugs protects you from further complications. Homeopathic medicines, Goji, several herbs, alfalfa, and MSM are a few worth investigation. They can be found in health food stores, and additional information about them is available online. When using an eczema treatment be sure to also use a good shielding lotion to lock in the body’s natural moisture and protect the skin from harsh chemicals and pollutants.

Charting Your Eczema Treatment

2006-01-30T13:04:00.000-08:00

In the past 40 years, a number of treatments have gone a long way to managing the terrible discomfort of eczema. However, there is still no cure for eczema and no one treatment has safely or effectively worked for everyone, every time. But there is hope. And there is treatment. Recently, breakthrough advances have been made in the treatment of eczema that appears to target the origin of eczema rather than simply treating the symptoms once they have already started. These new eczema medications, called topical immunomodulators, are steroid-free, so they don't have the same potential limitations of current treatments. If you have any concerns or questions about treatments prescribed for you or your child, talk to your doctor.To help you manage your treatment and monitor your progress, keep a chart of what treatment you are using, the location of the treatment application and the dates you apply the treatment along with any reaction you may notice.

Response To FDA Black Box Warning

2006-01-24T11:28:00.000-08:00

The American Academy of Dermatology (Academy) has issued a statement in response to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) announcement that a black box warning will be added to the labeling and a medication guide will be distributed for the topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs), pimecrolimus and tacrolimus.
These topical medications effectively reduce the inflammation and other symptoms associated with the skin disease eczema.
"The American Academy of Dermatology disagrees with this action taken by the FDA. We believe that the data does not prove that the proper topical use of pimecrolimus and tacrolimus is dangerous," said dermatologist Clay J. Cockerell, M.D., president of the American Academy of Dermatology. "Because these medications are applied to the skin, virtually none of it gets inside the body. It's not the same as taking a pill. These are valuable medications, and if used properly, they allow millions of our patients with eczema to live normal lives."
This past summer, the Academy held a conference to discuss the scientific, regulatory, clinical, and public concerns raised by this potential FDA action. The dermatologists, patients, pharmacists and immunologists participating in the conference reviewed the current literature and safety data for these medications. It was determined that the addition of a black box warning and medication guide was unwarranted and could limit access to TCIs, or limit treatment options if qualified patients decide not to use these medications based on fear of a malignancy risk.
"The health, safety and welfare of our patients being treated with these topical medications are of paramount importance to dermatologists," said Dr. Cockerell. "We are concerned that this warning will confuse and unnecessarily worry our patients. We urge patients to get the facts on how to appropriately manage their eczema from their dermatologist."

Elevated Concerns Over Eczema Drugs

2006-01-20T07:47:00.000-08:00

The labels on two prescription creams to treat eczema will have to bear "black box" warnings of possible cancer risks.
The Food and Drug Administration's action Thursday follows an agency advisory committee recommendation last February that Elidel cream and Protopic ointment carry the label warnings.
The new labeling also will clarify that the two drugs are recommended for use only after other prescription topical medicines have been tried by patients, the FDA said. The agency is also issuing a guide updating patients of its concerns.
A black box warning is the most serious type of warning in prescription drug labeling. The warning will be located lower on the labels of the two drugs than is typical, although a statement higher on the labels will refer to the risk.
"This is something that is a possible risk, is a long-term possibility and is something that still needs to be researched," FDA spokeswoman Susan Cruzan said.
As of October, the FDA has received reports of 78 cases of cancers, including skin and lymphoma, in patients treated with the two drugs, said Dr. Stanka Kukich, the acting director of the FDA's dermatologic and dental drug products division.
Novartis Pharmaceuticals, which makes Elidel, said in a statement Thursday that it remained confident in the safety and efficacy of Elidel.
"While Novartis believes this action is not substantiated by scientific or clinical evidence, Novartis has agreed to make the requested changes," the company said.
Astellas Pharma Inc., formed through the merger of Protopic maker Fujisawa Healthcare Inc. and Yamanouchi Pharmaceutical Co., said in a statement that its drug "is safe and effective when used in a manner consistent with its label."
"It addresses a theoretical risk — a potential risk, not a demonstrated link," Dr. Joyce Rico, vice president for medical sciences research and development at Astellas, said of the warning.
While the two manufacturers dispute whether there is a cancer link, the FDA felt it had to convey notice of the cancer reports to doctors and patients, said Dr. Julie G. Beitz, an acting director of one of the FDA's drug evaluation offices.
Along with the small number of cancers reported in both children and adults treated with the drugs, animal tests have shown an increase in cancer associated with the drugs, the FDA said last year.
No causal link between use of the drugs and cancer has been established, Beitz said.
The long-term safety of the drugs has not been established, according to the FDA. While both companies are studying that issue, the results may not be known for years, the FDA said.
Elidel and Protopic are applied to the skin to control eczema by suppressing the immune system.
The companies estimate that roughly 10 million people combined have used the two drugs.

Sweet's Syndrome

2006-01-19T10:15:00.000-08:00

Sweet's disease was named after a Dr Sweet from Plymouth, England, who first described this condition in 1964. It is also known as acute neutrophilic dermatosis.
In Sweet's disease there is a sudden appearance of red tender lumps (plaques) on the skin usually of the limbs or neck, sometimes elsewhere. It most often occurs in middle-aged women, but men, children and the elderly may also be affected.

