Winter Weather Triggers Eczema

Cold Dry Winter Weather Triggering Eczema: Inevitable but controllable
MONTREAL, Feb. 1 /CNW Telbec/ -

Dry cold weather and low humidity levels indoors due to heating are major factors destabilizing the skin's natural balance and aggravating the impact of eczema. In a recent national survey(1),
Canadians with eczema stated that they felt it was hard to control this chronic and recurring condition, resulting in serious impacts not only on the physical, but also on the emotional aspects of their life. Although we can't control the weather, it is possible to control the effects it has on our skin.

During the month of February, the Eczema Awareness, Support and Education
(EASE) program, winner of the 2003 and 2004 Public Education Award from the
Canadian Dermatology Association, is encouraging those with eczema to learn
simple ways to manage the effects of weather on their sensitive skin.

Learning how to manage eczema is half the battle

- Keeping skin moisturized is essential. Take lukewarm baths and apply
a moisturizer within three minutes to help keep the skin well
hydrated.
- Find a moisturizer that works for you and your skin type. Ointments
have a tendency to better penetrate the skin and their effects last
longer.
- Make sure to avoid sudden temperature changes and cover your skin
when you go out.
- Try to not overheat your home or office and use a humidifier to keep
the humidity at a decent level.
- Speak to your family doctor or dermatologist about new steroid-free
treatment options available that can help you control the reaction of
the immune system.

As part of this awareness initiative, dermatologists and patients are
available to tell you more about this underestimated and life altering
condition.

Support is available

Because education is key for over two million Canadians who have to cope
with this condition, the EASE program provides bilingual, non-commercial
educational materials including a comprehensive guide to understanding adult
and childhood eczema called "Eczema: It's Time to Take Control".

To learn more about eczema, please call 1 866 432-0362 or visit www.eczemacanada.ca .

References:
(1) What do Canadians know about eczema? Omnibus survey conducted by the
EASE program, 2004.
For further information: B-roll, photos, research statistics from a
Canadian Omnibus Survey, or to arrange an interview, please contact: Gabrielle
Pauzé, MECA Médicomm, 1 888 764-6322, ext. 236, gpauze@meca.ca