Daily Archives: March 26, 2021

Local treatment with topical creams featuring a mild alkaline pH could be helpful in reducing eczema-related skin inflammation in patients with mild atopic dermatitis (AD), a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology suggests.

The single-arm, open-label study enrolled 25 patients (median age, 22.5 years) with mild AD and eczema who were not using topical or systemic glucocorticoids and/or antihistamines. Treatment consisted of Alkaline Build Up Caring Cream INTENSIVE and Alkaline Build Up Caring Cream PLUS+ (Siriderma) for 8 weeks. The patented INTENSIVE cream product contains 25% zinc oxide and 1% sulfur and are combined in a mild alkaline environment with high levels of multiunsaturated fatty acids. Likewise, the AC PLUS+ product contains small amounts of both zinc oxide and colloidal silver.

At baseline and at 8 weeks, patients underwent dermatological, biochemical, and questionnaire-based examinations. Intensity and extension of AD were assessed using the objective SCORAD index, skin pH was measured using a skin planar glass electrode pH meter, and blood samples were taken to examine inflammatory markers.

At baseline, the mean pH on the skin surface was 5.96. There was a small and insignificant 3.8% increase in pH after 8 weeks of treatment with the alkaline creams (P =.15). The researchers noted that this finding was important, given the role of pH in maintaining the outermost skin barrier function as well as the skin microbiome.

At 8 weeks, there was an approximately 30% decrease in total eczematous-affected skin area (P =.025). There were also significant reductions in average severity scores for erythema (P <.001), desquamation (P <.001), and lichenification (P <.001) by 8 weeks. In addition, there was a small increase in interleukin-8 by 8 weeks (7.48 vs 8.52 pg/mL; P =.037).

Patients also reported a 62.8% decrease in itching (P <.001), a 68.1% decrease in redness (P <.001), a 59.6% decrease in skin dryness (P <.001), and a 66.7% decrease in skin cracking (P =.002) by the end of treatment.

Limitations of this study included its lack of a control arm, the small sample size, and its open-label design.

The investigators concluded that this topical local therapy alone or in combination with other anti-inflammatory drugs might represent an interesting and beneficial option for this diagnosis for which, to date, no curative treatment is available.

Jurecek L, Rajcigelova T, Kozarova A, et al. Beneficial effects of an alkaline topical treatment in patients with mild atopic dermatitis. J Cosmet Dermatol. doi:10.1111/jocd.13936

Originally posted here:
Mildly Alkaline Cream Reduces Eczema-Related Skin Inflammation in Patients With Atopic Dermatitis - Dermatology Advisor

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A considerable number of children face skin disorders daily. And some children grow up dealing with the same skin issues into their adulthood. As children are not cautious of their hygiene, they are more susceptible to skin problems that are rare in adults.

Diaper rash is relatively common among infants and toddlers. Similarly, chickenpox and measles are a part of every kids childhood. Usually, with age, most skin problems go away, but genetic conditions are lifelong and permanent. With a Health card, a parent can pay for the frequent hospital visits with ease.

For a parent, it is difficult to see your little bundle of joy in discomfort. Sometimes, skin disorders can indicate an underlying disease as well. Most common skin disorders in childhood include eczema, diaper rash, acne, ringworm, rashes from bacterial infection, etc. Nowadays, pollution and the demand for junk food have increased the chances of lifestyle diseases among children that directly affect their skin. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist early on. For instance, a dermatologist in Delhi is always in demand to treat acne flares due to seasonal allergies. Here are some skin problems that happen in children and can be treated with a professionals help.

Diaper rash is usual among babies and is characterized by bright red skin in the diaper region. It happens due to chafing and skin sensitivity due to wet, tight, or infrequently changed diapers. Even if a baby wears a diaper daily, then chances are high of getting a diaper rash. The baby can get extremely irritable and restless, which can be annoying and tiring. Simple home treatments such as applying ointments, air drying, and changing diapers on time are quite useful. If you do not see any improvement in the babys skin, then it is time to see a doctor.

According to a study, every one in ten children suffers from eczema. Thus, it is the most common rash among children. Eczema makes the skin more sensitive and causes red, dry, and itchy skin. Mostly, the environment and heredity are to blame for eczema. Allergic conditions such as asthma and allergic rhinitis cause eczema as well. Every kid can experience different types of eczema rashes. In babies, it usually happens on the scalp and face. It occurs in elbow creases in young children, on the neck, around the eyes, and back of the knee. A misconception with eczema is that it is contagious, which is far from the truth.