Sweet's is a reaction to an internal condition.
It may follow:
Upper respiratory tract infection (e.g. chest infection, streptococcal throat infection)
Vaccination
Inflammatory bowel disease (e.g. ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease)
Rheumatoid arthritis
Blood disorders including leukaemia (most often acute myelogenous leukaemia).
Internal cancer usually of bowel, genitourinary organ or breast
Pregnancy
Drugs, including granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, cotrimoxasole and several others
In some people, no underlying condition is found.

Sweet's disease generally results in the following symptoms:
High or moderate fever
Tiredness and malaise (feeling unwell)
One or more tender red papules or plaques. These enlarge and persist for several weeks. They may have blisters, pustules or ulcers. Sometimes they appear to clear in the centre.
Aching joints and headache
Sore eyes and/or mouth ulcers
Sometimes other organs are affected including bones, nervous sytem, kidneys, intestines, liver, heart, lungs, muscles and spleen.
Skin lesions may arise at the site of injury such as a needle prick, biopsy or insect bite. It some patients they arise only in sun exposed areas.
Sweet's disease is related to pyoderma gangrenosum, and is sometimes difficult to distinguish from it.
In one variant of Sweet's disease, ‘neutrophilic dermatosis of the dorsal hands’, bluish or grey abscess-like nodules arise on the backs of the hands. These nodules may ulcerate. This is sometimes known as ‘pustular vasculitis’ of the hands, because inflamed blood vessels are seen on biopsy as well as an infiltration of neutrophil white cells.

Investigations may reveal:
Raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) or C-reactive protein (CRP), indicating systemic inflammatory disease
Raised white cell count (neutrophil leukocytosis)
Numerous neutrophil inflammatory cells on skin biopsy associated with broken-up neutrophils (leukocytoclasia) and swelling of cells lining blood vessels (endothelial cells)

Sweets' lesions resolve eventually without leaving a mark or scar, with or without treatment.
Generally there is a single episode of Sweet's disease, but a third of patients may develop recurrent episodes. This is more likely in patients who have underlyng cancer.

Facial Contact Dermatitis

2006-01-13T10:38:00.000-08:00

The irony of facial contact dermatitis is that, in search of a cause, patients often overlook what was once literally right in front of them. Since allergic reactions can take several days to develop after initial exposure, the substance responsible for the dermatitis on the face has plenty of time for a clean getaway.
Dermatologist Susan T. Nedorost, MD, Director, Contact Dermatitis Program and Patch Test Clinic, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, addresses some of the common causes of facial contact dermatitis.
Dermatitis By Allergy
Contact dermatitis is characterized by redness, swelling, itching, and scaling caused by an allergic substance that makes direct contact with the skin. The condition can develop at any age, although the facial version of the disorder is most often seen in young and middle-aged adults.
"Facial contact dermatitis often stems from fragrances or preservatives in cosmetics and other personal care products; hence, more women are affected because they use a greater number of personal care products," said Dr. Nedorost. "Facial contact dermatitis is also common in patients who also have hand dermatitis, signaling that the cause is a substance the patient touches that is transferred from the hands to the face."
Allergens
Dermatologists rely on patch testing to identify contact allergens. Small concentrations of suspected allergens are applied to the skin on the back and held in place with tape for 48 hours. If small, red spots, that may also itch, appear within three to five days, this indicates that the patient is allergic to the substance.
Patch testing for facial contact dermatitis may reveal an allergen that the patient or dermatologist had not previously considered because it was not intentionally or directly applied to the face. There are a variety of sources of allergens that patients may not recognize as likely causes of dermatitis and include:
Rubber
Rubber contains several allergenic chemicals in addition to latex. "Rubber allergy may cause dermatitis where applicators used to apply eye shadow contact the skin, or where foam rubber sponges are used to apply and remove cosmetics," said Dr. Nedorost.
Metals
Metal allergy is the most common form of contact dermatitis, and nickel is the most common of all metal allergens. Nickel may be present in costume jewelry, such as earrings, and in eyelash curlers or tweezers used on the face. Gold is also a common allergen and may be transferred to the face from gold rings on the hands.
Acrylates
Acrylates are used in the application of artificial nails and in both home and salon nail repair kits. "Ironically, nail products can cause dermatitis on the face without causing it on the nail itself, as the nail plate is composed of dead tissue and cannot exhibit dermatitis," commented Dr. Nedorost. "Instead, patients may notice itching or burning of the skin following a nail salon service or the application of nail cosmetics at home." Acrylates are also found in eyeglass frames and dental resins, as well as in adhesives used in industrial work.
Pine Resin
Colophony, or pine resin, is a sticky material that may cause allergy. "In addition to being used in mascara, pine resin may also be transferred from the fingers due to exposure in hobbies such as bowling, baseball, or playing stringed instruments," stated Dr. Nedorost.
Sunscreen Ingredients
The sunscreen ingredient benzophenone, which blocks both types of harmful UV radiation, can also cause allergy. "Photo contact dermatitis is common on areas of the face and neck where sunscreen has been applied and is most often noticed after UV exposure because UV light activates the sunscreen," stated Dr. Nedorost.
Hair Products
Benzophenone can also be found in hair care products but a more common ingredient in these products that may cause facial contact dermatitis is cocoamidylpropyl betaine, which is found in baby shampoos and many adult shampoos. "Ingredients in hair care products can cause facial or neck dermatitis, even if they don't cause scalp dermatitis," said Dr. Nedorost. "The face and neck are more sensitive than the scalp and may react where hair products run off of the scalp or are not completely rinsed."
It is common for patients to self-treat facial contact dermatitis with topical corticosteroids which are available over-the-counter. "Unfortunately, long-term use of these medications on the face can cause thinning of the skin with visible blood vessels, rosacea, or even cataracts and glaucoma if used near the eye," stated Dr. Nedorost.
Individuals who suspect they may have contact dermatitis should seek evaluation and treatment from a dermatologist. "By working with the dermatologist to identify the allergens, successful treatment for even longstanding facial dermatitis is possible for patients," stated Dr. Nedorost.

