Daily Archives: January 21, 2022

It's the Friday before a long weekend and I'm on a Zoom call with Kelly Rowland, who Unilever tapped for a little top-of-year goal-setting session. Sure, I'm doing the interview, but if you listened to a voiceover of my inner thoughts, I'm stuck on how beautiful she is. I know she's a famous singer, actor, TV host, the list goes on. Of course she's gorgeous. But this is a little different. It's kind of like she's floating? Even though she's perched comfortably on what from my view looks like a giant gray sectional.

Make no mistake, the beauty is goddess-level, but, talented as she is, Rowland is still very much a person. One of many, she casually mentions after I ask her what she's shopping for at the drugstore (Vaseline Cocoa Radiant Lotion for red carpets and L'Oral Paris Voluminous Mascara), who got COVID over the holidays. "We were the COVID crib," she says. And while her crib might be bigger than literally everywhere I've lived combined, just like everyone else, she was quarantined up with her family.

"We played games, made Rice Krispie Treats. I did a lot of cooking, I made chicken and rice soup," she tells me, mentioning that she also recruited her husband and older son to help make burgers. There was also water lots of it. "We had a water-drinking contest because we were trying to empty our bodies out of the virus." (For the record, the recommendation to drink fluids if you get COVID is related to staying hydrated, not because you'll pee the virus out.) Of course, Rowland and her family are okay now and looking forward to what 2022 might bring.

The singer says she's focused on dreaming big so big she scares herself. "Of all the gifts that Sidney Poitier left us with, the biggest one for me is his quote where he says, 'If your dreams don't scare you, they're not big enough,'" she explains. Rowland has already lived a life that some of us dream about; now, she's wondering what else she can create or what new opportunity she can take on. Poitier's words are ones she says she lives by and plans on passing the mindset to her sons, Titan, 7, and Noah (who made a brief and very adorable cameo on the call), 1. "I hope that they dream so big that they wonder, 'Oh, my God, how am I going to do of that?' And then they do it. And they surprise themselves and do it even bigger the next time."

As Rowland dreams up her next move (which we're hoping includes a leading role in a Donna Summer biopic, but more on that later), I chat with her some more about her boys, her trick for moisturized elbows, and how the late great disco diva inspires her today.

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Kelly Rowland Swears by This Skin-Care Remedy for Eczema Interview - Allure

In general, dermatologists classify moderate atopic dermatitis as an outbreak of symptoms that affects about 10 percent of the surface area of your body, says Vij; severe atopic dermatitis affects about 30 to 40 percent. Not sure how much of your body is affected? Heres a rough way to estimate the number: The size of your palm is about 1 percent of your skin, so you count up the number of palm-sized areas that are affected, says Vij.

People with more mild atopic dermatitis for example, symptoms that dont affect very much of their body and arent too bothersome may be able to treat the condition with moisturizers or topical steroids during a flare, he says.

That said, theres no magic formula for determining whether your condition is mild, moderate, or severe, which is why dermatologists also take other factors into consideration.

Its also about the global burden of atopic dermatitis on someones quality of life, says Vij. For example, if your atopic dermatitis affects only a small area of your body, but that area is critical, such as your face, then you may want to consider a stronger medication, he says.

If people are having problems at school or work or with their relationships, whether its normal friend relationships or sexual relationships, then we know their skin is having a greater cumulative effect than what you can just see, Vij says.

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Consumer's Guide to Biologics for Atopic Dermatitis - Everyday Health

NOVATO, Calif., Jan. 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Eczema Association (NEA) and the Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance (PeDRA) have been approved for a $250,000 funding award through the Eugene Washington PCORI Engagement Awards program, an initiative of the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute. The award will support a project titled "Making it Count: Using Gamification to Enhance Childhood Eczema PCOR and CER". Working as equal partners, NEA and PeDRA will launch a series of virtual and in-person activities to drive education and engagement of patients, families, and researchers around the management of childhood eczema and the conduct of meaningful patient-centered outcomes research and comparative effectiveness research.