Psoriasis causes dry patches on the skin that are incredibly itchy. A study shows that 40% of people experience psoriasis as early as ten years of age. Psoriasis can vary from mild to severe in children. Usually, the cases are mild and can get better with an effective treatment. It has no cure and is lifelong, but medication helps in keeping the condition manageable. Just like eczema, psoriasis is not contagious. The main factor behind psoriasis is a bacterial infection. Certain medications, cold weather, or stress are the most significant contributors to psoriasis among children.

Human papillomavirus causes warts and can cause different kinds similar to its nature. Mostly, these are harmless skin growths, but they can also be painful and irritating. Children have warts more than an adult. If your kid has a weak immune system or a contact with a person having warts, they are more likely to have it. A dermatologist will do a physical test and scrape a small amount for biopsy to ascertain what kind of wart is there. Warts fade away in weeks with gentle care and can be treated with over-the-counter products. Severe cases will require medication and other procedures for treating warts.

It is a viral disease that induces a small, pink colored bump on your childs skin. Molluscum is not harmful, with no other severe symptoms. The bumps contain the virus, which is mildly contagious. A virus known as poxvirus causes molluscum. Children can contract it by coming into contact, skin-to-skin, with a molluscum patient. Also, hot, humid areas are a trigger for worsening molluscum. Even though the bumps are small in size but can cause significant discomfort to the child, a dermatologist will diagnose molluscum by just taking a glance at it. In fact, with a Bajaj Health, one can find a network hospital for a regular visit for molluscum removal.

Skin conditions may not seem severe or acute but can indicate your internal well-being. A child becomes more self-conscious in situations wherein they can be made to feel inferior or left out. It is best to see a dermatologist as soon as possible if your child faces any skin discomfort. Treatment and medication for skin disorders have always been high. In cases where long-term treatment is required, a Bajaj Health EMI card can prove to be useful and convenient. So, never ignore any little signs that may show any kind of skin problem.

Read this article:
Common skin problems in children and their prevention - BOSS Magazine

Introducing your baby to solid foods can be such a fun and exciting time. But if you suspect your little one may have allergies, you might be worried about potential reactions and for good reason!

Food allergies affect up to 8 percent of children in the United States.

While a family history of food allergies and similar conditions may be a clue that your baby will have allergies as well, its not always the best predictor.

Heres how to get familiar with what a reaction looks like, learn how to spot a severe reaction, and understand the steps youll need to take to get your baby help.

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life threatening. If you suspect your baby may be having a serious reaction, call 911 or head to the nearest emergency room.

Symptoms may include:

Researchers share that babies tend to have hives, wheezing, and vomiting more than other symptoms.

One of the features of anaphylaxis versus a mild reaction is that it may come on quickly think 5 to 30 minutes after exposure. Recognizing these signs in your baby is the most important step to getting help.

So, what exactly is an allergic reaction? Well, if your baby is exposed to a substance like a food or beverage that theyre allergic to, a reaction is their bodys way of defending itself.

When exposed to an allergen, the body releases histamines that cause inflammation. As a result, your baby may have anything from mild to moderate or even severe symptoms.

Mild or moderate allergic reactions can happen after your baby touches, swallows, tastes, eats, or breathes in something theyre allergic to.

Symptoms might include:

Even exposure to a tiny amount of a food theyre allergic to, like a piece of a peanut, can be enough to produce a reaction in some babies.

Of course, babies drool, spit up, and cry relatively often. They also dont have the verbal skills to tell you something is wrong. Your baby may try to communicate that theyre not feeling well in some other way.

Pay close attention to your baby to spot these other possible signs of reaction:

Again, one of the key features of a severe reaction versus a mild one is that it comes on soon after exposure.

Signs of anaphylaxis in babies tend to be milder than in older children and adults. The most reported symptoms of severe allergic reaction in babies are hives and vomiting.

In a 2018 study on 357 children ranging from infants to school-aged kids, researchers discovered that babies who have allergic reactions tend to have stomach issues 89 percent of the time.

Specifically, vomiting was present in 83 percent of severe reactions to foods. And a whopping 94 percent of babies experienced hives as part of their severe reaction versus just 62 percent of school-aged kids.

Only 17 percent of infants had breathing difficulties. In fact, just a single baby had wheezing.

And only one baby had low blood pressure as a result of their severe reaction, which is a hallmark sign of anaphylaxis in older children and adults.

