Daily Archives: May 20, 2023

A great warm weather activity requires a few adjustments for children who have eczema.

Swimming is a great activity for children. It's good exercise, it's an important safety skill, and it can be a good way to get outside and get some fresh air and sunshine.

But for children with eczema also known as atopic dermatitis swimming can be complicated. Here's how parents can help.

Eczema is an allergic condition of the skin. It can be triggered by allergies to things in the environment, like pollen or cats, as well as by allergies to food. It can also be triggered when chemicals or other things irritate the skin, or when the skin loses moisture, or by excessive sweating.

Swimming in a chlorinated pool can actually be helpful for eczema. Bleach baths, which are a commonly recommended eczema treatment, essentially make the bathtub like a swimming pool.

It also can be good for eczema to get some sun and be in the water. The trick is to optimize the benefits while preventing the possible problems.

Here are some suggestions for parents:

Be aware that some children and teens with eczema are embarrassed by it and don't like to wear bathing suits that show a lot of skin. Follow your child's lead on this.

If your child has frequent flares of eczema, or severe eczema, talk to your doctor about whether using regular topical steroids might help and whether you should use them before swimming. If you are headed on a vacation where your child will be swimming often, or just headed into a time of year with lots of possible swimming, talk to your doctor about the best strategies to keep your child's skin healthy.

For more information, visit the websites of the National Eczema Association and the American Academy of Dermatology.

Follow me on Twitter @drClaire

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Swimming and skin: What to know if a child has eczema - Harvard Health

Tubes of eczema ointment should be branded with traffic-light ratings to end confusion about how strong they are, say experts.

The medications, called topical steroids, are relied on by millions Britons and are a mainstay of treatment for the condition, which causes the skin to become itchy, dry and cracked. But campaigners say patients are 'flying blind' with no easy way of knowing their potency, because, surprisingly, the strength of the drugs is never printed on packaging and rarely in the accompanying patient information leaflet.

Doctors say some patients are unknowingly over-using powerful versions, increasing the risk of agonising withdrawal symptoms when the course of treatment ends.

These include redness, 'burning' pain, excessive skin flaking and severe itching, which patients say are different from normal eczema flare ups and can be so severe, they trigger insomnia and mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.

Meanwhile, experts say others apply too little as they are unduly worried about side effects, meaning their skin problems are not properly controlled.

Such is the concern that the National Eczema Society last week wrote to the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) urging it to 'mandate pharmaceutical manufacturers to introduce clear potency labelling on topical steroid tubes, packaging and patient information leaflets'.

Also signed by the British Association of Dermatologists, the open letter continued: 'The goal is to achieve a level of public understanding comparable to sunscreen strength using the Sun Factor Protection (SPF) labelling.'

Andrew Proctor, chief executive of the National Eczema Society, said: 'It's left to healthcare professionals to explain about potency,' he said. 'There isn't always time during busy consultations or patients may not remember. A packet of paracetamol tells exactly how much you can safely take it should be the same for topical steroids. At the moment eczema patients are flying blind.'

The condition affects one in five children and one in ten adults in the UK. It occurs due to both genetics and environmental factors such as allergies, and is incurable.

Topical steroids also known as corticosteroids reduce inflammation, suppress overactivity of the immune system and narrow the blood vessels, which helps relieve some symptoms, such as itching and pain, alleviating the urge to scratch so the skin can heal. There are more than 100 different types of topical steroid preparations available in the UK, broadly grouped into four categories of potency: mild, moderate, potent and very potent.

Roughly a third of children with atopic eczema will also develop asthma and/or hayfever, according to the British Skin Foundation.

A moderately potent steroid is twice as strong as hydrocortisone one per cent the mild type and both are available over-the-counter. Potent steroids are ten times the strength and very potent ones are at least 50 times stronger.

But this basic information is not on packaging instead, the concentration of active ingredients is printed, usually in per cent. But the potential for confusion is clear: for instance, betametasone 0.1 per cent is a potent steroid that's ten times the strength of hydrocortisone one per cent.

Professor Celia Moss, consultant dermatologist at Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, said it was 'a mystery' as to why drug firms didn't make things clearer. She said: 'A few years ago, the MHRA ruled all skin lotions containing paraffin should have a fire risk warning on the packaging, despite that risk being very small. They need to do something similar to address the confusion about topical steroid strengths.