Hydrating Winter Skin

2006-01-11T11:38:00.000-08:00

Skin care companies love winter. That's because as the temperature drops and the central heating is turned up, dry, chapped and dehydrated customers hit their local supermarkets, pharmacies and malls, spending heavily on various creams and lotions in search of relief. In fact, according to Packaged Facts, a publishing division of Cleveland-based Market Research.com, in 2004, Americans spent more than $1 billion on facial moisturizers and body lotions. That same year, the entire skin care market in the U.S. rang up more than $4.56 billion in sales.

Although many of the biggest names in the fight against cracked skin are made by some of the U.S.'s largest companies--such as Oil of Olay from Procter & Gamble,
Neutrogena from Johnson & Johnson, and Lubriderm from Pfizer there is still plenty of room for smaller companies to establish a niche for themselves, especially at the high end.

Dr. Andrew S. Alexis, a director at the Department of Dermatology at St. Luke's Hospital in New York City, says consumers shouldn't feel inclined to purchase a lotion or cream just because of price. His favorite brands include Nivea, Eucerin and, in severe cases, Aquaphor--all products from German company Beiersdorf and easily purchased at a local drugstore.

Even more important, he adds, "The first step is to reduce some of the factors that aggravate dry skin symptoms, like avoiding extremely hot showers and baths and reducing the amount of time in them." There are plenty of other common sense--and inexpensive--ways to keep skin soft when it snows. Dry, dull, even chapped skin can also be attributed to the environment, harsh cleansers and even nutrition.

Cari Kamm, creator of Kammplexion skin line, says it's best to eat raw fruits and vegetables high in beta-carotene, along with food high in essential fatty acids like fish, grains, nuts and seeds. "I firmly believe we are what we eat. These simple nutritional suggestions, along with products rich in antioxidants and moisture magnets like Hyaluronic acid, will improve skin noticeably."

Of course, if you have severely dry skin called "winter eczema" or "winter itch," in which the skin is cracked or extremely itchy, a consultation with a dermatologist is recommended where you will be prescribed a steroid ointment or cream to treat the problem.

Soothing Eczema

2006-01-03T12:24:00.000-08:00

Native Americans used to extract the oil from jojoba beans as a treatment for cuts, sores and bruises, as well as sunburn. It has been applied to both face and scalp to help prevent evaporation and provide lubrication for dry, flaky skin. It absorbs easily, is non-greasy, and is very pleasant and soothing no matter what your skin type. Many women claim that jojoba oil also has a minimizing effect on pores!Jojoba oil, like other natural oils, is considered a "natural moisturizing factor". Just like the lipids that are naturally found in your skin, it helps fight surface roughness, flaking, and fine lines. But it isn't reserved just for those who have dry skin. People with acne-prone skin, who suffer more than others from clogged pores and blackhead formation, tend to avoid oil-based products like the plague. They assume that all oil-based products will make their acne worse.
Not so! Due to the unique molecular structure of jojoba oil, not only will it mix readily with the skin's natural oils, but studies have shown that it can even inhibit the growth of certain types of bacteria associated with acne.
Jojoba oil is also soothing for skin conditions like rosacea and sebborheic dermatitis, and will not cause flare-ups. By helping to reinforce the structure of the skin's outer layer (the epidermis), jojoba oil -along with the natural oils produced by the skin- is extremely helpful in the healing process. Natural oils help prevent individual cells from losing moisture, and aid in keeping the skin smooth and supple.
Another oil that benefits the skin and has a low comedogenic (pore-clogging) factor is Almond oil, which also makes for a great massage oil. However, it hasn't been shown to have the antibacterial benefits of Jojoba oil.

The Eczema Condition: Is Your Skin Too Clean?

2005-12-27T09:29:00.000-08:00

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.

Information On Eczema Clinical Trials

2005-12-20T11:17:00.000-08:00

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.

Treatment Gets FDA Approval

2005-12-16T07:42:00.000-08:00

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.