That all said, its important to be able to identify any allergy signs in your little one, especially soon after consuming certain foods.

If your child has any of these signs, dont hesitate to call 911 and get help. Even if you arent sure, its better to be safe than sorry.

Depending on the severity of the reaction, youll want to act fast to get your baby help especially if this is their first reaction.

In particular, youll want to get emergency help (call 911) if your baby has:

Combinations of other symptoms are also important to spot, like rash or swelling along with loose stools and vomiting.

If youve dealt with reactions before, your doctor likely prescribed an epinephrine pen (EpiPen) to use in cases of severe reactions.

Use this drug as directed, then call an ambulance or drive to the ER. Either way, be ready to do CPR if your baby stops breathing at any time.

Once medical staff arrive, let them know that youve administered epinephrine. You may need to give another dose of the drug if symptoms return.

If your baby does have a severe reaction, its important to keep an eye on them for 6 to 8 hours after treatment. Thats because theres risk of rebound anaphylaxis (severe symptoms that recur), typically within 8 hours of the initial reaction in up to 20 percent of cases.

If your little one has a mild reaction, its a good idea to call and check in with their pediatrician.

They can tell you if there are any steps you should take or if your baby needs an appointment. The doctor may also order allergy testing so you can identify other possible allergens to avoid.

Related: What to expect when your baby has allergies

Most severe allergic reactions to foods will happen very soon after exposure. However, some milder reactions may take up to a few hours (usually around 2 hours) to become apparent.

Food allergies may be more common in families with a history of allergies and associated conditions, like asthma, eczema, or even hay fever.

The great majority of food-related allergic reactions are caused by one of the following:

Of all foods, babies are most likely to be allergic to:

Though less common, some babies may be allergic to:

Babies and children can outgrow their allergies over time, though allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish may be lifelong.

Experts recommend exposing babies to high-risk foods before they reach their first birthdays. Research from 2015 supports the idea that earlier exposure to peanuts, for example, may lower the risk of developing a peanut allergy later on.

So, for example, youll want to cook eggs and prepare peanuts in age-appropriate ways (fully cooked eggs, smooth peanut butter) and offer them up to twice per week.

How to do it:

If you have a family history of food allergies, speak with your doctor about early introduction to certain foods. Some pediatricians may suggest you give the food under medical supervision in case of a severe reaction.

Related: How to safely introduce your baby to peanuts and other food allergens

The tricky thing with food allergies is that your babys reaction may not always be the same severity. Allergy experts explain that food that causes a relatively mild reaction one time may cause a more severe reaction another time.

Unfortunately, theres no specific drug or supplement you can take to prevent or treat food allergies as a whole.

Instead, the goal is to avoid foods that cause reaction and have emergency treatment available in the event that baby has been exposed.

Some tips for avoiding allergenic foods:

Theres no current evidence to support a restrictive diet while breastfeeding to prevent allergies in babies. Instead, work with a doctor for guidance on dietary changes only after your baby shows a potential reaction to a food.

The proteins from food reach breast milk approximately 3 to 6 hours after consumption. After eliminating allergenic foods, it may take between 1 and 2 weeks for your babys allergy symptoms to subside.

Speak with your babys pediatrician if you have any concerns about giving allergenic foods to your child. Your doctor should have the most up-to-date information about how to prepare and introduce these foods in the safest way possible.

Your childs doctor can also help you get appropriate allergy testing if needed and develop a plan for cases of severe reaction so youll feel more confident in an emergency.

Follow this link:
Baby Allergic Reaction to Food: Signs and Symptoms - Healthline

We all know how elusive the perfect night of sleep can be. From a room thats too hot to the millions of thoughts that might be running through your mind, theres no shortage of potential interruptions. Thats why its important for us to determine which annoyances we can control. If you find yourself kept up at night by an irritating itch around your backside, you are not alone.

There are steps you can take to identify the cause of any nighttime itching you may notice around your bum. Whether these symptoms are more noticeable at night, or specific to nighttime, there are plenty of ways to treat this discomfort.

Itching may be more common at night due to activities that typically precede sleep: dinner, drinking, use of the toilet, and showering, for example. Additionally, we may become more sensitive to irritants at night since there is less stimulus to distract us than throughout the rest of the day.

So what could be the root of your nighttime itch?

Be sure to wipe correctly following the use of the toilet. You may notice that wiping too hard can cause irritation and over-dry the area around the anus. Alternatively, wiping too gently can leave some fecal residue, which might contribute to additional irritation and the potential for infection in any areas where the skin might be chapped or broken.