'A traffic-light-style system would be great, as we're used to them on food packaging.'

Labels could indicate green for the mildest formulas, amber for moderate, red for potent and darker red for very potent.

Topical steroids are typically meant for short-term use of between two and six weeks. For the majority of eczema patients, symptoms will ease in this time. Those with more severe eczema may need to use stronger creams over longer periods which requires monitoring as the risk of side effects increases.

A 2021 MHRA review said withdrawal could occur 'after long-term continuous or inappropriate use of moderate to high potency products'.

Professor Anthony Bewley, of the British Association of Dermatologists and a consultant dermatologist at Barts Health NHS Trust, said: 'A minority of patients using topical steroids find their skin gets worse, not better, and need to apply more. When they stop they suffer severe skin problems. We don't know why but it is mainly seen in people using potent topical steroids for years without supervision.

'Instructions can be vague leaflets talk of applying "sparingly" or "enough to cover the affected area" which isn't good enough.'

Topical steroid doses are measured in 'finger tip units', or FTUs. One FTU enough ointment to cover the end of an adult finger from tip to crease of the first joint should be applied to an area of skin the size of two adult hands with the fingers held together.

'Using less can mean symptoms aren't controlled, so the patient uses more for a longer time, increasing risks,' said Prof Bewley.

Prof Moss said there is also an issue with patients avoiding using steroids due to fears of extreme withdrawal symptoms.

Studies suggest that up to eight in ten have concerns about using topical steroids.

'It's a problem with people unwilling to use even mild topical steroids, even if they would benefit, as they've read about withdrawal symptoms,' Prof Moss added. 'Better labelling would help.'

A survey by the National Eczema Society found just 17 per cent of eczema sufferers knew how many strengths of topical steroid there are.

One eczema sufferer who understands the confusion is Ellen Vincent, who was diagnosed as a child.

The 43-year-old, who lives in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, said: 'Like many eczema sufferers, I use different strength topical steroids on different body parts.

'At times, I've been using three at once and can get confused. There is a risk you accidentally use a strong one where you should use a mild one, and vice versa. The tubes often look very similar.

'Better labelling on the packaging would help a lot.'

Read more from the original source:
Experts demand traffic-light labels to show strength of eczema cream - Daily Mail

Along with rising temperatures and spring showers, insects like mosquitoes make their debut in Florida this time of year. Follow these five tips to treat itchy mosquito bites this season, plus learn how to best prevent bug bites before they happen.

The hardest part about treating insect bites is avoiding scratching them. While scratching might offer some temporary relief, it can cause more skin problems in the long run such as scarring by triggering inflammation.

Oral Benadryl can help calm itching caused by insect bites. Follow the dosage instructions on the box and do not take more than directed.

Topical Benadryl, on the other hand, is not as effective as oral Benadryl for mosquito bites and may worsen redness and itching due to allergic reactions to the cream.

Ammonium lactate is an effective topical solution for treating mosquito bites. While ammonium can have an off-putting smell to it, it works better than topical Benadryl or topical steroid creams.

If over-the-counter solutions are not working for you, ask your doctor or dermatologist for a prescription for topical doxepin. This cream is typically used to treat itching caused by eczema, but can also work for insect bites.

Anti-inflammatory skincare ingredients like argan oil can help to soothe red, itchy skin caused by insect bites, eczema, contact dermatitis and other inflammatory conditions. Argan oil is suitable for all skin types, no worries about unwanted side effects.

Follow these quick tips to minimize or even avoid mosquito bites:

Stay inside during dusk, when mosquitoes are more active.

Wear long sleeves, socks and pants when possible. Lightweight sun-protective clothing can be a cooler option.

Wear insect repellent. Citronella is a natural option.

Avoid sunscreen/insect repellent combos. They do not work as well as the standalone products.

Dr. Leslie Baumann

For more skincare news and advice, follow @SkinTypeSolutions on social media, or browse the Skin Type Solutions library.

Originally posted here:
Its mosquito season. Here are tips for treating bites, preventing them in the first place - Yahoo News

Pharmaceutical manufacturers have historically focused their activity on large, high-value markets, leaving those in smaller countries struggling to find the latest medicines. New EU legislation is designed to correct that imbalance.

