Improving Children's Eczema

You can possibly play a role in reducing your child's risk of asthma, allergies and eczema – simply by investing in a good probiotic supplement for yourself and your baby.
Probiotics, or "good" bacteria found in food and supplement form, have been shown to play a positive role in immune regulation, the absorption of nutrients, and the treatment of diarrhoea in both children and adults.

Scientists are finding that probiotic supplementation before and after birth can possibly reduce the incidence of asthma, allergies and eczema in children.
These findings were presented to the local medical and pharmaceutical industry by Prof Bengt Björkstén, professor of Allergy Prevention and Paediatrics at the Karolinska Institut in Stockholm, in Cape Town on Friday.

The theory is simple: by ensuring a healthy microbial balance in the gut, the pregnant woman can boost the number of "good" bacteria present in other mucous membranes, such as the vagina. During childbirth, the infant (who has a completely sterile gut) is exposed to these good bacteria, which immediately start to colonise his or her gastrointestinal tract.
And this colonisation process seems to have long-term positive effects on a child's immunity – and his or her protection from allergies and asthma.

According to a theory known as the "hygiene hypothesis", babies who are born in sanitised hospitals and come home to sparkling clean homes may be more prone to develop allergies.
"It has been suggested that modern living is associated with too little microbial stimulation early in life and that allergic disease and autoimmune disease could be regarded as a consequence of a 'microbial deprivation syndrome'," Björkstén says.

Because children's bodies don't have to fight off as many bacteria as they did in the past, their immune systems start mistakenly attacking harmless substances, such as pet dander or pollen, causing allergic diseases.

Researchers hope to get more proof that, by giving the infant probiotics, his or her immune system is stimulated as it would be if the baby were exposed to bacteria in less clean surroundings.

Studies have shown that infants with atopic eczema improve with probiotic Lactobacilli.
This type of eczema affects up to 20% of the population and is associated with asthma and hay fever.

Research also suggests that by changing the gut microflora in early infancy with the help of Lactobacilli, the child's risk of developing atopic eczema at a later stage is also reduced.
What to doCurrently, there are only a few strains of bacteria that can be safely recommended as having beneficial, probiotic qualities.

Many studies have confirmed the safety of the Lactobacilli strains. More specifically, Lactobacillus reuteri has been shown to be safe and effective in children who are malnourished or born prematurely.

Another family of bacteria, the Bifidobacterium group, is also generally regarded as safe.
Keep the following in mind when you are purchasing probiotics:

Ask your pharmacist or doctor to recommend a good probiotic, paying particular attention to strains that have been shown to provide benefits.
Don't choose a product that only makes vague statements about AB cultures or good bacteria.
Make sure the product contains the right number of strains: the product must deliver at least 100 million colony-forming units per dose to be effective.

Eczema Scams

There are a number of in-your-face scammers in the media preying on eczema-stricken folks who are desperate for relief. BEWARE!
1% HYDROCORTISONE CREAM PACKAGED WITH "SPECIAL" INGREDIENTS. The omnipresent ad is from the FreeDerm HC eczema/dermatitis cream people who call it eczema miracle. They present a slew of photographs illustrating their point.
When asked what distinguishes their product from others, they say: "The answer is the special "proprietary" combination of ingredients that are not found in any other product. [They are not lying here. When you load something as chock-full of fillers as these people have, no other cream out there has these identical ones.] These ingredients were specifically chosen by the pharmacist for their moisturizing qualities. [Here, they are lying. Except for the hydrocortisone and dimethicone, they were chosen for reasons of cosmetics manufacture, and to make the product last on the shelves a long time.] Even if you have become resistant to the healing effects of other eczema treatment creams, you will undoubtedly find relief with this product. [And the proof is... where?]"
Look at these special ingredients, then. They list them as: Deioninized water, Polawax; Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Glyeryl Stearate, Dimethicone, Propylene Glycol, Methyl paraben, Propyl Paraben, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Benzylalkonium Chloride, Triethnolamine, and Citric acid. In addition it contains 1% hydrocortisone.
First of all, let us briefly note that these unscrupulous peddlers can’t even spell their own ingredients.
Now, let us examine these magical ingredients: Deionized water: water that has been filtered, usually by a reverse osmosis filter, with mineral impurities removed, commonly used in cosmetics Polawax: easy to use, emulsifying wax used commonly in cosmetics Cetyl alcohol: a fatty alcohol derived from palm oil; improves “feel” in creams and lotions Stearyl alcohol: a fatty alcohol used in much the same ways as cetyl alcohol Glyceryl stearate: commonly used emulsifier in cosmetics (emulsifiers make binding of oils and water possible) Dimethicone: a silicone oil used as ingredients of ointments and other preparations for topical application to protect the skin against water-soluble irritants; may irritate the skin Propylene glycol: a solvent and wetting agent; may cause rashes Methyl paraben: common preservative used in cosmetics and foods Propyl paraben: common preservative used in cosmetics; the parabens are skin irritants and used in common allergy patch tests Imidazolidinyl urea: a formaldehyde-releasing preservative; may cause an allergic reaction Benzalkonium chloride: a medical disinfectant, a preservative; corrosive, toxic - causes burns; harmful by inhalation, ingestion and through skin contact; may cause reproductive defects; may act as a mutagen Triethanolamine: is used as a pH balancer and stabilizer in cosmetic and industrial preparations; it is an irritant linked to contact dermatitis Citric acid: a weak organic acid found in tart fruits; used as a preservative; classified as a skin irritant Hydrocortisone 1%: an over the counter corticosteroid; anti-inflammatory
This at the price of $29.95 for 4 ounces, plus shipping and handling.
When you bother to compare it with the similar cream sold in your local drug store, you will find that you can do better with fewer of these "special" irritant fillers and a price about one sixth of what you would pay to these miserable lampreys. Don't help them laugh all the way to the bank!!!!
Oh and about the pictures... well of course 1% hydrocortisone works. Duh. Buy it at your corner drugstore for a few bucks minus the mutagens! :-) There are many other clones of this scam on the web. Avoid them all.
And please note: cortisone medications, while effective against eczema, can damage the skin permanently. 1% hydrocortisone is a weak preparation, yet it can cause problems too if used too long, too much, or on vulnerable skin of the face or of babies.