Patients Sought For Eczema Studies

2005-12-13T08:55:00.000-08:00

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

Christmas Season Can Trigger Eczema

2005-12-08T08:34:00.000-08:00

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

Natural Eczema Treatment

2005-12-05T11:31:00.000-08:00

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

Dyshidrotic Eczema By Any Other Name is Still Hand Eczema

2005-12-01T10:52:00.000-08:00

Treating An Itch

2005-11-29T09:36:00.000-08:00

Rational treatment of itch depends heavily on establishing the cause and removing or treating the cause. However, this is not always possible.
To alleviate itch the following measures are useful:
Avoid possible irritants like harsh soaps, bubble baths and detergents. Clothes made from wool or synthetic material can cause irritation. Loose, light cotton clothing and beddings are preferable.
Keep cool as much as possible. Heat lowers the itch threshold. Avoid hot baths. Stay under the fan or in an air-conditioned room when feasible. As the air in air-conditioned places tends to be dry, it may be useful to place a large bowl of water in front of the air-conditioner to improve the moisture content.
Dry skin makes itching worse. Moisturisers are useful to keep the skin supple and moist. They should be applied several times a day. Water and soap dry out the skin as they wash away the natural skin oils. Therefore the most important time to use moisturiser is after a bath or shower.
Engage in activities that distract from the itching during the day and make you tired enough to sleep at night.
Keep the nails short to limit any damage done to the skin by scratching. As much as possible, try not to scratch. Scratching gives temporary relief but the damage caused by scratching can make itching worse, leading to an itch-scratch-itch vicious cycle.
Antihistamines taken orally are very useful for some conditions like hives (urticaria). However, they do not help with all types of itch. Avoid topical antihistamines (which are applied on the skin) as they can sensitise the skin and cause allergic dermatitis.
Lotions that contain calamine or menthol may provide some relief.
Topical steroids can be useful if the itch is related to inflammatory conditions like eczema. However, they should be used under medical supervision.

Wet Wrap Therapy For Severe Eczema

2005-11-17T10:38:00.000-08:00

If it seems that absolutely nothing will alleviate that red, cracked, and unbearably itchy skin, you may want to ask your dermatologist about wet-wrap therapy. Studies show that wet-wrap therapy can effectively re-hydrate and calm the skin. In one such study, children with severe atopic dermatitis who had not responded to other treatments were treated with wet-wrap therapy. The study found that the children experienced significant improvements. In just one week, these children averaged a 74% reduction in itch and experienced less sleep loss. Improvements to their skin lasted well beyond the two (2) weeks of treatment.1 Wet-wrap therapy also has been shown to significantly improve hand eczema.As the name implies, wet-wrap therapy involves wrapping wet bandages around the affected skin. The steps recommended by your dermatologist may differ slightly to accommodate a patient’s specific needs. However, the basic technique is as follows. Before the bandages are applied, the patient soaks in a bath with bath oil; then moisturizer is applied. Medication also may be spread on the skin affected by eczema. The wet bandages, which are generally moistened by soaking them in warm water or moisturizer, are then wrapped around the area. Wet bandages can be used on any area of the body that the patient will tolerate, including the face. To lock in moisture, dry bandages are wrapped over the wet ones. The benefits of wet-wrap therapy include:
Skin re-hydration
More restful sleep
Reduced redness and inflammation
Less frequent itching
Decrease in the Staphylococcus aureus (staph) bacteria found on the skin
However, wet-wrap therapy does have some drawbacks. It is time-consuming. If you are treating a child, it requires a great deal of patience and supervision. Children tend to squirm when the bandages are being applied and may try to remove the bandages. As one parent said, “It’s not a nice thing for any parent to have to do.” However, most parents agree that the results are worth the effort when other therapies are not effective.When treating an infant or very young child, moistened pajamas may be used instead of wet wraps. Special care must be taken to prevent these children from becoming chilled.Wet-wrap therapy is generally only used for a week or two. To maintain the results afterwards, you must apply moisturizer frequently throughout the day and after bathing. Additionally, triggers must be avoided, and it may be necessary to continue using medication. If you feel that nothing will bring relief, be sure to talk with your dermatologist about wet-wrap therapy. It may be exactly what is needed to “wrap up” severe eczema.

Perioral Eczema

2005-11-16T11:34:00.000-08:00

Perioral dermatitis affects mostly women. In addition to redness around the mouth, the symptoms of perioral dermatitis may also include small red bumps or even pus bumps and mild peeling. Treatments include using a non-tartar, non-fluoride toothpaste. Lip balms, lipstick, mouthwash, or toothpaste can also cause perioral dermatitis.

Understanding Nummular Eczema

2005-11-14T08:10:00.000-08:00

Discoid eczema, also called nummular eczema or gravitational eczema is usually found in adults and appears suddenly as a few coin shaped areas of red skin; normally on the trunk or lower legs. It may look similar to ringworm. These areas become itchy and can weep fluid. Usually discoid eczema is treated with emollients (and steroid creams if necessary).It can be considered as an adult form of atopic eczema. It can be complicated by a bacterial infection which causes weeping and crusting.
The word "nummular" comes from the Latin nummus, meaning coin, and is characterized by round plaques of eczema. Eruptions of nummular eczema are often recurrent and chronic and usually appear in people who are in their 60s but can occur at any age. The cause of nummular eczema is not known, but it usually occurs in cold weather and is most common in people who have dry skin. Hot weather and stress can aggravate this condition, as can the following:
Fabric softeners
Allergies
Soaps and detergents
Wool clothing
Bathing more than once a day.
Nummular eczema most commonly appears on the arms, back, buttocks, and lower legs that may be crusted, scaling, and extremely itchy. Neurodermatitis most commonly appears as scaly patches of skin on the head, lower legs, wrists, or forearms caused by a localized itch that becomes intensely irritated when scratched. Minor skin injury such as an insect bite or a burn may start it off.
Discoid eczema can affect any part of the body particularly the lower leg. It may be termed "varicose eczema" when it runs along the leg veins and result in gravitational eczema One or many patches appear, and may persist for weeks or months. They can be several centimeters across, or as small as two millimeters. The skin between the patches is usually normal, but may be dry and irritable. Discoid eczema may be extremely itchy, or scarcely noticeable. When the patches clear, they may leave marks for some weeks or months which are darker or sometimes paler than the normal skin tone. Discoid eczema does not run in families, and unlike atopic dermatitis, it is not associated with asthma. It does not result from food allergy. It is not infectious to other people, although it sometimes becomes secondarily infected by bacteria.
As this type of eczema often starts off as a minor skin injury, protect all your skin carefully. If the hands are affected, use gloves and tools to make sure the skin is not irritated by friction, detergents, solvents, other chemicals or excessive water.
An eruption may begin with one or numerous round red plaques with tiny overlying blisters. The plaques often enlarge to several centimeters with clearly marked edges, and overlying scale may be prominent. Swelling and oozing occur in newer lesions and itching can be mild to severe.
Coal-tar salves can help relieve symptoms of nummular dermatitis that have not responded to other treatments, but these ointments have an unpleasant odor and stain clothing. Antibiotics are important if the dermatitis is weeping, sticky or crusted. Sometimes nummular dermatitis clears completely on oral antibiotics, only to recur when they are discontinued.