Medical advances can bring life-changing improvements, especially for those suffering from long term conditions. Every year, new treatments are found that work better or have fewer side effects.

But not everyone gets to benefit from these changes. Often the priority for distribution is large high-value markets, at the expense of those living in smaller population areas.

Wayne Zammit lives in Malta. When he was a boy, he had a dream.

"I grew up loving cars," he says. "One of the things I always wanted was to work in something I love. But unfortunately, due to my skin condition, to my eczema, due to the dust, and the things that you do are all very messy, and it is very easy to get infections, and things like this. That is something that I had to give up on very quickly."

Wayne was diagnosed with severe eczema when he was 4. Problems soon piled up.

"When I went to do my first passport, at that point, I was quite young," he says. "In my photo, my lips were completely broken. So I was like a mini-joker, to a certain extent. And I had a lot of flare-ups around my eyes. Even a cracked eyelid. And my ears would be very puffy and red. And they obviously would not want to take a photo due to identification reasons; and even for me. This is a disease that affects the skin, it is our biggest organ. I've had days when I could not move my neck around. Ive had days when for me to get off a chair, I would want to cry. I have days when my clothes are stuck to my skin, due to open wounds"

A cocktail of medicines now keeps the disease at bay. But periodically they cause side effects like nausea and high blood pressure. When Wayne stops them, his body flares up again.

Yet the injectable prescription medication that doctors think would be the most efficient for him, is not available in Malta.

"I want to know why I have to wait so long for something that I need so badly," says Wayne.

The treatment that might help Wayne has already been approved by Malta's regulators and is eligible for free administration to patients. Yet it is nowhere to be found in the country's pharmacies, unlike in those of other European Union members.

The consequences are dire for Wayne and other severe eczema patients, says his dermatologist Michael Boffa.

"The fact that these drugs are not available, means that patients will have to be treated with other drugs, which are less effective and perhaps have risks of important side effects which could be avoided by using better drugs," says Michael Boffa, who is Chairman of the Department of Dermatology at Mater Dei Hospital and President of the Malta Eczema Society. "Patients should certainly not be discriminated against because of the disease they are unlucky enough to have."

Red tape, Brexit, Covid, the crisis on global supplies and the war in Ukraine help explain the situation. But Malta also has a structural problem: its tiny size.

As the EU smallest member state, the country seems less attractive to pharmaceutical developers.

A warehouse houses all the medicines used by Malta Social Security. It looks packed, but statistically, Malta lags behind other member states when it comes to full public availability of approved medicines. Of the 160 medicines approved by the EU between 2017 and 2020, just 11 were available in Malta compared to 147 in Germany, according to the EFPIA Patients W.A.I.T Indicator 2021 Survey. The figures were updated July 2022, but as Malta did not complete its full dataset, they are only a guideline indicator.

The man in charge of Malta's Medicine Supply Unit says they're working full on to find solutions.

"If there are high numbers, the industry registers a product, and we have no problem," says Karl Farrugia, who is CEO at the Central Procurement And Supplies Unit. "But when there are few patients, and Malta obviously is a small country, so you get these treatments where few patients need them, then the government comes in: for registration, we do the translation, we do the serialization."

To further help small countries like Malta, the European Commission's Reform of the EU Pharmaceutical legislation has proposed to reward developers who launch a medicine in all member states within two years of authorisation. According to the EC, this alone would increase access by 15%.

Further proposals like the simplification of authorisation procedures or the introduction of multi-country packaging have been welcomed by the pharmaceutical industry in Malta.

"The pharma industry in its best of efforts needs to try and make the products a bit more affordable for the smaller countries," says Mark Mallia, the Pharmaceutical Industry Representative in Malta. "And we need to see stocks, depots of drugs available for the small countries. And a multilingual pack could possibly help that, because you've got a depot that would serve 6 or 7 or 8 countries when needed".

Wayne hopes all actors will soon be working together to help him.

"I do believe we'll get there," he says. "Especially if what is necessary is done and if people help each other out".