For the most success in the bathroom, consider using two-ply toilet paper and wiping gently from front to back. You also might also find a bidet useful, as water pressure can produce a better clean.

If you find that your anal area is itching at night, its possible that you might be experiencing hemorrhoids or anal fissures. These are preexisting conditions that may cause itch and could be exacerbated by nighttime use of the toilet, diet, or nighttime sweating.

A number of foods can irritate the anus and produce an itch. This includes, but is not limited, to:

If youre experiencing an itchy anus, consider temporarily cutting the above food and drink from your diet for 48 hours to see if you notice a difference.

In general, sweat can irritate the skin because it contributes to heat retention and dryness of the skin.

Itchiness at night can be more prevalent because of night sweats. Combatting the cause of night sweats can relieve itching around the bum and anus.

Some tips include:

A side effect of some medications can be itchiness. Read and understand the side effects of any medication youre taking.

Examples of medications that may contribute to nighttime anal itching are blood pressure medications and antibiotics. When antibiotics kill the good bacteria in your gut, you may experience diarrhea. Diarrhea may worsen the symptoms of anal itching

Fabrics that are tight and restrictive can cause irritation. Try wearing 100 percent cotton, loose underwear to combat itching around your bum at night.

Threadworms (pinworms) are parasitic worms that infect human digestive systems. They cause the most itchiness at night when females are laying their eggs around the anus. Threadworms are able to survive on clothing and bed sheets, which provides the opportunity to transfer the worms from one person to another.

They are most common in children and can be detected by doing a stool sample. Threadworms can be treated with medication and a routine of strict hygiene measures.

Many people experience skin diseases on their bodies. This includes your buttocks and anus, which are not exempt from psoriasis, eczema, and others.

Consider seeing a dermatologist to rule out skin diseases like psoriasis and eczema if you have the following symptoms around your anus:

When menstruating, its considered safest to sleep with a menstrual pad. The added moisture from menstruating at night can contribute to increased itch and irritation around the anus, vagina, and buttocks.

Throughout the day, remember to change your pads every 4 hours and to keep your underwear fresh. At nighttime, opt for extra-absorbent pads or menstrual cups to keep added moisture or discomfort at bay.

Yeast infections may occur in and near the vagina, penis, or anus, and may contribute to nighttime itching.

Additionally, common symptoms of several sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) may include itching of the vagina, penis, and anus. If youre sexually active, participate in regular STD testing.

Nighttime sex can also be a contributor to vaginal itchiness at night. If you are noticing extra itchiness after intercourse, consider the following tips:

Children can be particularly susceptible to experiencing itchiness around their bottoms at night. The following items are likely causes:

While there are several possible causes for an itchy bum at night, most symptoms can be relieved with the following tips.

For immediate relief, the use of ointments or gels can be an effective way to minimize nighttime anal itching.

Wearing breathable underwear at night is important for maintaining comfort.

Try combating night sweats by avoiding alcohol before bed, keeping your bedroom cool, and using breathable sheets.

Being intentional about your hygiene can both improve and solve symptoms of nighttime itching around the anus:

A variety of foods and drinks can contribute to anal itching. Consider eliminating spicy food, coffee, and alcohol from your diet temporarily to improve the symptoms of anal itching at night.

While a lot of symptoms of an itchy bum at night are mild, see a doctor if:

A doctor will be able to help you determine the cause and improve your symptoms.

Bum itchiness can be aggravating when youre trying to sleep peacefully. You should start seeing improvements in your symptoms by making changes in your day-to-day routine.

By being mindful of your hygienic practices, diet, and sleep environment, you should be able to determine the cause of your nighttime itching. If your nighttime itching persists or worsens, schedule a visit with a doctor for additional advice.

See the article here:
Itchy Bum at Night: Causes, Treatments, When to See a Doctor - Healthline

Melasma is a common form of hyperpigmentation that causes dark patches to develop on the face and other areas of the body commonly exposed to sunlight.

Possible causes of melasma include sun exposure, changes in hormones, and skincare products that contain irritating chemicals. The dark patches develop as a result of malfunctioning melanocytes, the cells that produce color in the skin.

Females and people with dark complexions are at a higher risk of developing melasma. Although it is harmless, some people may seek treatment for aesthetic reasons.

Read on to learn more about melasma on dark skin, how doctors diagnose it, how to prevent it, and more.