Nearly 10 million U.S. children under the age of 18 are affected by eczema, with one-third affected by moderate-to-severe disease. Despite recent therapeutic advances, the burdens on these patients and their families can be significant, and many important research questions remain unanswered. The already strong partnership between NEA and PeDRA has evolved as activities in the field have increased and, in addition to the award from PCORI, includes the co-funded Childhood Eczema Challenge Grant, which is entering its third annual cycle in 2022.

The PCORI Engagement Award will be run under the direction of Co-Project Lead and PeDRA Executive Director Michael Siegel, PhD and Co-Project Lead and NEA VP of Scientific and Clinical Affairs Wendy Smith Begolka, MBS. Over the course of the two-year award period, NEA and PeDRA will collaborate on a novel virtual educational curriculum directed at a diverse stakeholder audience and gamified approach to learner engagement. It will include real-world activities at the planned in-person Eczema Expo and PeDRA Annual Conference, and virtual education using the NEA Research Ambassador platform and PeDRA Research App.

"We are so excited to be embarking on this important project with PeDRA and grateful for the support from PCORI," said Julie Block, president and CEO of NEA. "The project will be carried out at an opportune time, as the list of FDA-approved eczema treatments is growing, and the need for research to support informed decision-making and direct future research investments is becoming increasingly important."

Near-term goals of the award include increasing competence in patient-centered outcomes research and knowledge of emerging pediatric eczema therapies for the patient and researcher communities. The project's long-term goal is to influence research that supports shared decision-making for patients and health care providers and to improve quality of life and long-term health outcomes for patients. In pursuing these goals, the award directly furthers the missions and strategic priorities of both NEA and PeDRA.

For more information on the PCORI Engagement Award, visit https://www.pcori.org/research-results/2021/making-it-count-using-gamification-enhance-childhood-eczema-pcor-and-cer. This project and the other projects approved for funding by the PCORI Engagement Award Program were selected through a highly competitive review process in which applications were assessed for their ability to meet PCORI's engagement goals and objectives, as well as program criteria.

About the National Eczema Association (NEA)Founded in 1988, NEA is the largest, 501(c)(3) non-profit, US patient advocacy organization serving people affected by eczema. NEA is the driving force for an eczema community fueled by knowledge, strengthened through collective action and propelled by the promise for a better future.For more on NEA, visit https://nationalecezma.org

About the Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance (PeDRA)Formed in 2012, the Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance (PeDRA) is a nonprofit research organization that includes more than 550 members and supports vibrant research and educational programs. PeDRA's mission is to create, inspire, and sustain research to prevent, treat, and cure childhood skin disease. For more on PeDRA, visit https://pedraresearch.org.

SOURCE National Eczema Association

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The National Eczema Association and Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance Receive Collaborative Engagement Award from PCORI - PRNewswire

Hives (urticaria) may appear as pink-red bumps, or patches on your skin, and are very itchy. They are often signs of an allergic reaction but can also be idiopathic, meaning the cause is unknown.

While hives tend to disappear within hours, they may reoccur. They can show up anywhere on the body that has come into contact with irritating substances, including the breast area.

Its important to have a doctor check any rashes on the breasts or the areola, and to not quickly assume its just hives.

Aside from hives, other possible rashes or skin conditions that can occur around the breasts include:

Lets go over how to evaluate whether your rash is due to hives or another possible cause, and when you should see a doctor for further evaluation.

Hives are primarily caused by our bodys release of the chemical histamine, which is also generated in allergic reactions. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), here are some common allergens and environmental factors that can trigger hives:

Inflamed bumps may appear if your skin comes into contact with irritating substances, such as perfumes or detergents. Hives can also be a symptom of an autoimmune disease, and less commonly, may be caused by viral infections. Hives and other rashes have been a reported symptom of some people with COVID-19.

Other possible causes and contributors of hives may include:

If youre experiencing hives in the breast area, you may also have them on other areas of the body, especially in the case of an allergic reaction. Check to see if you have hives on other areas of your skin.

Some people find it helpful to take notes or photos of their skin irritation to try and trace the cause, and to show to their doctor to aid in diagnosis.

Symptoms of hives include raised welts on the skin that are pink or red in color. Theyre often extremely itchy. Hives tend to occur in multiples and can range significantly in size. Sometimes smaller hives can grow larger to form one big one up to the size of a dinner plate.