Light Sensitive Eczema

2005-11-11T11:55:00.000-08:00

Eczema that is caused by sunlight is rare. If it happens it is likely to occur on the face, hands and arms. Using high factor sun creams can treat it. Sometimes this eczema can be caused when people are taking medication that reacts to sunlight e.g. antihistamines and arthritis medications. Ingredients in soaps and cosmetics may also cause this.

The Many Names of Foot Eczema

2005-11-08T09:57:00.000-08:00

The Eczema /Dry Skin Connection

2005-11-04T03:36:00.000-08:00

Dr. Wayne Webber has often been asked to explain the basics of eczema, a wide spread problem that plagues millions of Americans. After analyzing many dermatological resources he formulated a simple explanation that has given peace of mind and hope to many eczema sufferers.
The outer layer of skin consists of dead skin cells. It is designed to protect the delicate living cells of the deeper layers. This outer layer needs to stay moisturized to protect these deeper layers. In order to keep the moisture from leaving the outer layer of skin, natural oils are produced.These oils also help keep irritants away from the deeper layers of skin. Regular washing with soap, or exposure to chemicals, can remove these natural oils.When the natural oil is stripped from the outer layer of skin the moisture quickly evaporates leaving dry itchy skin. The deeper layers are now left exposed to harsh damaging substances including detergents, solvents, cleaners, paint and thinners, gardening chemicals, dirt and grease, latex gloves and powder, etc. This makes matters worse and creates a dire need of dry skin treatment.
When we use conventional hand lotions and moisturizers, we send the message to the skin saying that it is adequately moisturized, when in fact, it is dehydrated of its natural moisture. The body responds by reducing its production of natural oils and moisture and this in turn makes the dry itchy skin problem worse. People have been known to complain that their skin is drier than before they started using conventional moisturizers for that very reason. Very often, severe cases of dry itchy skin left unresolved could result in eczema with the accompanying added discomfort of itchiness that is almost unbearable. Although there are other reasons for contracting eczema like coming into contact with allergens to which the individual is sensitive, his or her doctor is best equipped to diagnose the real cause.

Medicis Files Suit Against Upsher-Smith Laboratories

2005-10-31T09:45:00.000-08:00

Medicis announced in a Staurday press release that it filed suit on October 27, 2005 against Upsher-Smith Laboratories Inc. of Plymouth, Minnesota and against Prasco Laboratories of Cincinnati, Ohio for infringement of Patent No. 6,905,675 entitled "Sulfur Containing Dermatological Compositions and Methods for Reducing Malodors in Dermatological Compositions" covering its sodium sulfacetamide/sulfur technology.

This intellectual property is key in Medicis' PLEXION Cleanser product. The suit was filed in the US District Court for the District of Arizona, and seeks an award of damages, as well as a preliminary and a permanent injunction.

Medicis is the leading independent specialty pharmaceutical company in the United States focusing primarily on the treatment of dermatological and podiatric conditions and aesthetics medicine.

The company is dedicated to helping patients attain a healthy and youthful appearance and self-image. Medicis has leading branded prescription products in a number of therapeutic categories, including acne, eczema, fungal infections, psoriasis, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis and skin and skin-structure infections. The company's products have earned wide acceptance by both physicians and patients due to their clinical effectiveness, high quality and cosmetic elegance.

THE INTERNATIONAL ECZEMA PSORIASIS FOUNDATION

2005-10-28T02:58:00.000-07:00

On the International Eczema-Psoriasis Foundation website, you will find information about eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, perioral dermatitis, guttate psoriasis, their symptoms, causes and treatments. You will learn tips to distinguish between eczema and similar conditions such as contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, stasis dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, neurodermatitis, contact eczema, light sensitive eczema, juvenile plantar eczema, eczema craquele, eczema herpeticum, atopic eczema, infantile eczema, adult seborrheic eczema, varicose eczema, discoid eczema, dyshidrotic eczema, palmoplantar psoriasis, plaque psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, inverse psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, scalp & ear psoriasis, and nail psoriasis. Treatment, symptoms and medications used in the treatment of eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and skin conditions that co-exist with dermatitis, such as adult acne, lupus, and rosacea will be presented. The informative text on eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis discusses treatment, causes, and lifestyle changes that help treat dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis.