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How new EU incentives will help all patients get the best treatments - Euronews

Results from a SCALE 2023 poster presentation1 demonstratedthat the consistent use of ceramide-containing skin care products as monotherapy and adjunctive to prescription treatment improved the signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis (AD) in pediatric patients. Schachner et al noted that AD commonly starts in infancy and early childhood and is associated with pruritis and genetic predisposition. Previous studies have proven that daily use of moisturizers that contain lipids such as ceramides can reduce the rate of AD flares, and therefore the need for topical steroid treatment.

In the study, Schachner et al gathered a panel of 8 pediatric dermatologists, dermatologists, and pediatricians who treat pediatric AD to report on clinical cases from their practice. The panelists reviewed 15 pediatric AD cases and agreed to select 6 patients covering various presentations of pediatric AD, patient ages, and skin types.

During their evaluations, the panelists discussed why they selected a specific case, previous treatments, type of prevention and education provided, skin care as monotherapy or adjunctive treatment, prescription and non-prescription therapy and maintenance treatment, and clinical pearls. The summary of each patient included:

After discussing the 6 patients and using ceramide-containing skin care products to manage their pediatric AD, the study investigators concluded that Sharing best-practice in AD therapy and maintenance treatment for pediatric eczema patients may support health care providers treating children to improve clinical outcomes. Consistent skincare use with CER-containing cleansers and moisturizers as mono or adjunctive to prescription treatment promoted a healthy skin barrier.

Reference

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Consistent Use of Ceramide-Containing Products Combined With ... - Dermatology Times

In our modern society, smells are everywhere, but they are harmful to our health. They cover our bodies, our homes, and our daily routines. From perfumes and colognes to scented candles and air fresheners, we often associate pleasant smells with a sense of well-being. However, what many of us fail to realize is that behind these enticing scents lie a multitude of potential health hazards. Fragrances.

Most commercial fragrances, whether found in personal care products, cleaning agents, or household items, are composed of synthetic chemicals. These chemicals are often undisclosed or labeled vaguely as fragrance or parfum. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for consumers to make informed choices about the products they use and the potential risks associated with them- like these things!

Many celebrities have released their own perfumes. If they only were aware how harmful fragrances were to the people purchasing them

One of the primary concerns associated with fragrances is their impact on respiratory health. Synthetic fragrances emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, which can be inhaled and irritate the respiratory system. These VOCs include formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, and other hazardous chemicals known to cause respiratory problems such as asthma, allergies, and even chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Some of those products include:

Fragrances can also wreak havoc on our skin. Many people experience skin irritation, redness, itching, and rashes when exposed to synthetic fragrances. These reactions are particularly common in people with sensitive skin or pre-existing conditions like eczema. Prolonged exposure to fragrances may lead to sensitization, whereby the immune system becomes hypersensitive to certain chemicals, resulting in allergic reactions upon subsequent exposures.

Unbeknownst to many, certain chemicals used in fragrances have been linked to endocrine disruption. Phthalates, for example, are commonly used as solvents in fragrances and have been associated with hormonal imbalances. They may interfere with reproductive functions, disrupt the normal development of the endocrine system, and even contribute to fertility problems.

Studies have shown that some fragrance chemicals, such as synthetic musks, may have neurotoxic effects. These substances have been found to accumulate in the body over time and have the potential to disrupt the normal functioning of the nervous system. Exposure to such chemicals has been associated with headaches, migraines, dizziness, and even cognitive impairment.

The detrimental effects of fragrances are not limited to human health alone. When we wash away personal care products containing synthetic fragrances or spray air fresheners in our homes, these chemicals eventually find their way into the environment. Fragrance compounds, along with other pollutants, can contaminate air, water sources, and soil, leading to ecological imbalances and potentially harming wildlife and ecosystems.

While we may enjoy the pleasant scents that fragrances provide, it is crucial to be aware of the potential health risks they pose. The synthetic chemicals used in many commercial fragrances can have far-reaching consequences for our respiratory system, skin, hormones, and even neurological well-being. To protect our health and that of the environment, it is advisable to opt for fragrance-free or naturally scented products. Reading labels, seeking out eco-friendly alternatives, and advocating for greater transparency in labeling practices can empower us to make informed choices and promote safer, healthier living.