A hallmark of hives is that they appear suddenly and dont last long, typically disappearing in less than 24 hours. However, hives can reoccur in cycles, depending on the cause.

Hives have characteristic symptoms, such as being raised and itchy, but this condition may be confused with other types of rashes. Explore the images below, which show what hives, eczema, and rashes from inflammatory breast cancer may look like.

Other rashes and forms of skin irritation may mimic the appearance of hives. However, there are often unique defining factors that will help you tell the difference.

Some hive-like irritations can develop because of a reaction to a bug bite, but the two arent the same. While bug bites tend to be more common on the arms and legs, its possible for them to occur in the breast area and other parts of the torso.

Bug bites that may mimic the appearance of hives commonly come from:

An allergic reaction to a bug such as a bee sting or flea bite allergy can also cause hives.

Another condition that causes a rash that looks similar to hives is eczema, which has several different types. Like hives, eczema is red and extremely itchy; although, it looks slightly different depending on the melanin in a persons skin. The eczema rash itself does not cause welts.

If you have atopic eczema, you may notice that this rash comes and goes. This type of eczema most often begins during infancy or your childhood and requires lifelong management and treatment of flare-ups.

Other types of dermatitis (skin irritation), such as contact dermatitis, can similarly appear as a pink or red scaly rash.

A rare and aggressive form of breast cancer called IBC can also cause rash-like symptoms.

IBC can manifest as a scaly orange or pinkish rash on the areola or breast, and may include swelling or itchiness. This cancer is a type of invasive ductal carcinoma, and the inflammation is caused by cancer cells blocking lymph vessels. If not detected early, IBC can quickly spread to the lymph nodes.

But unlike hives, IBC also causes:

Certain breast cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and hormonal therapy, may cause breast rashes in some people. Its important to report these symptoms to your doctor to rule out medication allergies.

Researchers in one 2017 study found it was common for dermatitis to develop several weeks or months after breast reconstruction surgery following a mastectomy. This may be due to a loss of skin barrier integrity, which may be corrected with a combination of antibiotics and topical corticosteroids.

Radiation therapy in cancer treatment can also cause a red scaly rash known as radiation dermatitis.

To diagnose a rash on the breasts or chest area, your doctor will need to conduct a physical exam. They may be able to tell that the rash is allergy-related right away based on the symptoms, as well as your medical history. They may also order lab tests.

If your doctor determines your rash is hives due to an allergy or irritant, theyll likely prescribe a topical steroid ointment. Youll then schedule a follow-up within a month to check your progress.

Your doctor may refer you to an allergist and recommend allergy testing. This helps to determine which allergens your body reacts to help you in avoiding them.

If a rash does not resolve after a month, or if IBC or Pagets disease is suspected, a skin biopsy will usually be done to determine the cause. Your doctor will refer you to an oncologist (cancer specialist) for further medical evaluations, including imaging.

Treatment for hives on the breast depends on the underlying cause. If your hives are related to allergies, your doctor may recommend:

If its determined that a bug is responsible for your rash, some culprits (like bedbugs and scabies) may require you to clean or hire a professional to treat your environment to get rid of an infestation. You may also need to take an oral or topical medication.

If your hives continue to recur despite treatment, your doctor may refer you to an internal medicine specialist. They may help rule out any other possible underlying medical conditions that could be causing hives.

A doctor should evaluate any unusual rash on the breast. This is especially true if your hives continue to return after several weeks despite treatment. You may benefit from seeing a specialist, such as an allergist, dermatologist, immunologist, or internist, which your doctor can refer you to.

Seek emergency medical care right away if your hives are accompanied by other severe symptoms, such as facial swelling and breathing difficulties. These may be signs of anaphylaxis, a potentially life threatening allergic reaction.

You should also see a doctor if youre experiencing nipple discharge or pus from any welts or rashes on your breast. These may be signs of an infection.

Finding a rash on your breast can be concerning, but its important to know there are a variety of possible causes. Try not to jump to conclusions without all the information. Consider documenting the rash via a diary or photos to aid in diagnosis, and schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional.