Learn more about melasma here.

The symptoms of melasma look different depending on a persons skin tone. In general, melasma causes patches of dark skin on high points of the face.

Melasma on dark skin appears as dark brown or grey-brown patches. These patches often appear in a symmetric pattern on both sides of the face.

These patches often appear on the:

These patches can also appear on other parts of the body that a person exposes to the sun, such as the:

Learn more about what causes discoloration on black skin here.

The patches usually have irregular borders. Some patches form flat solid patches of discoloration, while others have a freckly or blotchy appearance.

Melasma occurs when melanocytes produce too much pigmentation in the skin, resulting in dark patches. People with black or brown skin have more melanocytes. This means that they are more likely to develop melasma than people with lighter complexions.

This condition usually develops in adults in their 20s or 30s. However, some forms of melasma do not appear until a person reaches their 40s.

Melasma occurs more often on female skin than on males. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (ADD), only 10% of people with melasma are male.

Possible causes of melasma include:

Learn about other skin conditions that occur during pregnancy here.

Melasma due to hormonal changes will fade once hormone levels return to normal. This can happen after pregnancy ends or once a person stops taking hormonal birth control.

Certain medical conditions can cause hormonal imbalances. Examples include:

Treating an underlying hormonal imbalance may help improve melasma symptoms.

Learn more about menopause in our dedicated hub here.

Melasma causes distinctive skin changes that most doctors or dermatologists can identify easily. A doctor may use a Woods light to see how far melasma has penetrated the skin.

Melasma can resemble other hyperpigmentation conditions. A doctor may order a skin biopsy to rule out other diagnoses, such as melanoma or dermatitis.

Learn more about a biopsy here.

Melasma does not typically require treatment. However, some people may seek treatment for aesthetic reasons. While various topical agents and cosmetic procedures can help fade melasma patches, not all treatments work for everyone.

Treatment might not completely clear melasma patches, and melasma can return even after successful treatment.

Since sun exposure can contribute to melasma, people must wear sunscreen to protect their skin and prevent melasma flares.

Learn more about sunburn on dark skin here.

Treatment options for melasma include:

Topical creams and gels are the first-line treatment options for melasma. Hydroquinone is an over-the-counter (OTC) topical medication that lightens the skin. Although hydroquinone can help improve the appearance of melasma patches, it can cause side effects.

Side effects of hydroquinone include:

People can use hydroquinone alone or in combination with other topical therapies.

In a 2015 study, researchers randomly assigned 233 participants a cream containing hydroquinone, fluocinolone acetonide, and tretinoin or a placebo cream. After 8-weeks of daily use, the combination cream was 64.60% effective, and the placebo was 0.88% effective in treating melasma in Chinese people.

Other topical agents that may improve melasma include:

Learn how to get rid of dark spots on black skin here.

If hydroquinone and other topical therapies do not improve melasma, laser and light-based treatments may help. Laser therapy does not affect melanocyte activity. Instead, it removes pigmentation from the skin.

Unfortunately, laser therapy can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and lead to rebound melasma flares. It is best to use laser therapy alongside topical treatments.

Learn more about post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation here.

Medical procedures may help fade melasma patches if topical treatments do not work. These include:

Learn more about what dermatologists do here.

While topical treatments are effective, some people may wonder if they can treat melasma through diet and lifestyle changes. Currently, there are no known foods that improve or exacerbate melasma.

But the authors of one 2017 systematic review found evidence that suggests oral medications and dietary supplements are effective treatments for melasma. The specific dietary supplements cited in this review include beta carotene and procyanidin.

Beta carotene is a red-orange pigment found in colorful fruits and vegetables, such as:

Procyanidin is another plant compound commonly found in:

Learn about other foods that are good for the skin here.

While melasma is treatable, people can take steps to prevent melasma. These steps include:

Learn more about taking care of black skin here.

Melasma is a common pigmentation disorder that causes dark patches to form on the skin of the face and upper body. It occurs when specialized skin cells, called melanocytes, produce too much pigment.

People with dark skin have more melanocytes and have a higher chance of developing melasma. Melasma on dark skin causes dark brown or grey-brown patches.

OTC and prescription creams can help lighten melasma patches. Other treatments include laser therapy, microdermabrasion, and microneedling. However, melasma can return even after successful treatment.

People can prevent future melasma flares by wearing sunscreen and avoiding direct sun exposure.

Read more from the original source:
Melasma on black skin: Causes, treatment, and more - Medical News Today