Remember, the sweet smell of health is far more valuable than any artificial fragrance that comes at a hidden cost.

Continued here:
These 13 Household Items Contain Smells That Are Harmful To ... - Rock 92.9

Image Credit: Tempura/E+/GettyImages

For some swimmers, long workouts in the pool or ocean can cause itchy, dry, irritated or even burning skin. And as someone who deals with some pretty bad eczema, speaking from experience, it makes swimming even more difficult.

But also speaking from experience, finding the right post-swim skin and hair products can be a total game changer. Browse some of the best swimming skin- and hair-care products for sensitive skin and learn how to find your best formulas.

To help us narrow down our list of under-desk treadmills, we turned to KJ Kroetch, a certified swimming and triathlon coach, avid swimmer and owner of All Terrain Endurance. We chose our top picks based on the following criteria. You can learn more about how we cover products here.

1. TRIHARD After-Swim Body Wash Extra Boost

This body wash eliminates all traces of chlorine and hard water.

As a triathlete myself, I've had to invest a fair amount of post-swim skin and hair products. And TRIHARD is a brand I won't swim without. This body wash eliminates the harsh smell of chlorine and salt.

I also love that it's great on sensitive skin. Pool chemicals can cause my eczema to act up pretty badly but when I use this wash consistently (right after I swim), I'm spared dry, itchy skin.

2. Ultra Swim Chlorine Removal & Hard Water Treatment Moisturizing Shampoo

Protect your hair from damage with this moisturizing shampoo.

When shopping for post-swim products, ingredients matter, according to Kroetch. For your shampoo, you want a sulfate-free formula that eliminates harsh elements found in all kinds of water.

This shampoo gently washes away chlorine, salt water (necessary for open-water swims), minerals, odor and any unwanted tints for color-treated hair.

3. TRIHARD Pre & Post Swim Conditioner

This conditioner doubles as a hair mask and post-swim treatment.

Alongside TRIHARD's body wash, this conditioner is the other product I bring to every pool workout. Not only does it smell amazing, it washes even the faintest bit of chlorine out of my color-treated hair.

The best part? You can use this before and after your swim. To get some extra protection from hard water, just apply the conditioner like a hair mask and put your swim cap on top.

Pro tip: Don't apply too much to your roots because it can cause your cap to feel a little slippery.

4. TRISWIM Swimmers Lotion

Chlorine and salt water can be pretty drying but this lotion is enriched with aloe vera and Vitamin B5 and E to help keep your skin moisturized.

It's best that you apply this only after you swim, though, as it's not water-resistant and the fragrance can linger on the water and affect other swimmers, according to Kroetch.

Plus, it's great for healing a sunburn!

5. Reef Safe Sun Barrier SPF 50 Sunscreen

This sunscreen is reef safe and excellent for sensitive skin.

Kroetch is a big fan of Zealios products for all kinds of exercise, including swim.

"They make a sunscreen, including a reef-safe version and that is my go-to for face and body," she says.

This formula has zero harsh chemicals and is specifically formulated for sensitive skin. It's unscented and it won't stink if any drips into your eyes.

And for swimmers who like longer workouts, this one is water resistant for up to 80 minutes.

3 Things to Look for in Swimming Skin and Hair Products

1. Chlorine and Salt Absorption

The biggest thing to look for in any post-swim product is chlorine or salt protection, according to Kroetch. These elements are inevitable when you swim in the pool or ocean but they can damage your hair and dry your skin, so getting those off your body and hair are a priority.

Chlorine and salt can be especially harmful to sensitive skin. So, before you buy a post-swim shampoo, conditioner or body wash, read the label to check that it removes traces of chlorine and saltwater.

2. Fragrance-Free Formulas

For products you're using in the water (like sunscreen), look for a formula that's free of any aroma or fragrance, Kroetch recommends. When you wear a scented lotion or perfume, the scent can leech into the water and disturb other swimmers or wildlife.

Specific to sunscreen, you want a product that's water resistant and, if you're swimming in the ocean, reef safe. Inevitably, some of your sunscreen will get washed away as you exercise but a water-resistant formula can help you hang on to as much protection as possible.

Originally posted here:
The Best Swimming Skin and Hair Products | livestrong - Livestrong