Hives are just one potential cause of a breast rash. This is most often an allergic reaction that results in raised, red welts that become very itchy. Bug bites, eczema, IBC, and other conditions can also cause hive-like rashes or bumps on your chest.

Reach out to your doctor if a rash on your breast worsens, or if it does not resolve within a few days. They can help provide proper testing and an accurate diagnosis so you can receive effective treatment.

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Are Hives on the Breast a Symptom of Another Health Condition? - Healthline

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As much as I am grateful for KN95 masks sized specifically for tiny faces, after a long day of school and activities especially in the dead of winter the ear holders in particular can really wreak havoc on their skin. While not wearing masks (even after theyre vaccinated) isnt a good option, fortunately there are some solutions that can ease pressure on little ears and help heal their irritated skin. Read on for some tips and tricks to keep your childrens skin as healthy as possible while staying COVID-safe.

While wearing face masks is the new normal (and vital to helping curb the spread of COVID), it can be uncomfortable and irritate skin especially the tender faces and behind-the-ear skin of young children. Often, face masks are too tight or made of scratchy, chafing materials that can rub against your childs face, causing itchiness or worsening conditions like eczema around the chin, cheeks, and lips.

Plus, some masks can dry out skin by absorbing all the natural moisture, and your childs trapped breath and airflow can also cause dryness, redness, and itchiness.

Different kids and different age groups will have different skin care issues. Here are a few of the more common ones your child may experience.

Dry skin, eczema, rosacea, or contact dermatitis: Whether its just dry winter air or the mask drying out your childs skin, dry skin can cause flakiness, bumps, rash, dryness, peeling, and even swelling and numbness. The conditions within a mask can also worsen the symptoms of eczema, rosacea, and other skin conditions.

Maskne: This is the nickname for facial acne worsened by mask wearing due to your childs sweat, bacteria, and skin oils being trapped on their skin.

Irritation of skin behind ears: The skin behind your childs ears is delicate and after wearing masks all day, the skin can get abraded and worn down sometimes leading to open sores or torn skin. Plus, the pressure can hurt, too.

While we cant stop wearing masks, there are proactive measures you can take to protect your childrens sensitive skin.

Wash and moisturize their face daily: Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. After, while their face is still damp, apply moisturizer that is best for their skin type. If their skin is on the dryer side, consider applying moisturizer right before they put on their mask for the day.

Use petroleum jelly or chapstick: To prevent cracked lips, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or chapstick on their lips after face washing, before putting on their mask, and also right before bedtime.

Ear-saving clips and headbands: There are all sorts of clips, headbands, and hats that your child can wear with special buttons they can loop the elastic of their masks around to relieve the pressure and abrasion of the delicate skin behind their ears.

Find the right fitting mask: Any mask is better than none at all, but a snug and comfortable fitting mask is best. If a mask is too loose or moves too much, not only will it irritate your childs skin, but it also will increase the odds of your child touching their mask and transfer germs to their mask and face.

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How to Help Your Kids Mask-Induced Dry Skin - Scary Mommy

For a study, it was determined that treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis resulted in novel and developing therapeutic options for the chronic inflammatory skin condition. The fast evolution resulted in an inconsistency in research designs, trial conduct, and statistical analysis. The interpretation of how differences in study parameters may impact clinical trial findings was a difficulty for healthcare practitioners.

Researchers prepared a list of 22 essential study characteristics of modern clinical trials in moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis and rated the top study factors that had a substantial influence on effectiveness outcomes based on a review of the literature and our experience as clinical trialists. The most important parameters were study comparators, rescue treatment rules, washout periods for topical and systemic treatments, inclusion criteria such as disease severity as measured by the Eczema Area and Severity Index and/or Investigator Global Assessment scores, and the duration of the screening period.They discussed critical parameter concerns, with an emphasis on between-parameter interactions and their impact on effectiveness outcomes. This may help to guide the interpretation of atopic dermatitis clinical trials and increase awareness of the need for clinical trial design harmonization.

Reference:link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40257-021-00639-y

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Expert Opinions on Key Parameters Influencing Randomized Clinical Trial Interpretation in Moderate-to-Sever... - Physician's Weekly