Cradle Cap: An Eczema Affecting Babies

2005-10-24T06:38:00.000-07:00

Cradle cap is a crusting and scaling rash found on the scalps of many healthy babies. The sebaceous glands in their skin are hyper-activated often because of mom’s hormones that crossed the placenta just before birth. These glands pump out a greasy substance that keeps the old skin cells attached as it dries. Cradle cap can occur in any baby, and most commonly begins sometime in the first 3 months. The baby develops patchy scales and redness on the scalp, even though the early baby pictures showed beautiful baby skin. The scales may appear cracked, greasy, or even weeping. The same rash is often prominent around the ear or the eyebrows. It may appear in other locations as well, where it is called seborrheic dermatitis rather than cradle cap.

Living With Atopic Eczema

2005-10-21T10:29:00.000-07:00

Atopic eczema is a condition that causes itchy, inflamed skin. It typically affects the insides of the elbows, backs of the knees, and the face, but can cover most of the body. Atopic eczema falls into a category of diseases called atopic, a term originally used to describe the allergic conditions asthma and hay fever. People who live in urban areas and in climates with low humidity seem to be at an increased risk for developing atopic dermatitis.

TREATMENT TIPS FOR ECZEMA

2005-10-20T06:03:00.000-07:00

Treatment tips for eczema are like opinions; there are many of them. One obvious tip is to stay away from substances that cause reactions. Keep the skin as healthy as possible. When bathing, use soaps that are not harsh to the skin. Do not use any cortisone products that contain steroids. Steroid-bases products are known to have many side effects and should be avoided.

Diet is very important. Some common foods known to contain allergens that can aggravate the body are daily products such as milk, cheese, ice cream, and yogurt. Eggs should be avoided. Crustacean meat should be greatly reduced or avoided altogether. Lobster, shrimp, squid, prawns, clams, oysters, and other crustaceans can cause allergic reactions. Salmon should also be avoided along with calcium supplements and color dyes, especially Yellow #5.

Additional allergens are products containing NutraSweet. Mushrooms sometime cause reactions for eczema sufferers and should not be eaten. Hot, spicy foods can cause intestinal inflammation which can cause outbreaks of eczema.

Eczema Medications

2005-10-19T11:48:00.000-07:00

Hand Eczema

2005-10-17T06:52:00.000-07:00

Hand eczema often results from a combination of causes, including genetic makeup, injury, contact with irritants and allergy. It is frequently caused or aggravated by work, when it is known as occupational dermatitis. Hand dermatitis is particularly common in industries involving cleaning, catering, metalwork, hairdressing, healthcare and mechanical work.

Hand dermatitis varies in severity. It may affect the backs of the hands, the palms or both sites. Often it starts as a mild intermittent complaint, but it can become increasingly severe and persistent. The affected skin initially becomes red and dry, then progresses to itchy bumps and fluid-filled blisters, scaling, cracking, weeping and swelling. Bacterial infection can result in pustules, crusting and pain. Longstanding dermatitis at the ends of the fingers may result in deformed nails. Hand dermatitis can spread to affect other sites, particularly the forearms and feet.

The Symptoms of Eczema

2005-10-15T10:24:00.000-07:00

The symptoms of eczema include itching, redness, dry/flaky skin, and even blisters (www.medinfo.co.uk). Usually the first symptom of eczema is intense itching; this itching can be very uncomfortable and individuals may tend to scratch the skin. The itchy feeling is an important symptom in eczema, because scratching and rubbing in response to itching worsen the skin inflammation characteristic of eczema. Scratching should be avoided because it can only make the eczema symptoms worse. The dry skin will become redder in color and may even crack due to scratching. Scratching may also lead to infection. It is a good idea, therefore, to keep fingernails cut short and to keep the hands occupied during the day in order to control the urge to scratch. The urge to scratch symptom becomes a repetitive cycle: the more you scratch, the more it itches.

Understanding Nummular Eczema

2005-10-13T03:32:00.000-07:00

Topical Immunomodulators May Improve Eczema

2005-10-12T12:15:00.000-07:00

Topical immunomodulators (TIMs) are a new type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug for the treatment of eczema. Mild burning sensations have been reported when applying TIMs. In general, however, TIMs have fewer side effects than corticosteroids. TIMs are topical drugs that modulate the immune response (alter the reactivity of cell-surface immunologic responsiveness). Studies have shown that this class of drugs will improve or completely clear eczema in more than 80 percent of treated patients, with a side-effect profile comparable with topical steroids.

Treating Eczema With Antibiotics

2005-10-10T19:13:00.000-07:00

Damaged skin is susceptible to bacterial infection. People living with eczema tend to develop more skin infections than others. Antibiotics, topical or oral, may be required to treat eczema. Oral eczema treatments are not used as frequently as topical therapies. However, oral medication may be required to treat complications, or especially severe cases of eczema. Many different types of antibiotics are available. Consult your medical professional to find out about the side effects of antibiotics prescribed to you. Oral or topical antibiotics reduce the surface bacterial infections that may accompany flares of Atopic dermatitis. In the treatment of stasis dermatitis, oral antibiotics are useful when cellulitis is present; topical antibiotics are useless and often cause contact dermatitis.