More on eczama scams can be found at:
http://www.geocities.com/vyera/dyshidrosis/scams.html

DRY ITCHY ECZEMA SKIN

There is an inherited tendency for the immune system to overreact to certain environmental factors, causing disruption of the skin's barrier function - inflammation, redness and itching.

The dermatologist 'People with atopic eczema often have drier, itchier skin,' Dr Mayou says. 'Initial treatment should be a moisturiser and a soap substitute. The second line of defence is to suppress the immune reaction with topical steroids. The newest one (no long-term trials have been done on it yet) is tacrolimus ointment (also known as Protopic), used when eczema hasn't responded to emollients and steroids. UV light is helpful. Avoid environmental allergens, such as pollen and fur.'

'I've found that most eczema sufferers are allergic to something. I run a food intolerance check, then eliminate identified allergens. To reduce inflammatory potential, increase your intake of omega-3 fats and decrease meat and milk, both high in arachidonic acid which promotes inflammation. Caffeine and stress also aggravate eczema.' Vitamin A cream in limited amounts helps to heal skin.

Facial Eczema May Be Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition involving inflammation of the cheeks, nose, chin, forehead, or eyelids. It may appear as redness, prominent spider-like blood vessels, swelling, or skin eruptions similar to acne.
Source:
healthcentral.com

Popularly known as pyoderma faciale, the grouping of this disorder as a type of rosacea is premature. It is characterized by the sudden appearance of papules, pustules, and nodules, along with fluctuating and draining sinuses that may be interconnecting. The condition appears primarily in women in their 20s, and intense redness and edema ... may be prominent.
Source:
rosacea.org

In more advanced cases of rosacea, a condition called rhinophyma may develop. The oil glands enlarge, causing a bulbous, enlarged red nose and puffy cheeks. Thick bumps can develop on the lower half of the nose and near to the cheeks. Rhinophyma occurs less commonly in women than in men.
Source:
diagnose-me.com

Rosacea may be persistent and worsen over time, leading to permanent changes in appearance and affecting self-esteem. There is no known cure for rosacea, but the condition is treatable. Most cases can be controlled easily by avoiding factors that trigger flushing, using sun protection, and by keeping the body well hydrated.
Source:
shoppingwithease.com

Rosacea may be associated with enlargement of the nose from excess tissue, a condition known as rhinophyma. This may include thickening of the skin and irregular surface nodules, which in rare cases may ... develop in areas other than the nose.
Source:
rosacea.org

Rosacea-Ltd III does not allow mutation or continued growth of bacteria. Using Rosacea-Ltd III may reduce the need for antibiotics and help guard against resistant bacteria later since skin stays clean, toned, and in a better condition to naturally resist infection.
Source:
internationalrosaceafoundation.org

Tips For Dry Winter Skin

During winter, when humidity is lowest, dry skin conditions are often at their irritating worst. Cold, dry conditions can make even normal skin itchy and flaky; for people with conditions such as eczema or psoriasis they can create even more problems. Since dry, irritated skin is more likely to get infected, it is important to take symptoms seriously and take action to reduce their severity.
Whether you are dealing with a simple dry skin problem, or something more complicated, your doctor or pharmacist may suggest one of the following remedies:
• Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer three to four times a day to maintain a fine film over the skin. Apply the moisturizer after you bathe or wash to help hold in the moisture from the water.
• Barrier creams, such as diaper rash ointments or petroleum jelly (like Vaseline), can help protect damaged skin and are especially useful for people who frequently have their hands in water. For very dry hands, put petroleum jelly on them and sleep with your hands in cotton-lined gloves.
• Think about changing your bathing habits. Frequent baths or showers may dry out your skin. Take short, lukewarm baths or showers then pat your skin dry and put a moisturizer on right away.
• In the bath, anti-itch preparations, including oatmeal and tar-based pine oil products, can help relieve itchy, dry skin. Don't use bath oils while you are in the bath, since it will make the tub slippery and you may fall. Put the oil on your skin after you get out of the tub.
• Itching that is not relieved by a moisturizer may be improved by using 1 percent hydrocortisone skin cream for a week. If this is still not helpful, your physician may need to prescribe stronger steroids or antihistamine pills. Don't use this type of a cream for more than one or two weeks, and avoid the face or genital area.
Skin that is red, warm, swollen or oozing may be infected and should prompt you to seek medical attention. Antibiotics are usually needed to treat infected skin.
Flaking, scaling and itching sometimes indicate specific medical conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis or other skin diseases. Your primary care physician, pediatrician or a dermatologist can help sort out dry skin from these more specific diagnoses.