Use of Antihistamines May Help Eczema

2005-10-08T16:30:00.000-07:00

Antihistamines are occasionally prescribed to control itching and help the eczema sufferer sleep. Their effectiveness as anti-itch medication is limited, however, as histamines are not important components of eczema-associated itching. Antihistamines can make you very drowsy. Driving while on antihistamines is not recommended.

Treating Eczema With Dermatitis-Ltd

2005-10-05T22:37:00.000-07:00

Dermatitis-Ltd III. is a great option for individuals whose skin has been left sensitive and delicate by over-the-counter or prescription medications which often are messy, smelly, stain clothing, or thin the skin such as steroids. Skin appears more conditioned, even, elastic, and calm with Dermatitis-Ltd III. The ingredients of Dermatitis-Ltd are: zinc oxide, sodium chloride, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, iron oxide, copper oxide, and sulfur. Zinc oxide is well known for its ability to protect and heal the skin. This product is currently only available at http://www.dermatitis-ltd.com/.

Understanding Eczema

2005-10-03T11:35:00.000-07:00

Eczema is characterized by a rash, dryness of skin, itching, and redness of skin (Rouse). The symptoms of eczema occur due to the overproduction of damaging inflammatory skin cells and continue to worsen as a result of certain factors in the environment. The cause of eczema can be traced to environmental factors. Foods, shampoos, soaps, laundry detergents, synthetic fabrics, stress, and temperature changes are capable of irritating already existing eczema and may even be the cause of a new eczema condition. Although eczema is a chronic skin condition, there are various forms of treatment and interventions available to help control eczema. Eczema is a hereditary condition and thus is not contagious to others. A general picture of eczema can encompass different stages. Some people may have only a small patch of affected skin while others may have larger patches all over the body. An individual may experience one mild eczema outbreak while others experience chronic severe incidences of eczema. In some cases after an eczema outbreak the skin remains more reactive than it was prior to the outbreak. The eczema-affected skin is very sensitive and the individual must be aware of the trigger factors and try to avoid them.

Eczema Treatment Tips

2005-10-01T07:43:00.000-07:00

Options in The Treatment of Eczema

2005-09-29T03:58:00.000-07:00

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.

Cancer Treatment Effective for Eczema Too

2005-09-27T03:37:00.000-07:00

A therapy traditionally used on esophageal cancer and lung cancer is causing a buzz in dermatology circles as a way to treat precancerous skin lesions, sun damage and acne.
Called photodynamic therapy, or PDT, it is gaining popularity with claims that it's more convenient and less painful, and that it brings fewer side effects than conventional treatments.
The Food and Drug Administration has approved PDT only for the treatment of certain tumors and actinic keratoses, which are scaly or crusty bumps that form on the skin surface from too much sun. But now the procedure also is being widely used for sun damage and acne on an "off-label" basis.
"There are exciting new and improved cosmetic indications," says Dr. Ron Berne, an Elmwood Park, Ill. dermatologist who began using PDT on his patients in March.
He explained that PDT can improve sun damage such as blotchy complexion, fine lines and telangiectasia, which are dilated superficial blood vessels such as are found with rosacea. The procedure improves the entire area treated, creating a more uniform color, texture and tone, rather than just spot treating with liquid nitrogen or other techniques.
The procedure involves applying a topical solution called 5-aminolevulinic acid (Levulan Kerastick) directly to the skin, then activating it with a light source for a specific time. The solution is absorbed by the abnormal keratin in precancerous or sun-damaged cells or oil glands, depending on what is being targeted.
A variety of light sources may be used, from lasers and intense pulsed light to blue light, which refers to the light wavelength. Therapy can be repeated several times at the same site if necessary.
PDT also can dramatically improve mild to moderate inflammatory acne when used in combination with other treatments, Berne says, eliminating the need for oral antibiotics or the controversial drug Accutane. The Levulan is absorbed into the oil glands, significantly reducing them.
Accutane has a much higher risk of side effects, such as birth defects and liver problems, according to Berne.
Kim Nguyen, 32, of Chicago, Ill., is allergic to many antibiotics and benzyl peroxide, so she is limited in her choices of acne treatment. She has had two PDT treatments.
"I can see a reduction in the acne and scars, and the redness is less intense," she says.
She has two more treatments scheduled, and her health insurance has covered a portion of the cost.
A PDT treatment typically ranges from $250 to $350.
In general, patients must avoid all sunlight and even brightly lit rooms for 36 hours or risk getting a severe burn due to heightened skin sensitivity to light.
"Plan a day and a half inside in the shadows," Berne says.
Even with that drawback, Berne prefers PDT as a treatment for actinic keratoses.
The standard treatment uses liquid nitrogen to freeze off the lesions. But doctors can't treat more than a couple at a time, so return office visits are required, according to Berne.
"For multiple actinic keratoses, conventional therapy can be painful and inconvenient," he added.
PDT targets only abnormal cells, so all lesions can be treated at one time, or repeated if necessary, according to Berne.
The use of PDT in dermatology, however, isn't universally hailed, says Dr. Gregg Menaker, director of dermatologic surgery at Evanston Northwestern Healthcare and assistant professor of dermatology at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill.
While director of the dermatologic surgery unit at Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston), "I saw a steady parade of people from our lab to my surgical unit for lesions that didn't go away with PDT," he says.
In patients with multiple actinic keratoses, not every lesion may be an actinic keratosis, he explains. The lesion could be a squamous cell, a common skin cancer. "There are other treatments that are faster, cheaper and more effective," he says.
As for using PDT for acne, Menaker says, "Our standard acne therapies are going to end up being the preferred way to treat acne. Acne patients are mostly kids who are in school and don't want to come to the dermatologist. From a scheduling standpoint it's difficult. And there is no long-term data to support its use."
But PDT is in use at the Texas Dermatology Research Institute, where Dr. William Abramovits, a professor of dermatology at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas employs it to treat actinic keratoses, acne and other skin diseases.
He says, however, that because low-energy light may not be able to penetrate deep enough into thick lesions, PDT may fail to destroy squamous cell cancers or thick actinic keratoses.
"Many centers, particularly in Europe, are exploring the potential of newer sensitizers, and light of wavelengths that will penetrate deep enough to destroy thicker lesions," Abramovits says. "The results are very promising.