Eczema Facts

Eczema is a chronic skin disease in which the skin becomes itchy and inflamed, causing redness, swelling, cracking, weeping and scaling. The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that one-fifth of all school-aged children have eczema, and 60 percent of these children will continue to have one or more symptoms into adulthood.

"While the physical symptoms of eczema are often quite painful, it's important not to ignore the emotional toll that this condition has on people," explained Dr. Lebwohl. "Oftentimes, patients will feel depressed because their condition won't go away and their self-esteem ultimately suffers as well."Until recently, topical corticosteroids have been the mainstay for treating eczema. Although these medications can be quite effective, they can cause a number of side effects including thinning of the skin, formation of dilated blood vessels, stretch marks and infection. When applied around the eyes, topical corticosteroids can cause cataracts and glaucoma. If enough of the steroid is absorbed into the body, affected children may experience suppressed growth.

Now, a new class of drugs called topical immunomodulators, or TIMS, has been developed. These steroid-free treatments are effective in treating eczema without the side effects found with using corticosteroids. Tacrolimus is the first FDA approved steroid-free treatment for eczema, and its results on patients have been quite dramatic. Pimecrolimus is another new topical immunomodulator that, although not yet approved by the FDA, has shown promising results in clearing eczema without the common side effects. "Topical immunomodulators have really revolutionized the treatment of eczema," said Dr. Lebwohl. "Patients find the ointments easy-to-use and the results, in some cases, are almost immediate. I think the quality of life of many patients and their families has been significantly improved."

In the meanwhile, here are some tips by Mayo Clinic Health Center to manage winter eczema:
Avoid scratching whenever possible.
Cover the itchy area with a dressing, if you can't keep from scratching it.
Trim nails and wear gloves at night.
Dress appropriately. Doing so may help you avoid excessive sweating.
Wear smooth-textured cotton clothing. This will help you avoid irritation.
Avoid other irritants: wool carpeting, bedding and clothes, harsh soaps and detergents.

_The American Academy of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic

Eczema Patients Concerned Over FDA Rulings

People who know the torture of chronic eczema may have a tough choice ahead of them.
Earlier this year, the Food and Drug Administration ordered two of the most effective eczema drugs on the market, Elidel and Protopic, to carry a "black-box warning," the most serious type of warning in prescription drugs. There have been reports of cancer in 78 patients since the drugs were approved in 2000 and 2001. Animal tests have shown a cancer increase associated with the drugs, as well.
But steroids are the only other treatment available.
"Steroids work great, but they have side effects," said Dr. Maria Hordinsky, a professor and the chairwoman of the dermatology department at the University of Minnesota medical school. Steroids can cause thin and reddened skin, and stretch marks.
And they can cause long-term problems with the body's hormone system, she said, a real concern for children who get eczema.
No one knows what causes eczema, but it often runs in families. Immune cells called T cells work their way into the skin and release chemicals that make the skin itch.
"The skin itches like crazy," Hordinsky said. "People scratch, and then they get into an itch-scratch cycle. They can get staph infections and need antibiotics. So managing it is very important."
That's why both doctors and patients were ecstatic with the introduction of Protopic in 2000 and Elidel in 2001. They both suppress the body's ability to make T cells.
Now, what are all those eczema sufferers to do?
First of all, Hordinsky said, follow the FDA's advice in the black-box warning and try other treatments first, she said. Steroids are available in different concentrations, and they can solve the problem for most people. And those who need Protopic or Elidel should use them only on the problem areas, and should avoid using them long-term.
Last of all, she said, keep in mind that if there is a cancer risk, it's very low. There have been 78 cases of cancer, including skin and lymphoma, among 10 million people who have used the drugs. But no direct connection has been shown. And the animal tests that showed a cancer association were done with very high concentrations, higher than any human would use, she said.
Hordinsky was among the researchers involved in clinical trials of the drugs before they were approved by the FDA, but has no financial ties to the manufacturer, she said.

Relief for Eczema Winter Itch

To relieve itchy, dry skin form eczema, find a moidturizer containing green tea, shea butter or jewelweed. These ingredients are all helpful in soothing and moisturizing the skin.