Weather - Sensitive Eczema

2005-09-23T05:05:00.000-07:00

People with eczema are often very sensitive to the weather. This skin condition, marked by dry, itchy, blistering skin, can be particularly troublesome in extremely cold or hot temperatures. And people living with this chronic condition, especially kids, know that doing certain exercises and sports activities can be aggravating.
The low humidity of cold, dry winters can cause skin to dry out, which can lead to itching and flare-ups. Heating homes in the winter can also dry out the air and the skin. And eczema is not just a problem during the winter months. High humidity during warmer months causes increased sweating, which for many people with eczema can lead to prickly heat-like episodes and flare-ups. Because people often sweat when they exercise, playing sports can also trigger flare-ups. Also, irritants that accompany certain sports, like chlorine in a pool, or team uniforms made from polyester, can cause anyone with eczema to avoid these pleasurable activities.

Eczema Treatment: Avoiding Triggers - Dust Mites

2005-09-20T10:12:00.000-07:00

Many people with eczema are allergic to house dust mite. If you are allergic, you have to greatly reduce the number of house dust mite for any chance that symptoms may improve. However, it is impossible to clear house dust mite completely from a home, and it is hard work to greatly reduce their number to a level which may be of benefit.
Therefore, if your eczema is mild to moderate, and can be managed by the usual treatments of emollients and short courses of topical steroids, it is usually not worthwhile doing anything about house dust mite.
However, if you have moderate or severe eczema which is difficult to control with the usual treatments, you may wish to consider reducing the level of house dust mite from your home. (A skin prick test may help to confirm the allergy before embarking on the following measures which are hard work.)
To greatly reduce the number of house dust mite:
Remove carpets (where possible) from the bedroom. Avoid soft furnishing in the bedroom.
Use dust tight ('mite proof') covers for mattress, duvet, and pillow (a good bed retailer will be able to advise). This can be left in place for several months. The usual covers can be put on top of the special covers, but should be washed every 1-2 weeks at 60 degrees centigrade.
Use feather rather than synthetic pillows (this is the opposite to what used to be thought).
Wet-dust the bedroom furniture every 1-2 weeks. Some people advise dusting even more frequently - even daily dusting.
Vacuum or clean the bedroom floor regularly. Use a vacuum cleaner with a good filter (this removes the mite and prevents small particles coming out through the vacuum exhaust).
Vacuum the mattress once a week.
Regularly ventilate the bedroom (open the door and a window for a while on most days).
Keep soft toys to a minimum. Put them in the freezer in a plastic bag for 24 hours now and again. This kills any mites on them. If the toys are washable, wash them at 60 degrees centigrade after putting them in the freezer.
Try to keep humidity low (for example, do not dry washing on the radiator). An electric blanket decreases humidity in the bed which helps to keep mite numbers down in a mattress.

Eczema Treatment: Avoiding Triggers - Soaps And Detergents

2005-09-18T07:16:00.000-07:00

Soaps and detergents remove the natural 'oils' from the skin. This tends to make the skin dry and itchy, and more sensitive to irritants.
Therefore, avoid soaps, bubble baths, etc, when you wash. Instead, use a thick emollient (moisturiser) as a soap substitute and add an emollient to the a bath or shower. (See separate leaflet called 'Emollients (Moisturisers) for Eczema' for details.) Wear rubber gloves with a cotton lining when using detergents or working with other similar chemicals.
After you wash clothes with detergent, rinse them well. Some 'biological' detergents are said by some people to be irritating. However, there is little proof that commonly used detergents which are used in the normal way make eczema worse.

Eczema Treatment: Avoiding Triggers - Dry Skin

2005-09-16T03:33:00.000-07:00

Moisturizers or emollients including bath oils, soap substitutes can be applied to the areas affected by eczema as frequently as required to relieve itching, scaling and dryness. Emollients should also be used on the unaffected skin to reduce dryness. Emollient therapy helps to restore one of the skin's most important functions, which is to form a barrier to prevent bacteria and viruses getting into the body and therefore help to prevent a rash becoming infected. Emollients are safe and rarely cause an allergic reaction. Occasionally, products with lanolin may cause a reaction. Ideally, moisturizers should be applied three to four times a day. Apply in a gentle downward motion in the direction of hair growth to prevent accumulation of cream around the hair follicle (this can cause infection of the follicle).