Category Archives: Eczema

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

You know the exhausted feeling of trying on what feels like a thousand different outfits for one specific event, only to feel like none of them quite fit your vibe? That's how it feels to go through the trial-and-error process of finding a skin-care product that actually works for eczema-prone skin (read: next to impossible).

Take it from beauty content creator Sachita Subramanian (aka @pigmentedglow), whose body eczema flare-ups made an unwelcome return during the pandemic. After years of questioning her on-and-off symptoms and even experiencing a not-so-great dermatologist visit, Subramanian started to document her journey on Instagram, where she shares beauty solutions for South Asian complexions and hair types.

"Along the way I began to share my personal journey with eczema, which allowed me to find a greater community," she says. "I always felt like my experiences with eczema weren't valid because they weren't as visible compared to others. However, I have learned over the years that each individuals experience is different...just because you think someones eczema 'isnt bad' does not make their struggles any less [valid]." (Retweet.)

After figuring out what doesn't work for her (harsh ingredients, unplanned sweaty workouts, and falling down a stress rabbit hole), Subramanian has learned that a gentle focus is key. " I look for products that are really hydrating, soothing, and nourishing," she says. "I also look for skin barrier strengthening ingredients like colloidal oatmeal."

According to Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, she's on the right track. "Less is more! You dont need anything fancy when it comes to skin care," she says. "Just good moisturizing ingredients and barrier repair creams to keep it strong. Treat your skin delicately, choose your products wisely, and your eczema will flare less often and your skin will be able to handle the environmental challenges much more successfully."

To follow through on this, Subramanian swears by Josie Maran's Argan Apothecary Intensive Daily Repair Body Butterwhich packs the brand's signature 100% Pure Argan Oil, FDA-approved colloidal oatmeal, aloe leaf juice, and more skin-soothing ingredientsto help aid her dry, itchy, eczema-prone skin.

When it comes to body eczema, says Subramanian, it's vital to keep your skin moisturized 24/7with high-quality nutrients, of course. "Colloidal oatmeal is a star ingredient that I always look for in my eczema-related products," Subramanian says, adding that it helps to relieve the itch.

Dr. Nazarian agrees: "Colloidal oatmeal is beneficial for eczema-prone skin due to its calming and anti-inflammatory properties," she explains. "Many patients who suffer with eczema find use of colloidal oatmeal to be effective in decreasing itch and inflammation during their eczema flares."

If that weren't enough for this eczema-easing body butter, 100% Pure Argan Oil, squalane, shea butter, and Argan omega ceramide (a plant-based complex that's clutch for skin hydration and protection) are all part of the super soothing equation, too. "Argan oil is high in fatty acids and squalane," says Dr. Nazarian. "Fatty acids are used to improve the skin barrier by supporting the waxy coating that healthy skin contains, and squalane is a natural substance that lubricates and hydrates the skin."

After years of dealing with body eczema, the products Subramanian usually came into contact with were, well, boring and overly sterile. "I am tired of seeing really bland or medical branding on eczema productsI want the packaging to be attractive, elegant...and overall make me feel good about using that product," she says.

Which is exactly why she loves Josie Maran body butter's minimal, pale blue shelfie appeal. "I used to be very negligent of body care until I had to deal with a flare up," Subramanian says. "By using the Josie Maran body butter, I am able to prevent those flare ups while still feeling fancy." (It's called self care, y'all.)

"It sank into my skin super quickly and did not leave a greasy residue," Subramanian says of her initial impression. "This is very important especially during a flare-upthe last thing I want to do is keep rubbing...and cause further irritation." Plus, with its thick-yet-absorbent texture and pearly white color, the application is downright calming in and of itself.

"My skin felt really soft, hydrated, and overall healthier," Subramanian says. "Winters can really dry out my skin so the body butter brought back the moisture and strengthened my skin barrier, which I love." Putting her eczema-prone skin at ease? Check. Finding her new-favorite form of self care? Double check.

Photo: Josie Maran; Art: Well+Good Creative

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Ive Tried Hundreds of Beauty Products, and My Eczema-Prone Skin Absolutely Loves This Body Butter - Well+Good

Following is a summary of current health news briefs.

Peak Omicron? Experts wary of calling time on variant wave in Europe

A surge in coronavirus cases caused by the Omicron variant may have peaked in some parts of Europe but medics say the impact will continue to be felt across the region, with hospitals still at risk of facing a rush of admissions. Health experts and politicians warn against complacency, saying it is not yet clear whether their data reflect the full impact of the Christmas and New Year holidays, when families gathered for long periods indoors and the risk of intergenerational spread of the virus may be greater.

U.S. FDA approves Pfizer's drug to treat eczema

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Pfizer Inc's drug Cibinqo to treat eczema, a skin disease, the company said on Friday.

EMA lists rare spinal condition as side effect of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 shot

A safety panel of the European drug regulator on Friday recommended adding a rare spinal inflammation called transverse myelitis as a side effect of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine. The European Medicines Agency's (EMA) safety committee also recommended a similar warning be included for Johnson & Johnson's one-shot vaccine in October, and reiterated the decision on Friday.

UK study finds more Omicron hospitalisations in youngest children, but cases mild

Young children and babies are proportionally more likely to be hospitalised with Omicron compared to older children than with previous variants but the cases are still mild, British researchers said, adding the overall picture was reassuring. Omicron has spread rapidly in Britain and fuelled a spike in cases to record highs, though the variant is less severe than previous ones, and high vaccination levels among adults have also helped to limit the rise in hospitalisations. Children are less vulnerable than older adults to COVID-19.

FDA approves expanded use of AbbVie's arthritis drug to treat eczema

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the expanded use of AbbVie Inc's arthritis drug to treat eczema, a skin disease, the company said on Friday. The approval of Rinvoq for the treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, or eczema, was for patients 12 years and older who do not respond to previous treatment or when use of other treatments is not recommended.

As Omicron fuels surge, U.S. students stage walkouts to protest in-person classes

Hundreds of students in Boston and Chicago walked out of classes on Friday to pressure officials to switch to remote learning, as a surge in COVID-19 cases fueled by the Omicron variant disrupts schools around the United States. About 600 students from 11 Boston schools participated, according to the school district. Many students returned to classrooms later, while others went home after taking part in peaceful demonstrations.

Mexico approves emergency use of Pfizer's COVID-19 pills

Mexican health regulator COFEPRIS said on Friday it had approved U.S. pharmaceutical company Pfizer's antiviral oral treatment against COVID-19 for emergency use in adults with light or moderate risk of complications. Paxlovid, which combines nirmatrelvir and ritonavir in a tablet, will require a prescription, it said in a statement.

U.S. reports case of highly pathogenic avian flu in a wild bird

The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Friday confirmed the first case of a highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza in a wild bird since 2016, in South Carolina. The strain, Eurasian H5 avian influenza, was found in a wild American wigeon in Colleton County, South Carolina, the agency said in a statement. It advised poultry producers to review safety measures to assure the health of their birds.

U.S. households can order 4 free COVID-19 tests starting Jan 19 - White House

U.S. households can order four free at-home COVID-19 tests from the website COVIDTests.gov starting on Jan. 19 with shipping expected seven to 12 days after ordering, the White House said on Friday. The batch of free tests are aimed at easing a shortage of COVID-19 tests across the country amid increased demand during the rapid spread of the Omicron variant.

Burned by COVID supply crunch, hospitals invest in U.S. mask-making

Two days before Christmas, a cargo ship left Mumbai with a mask-making machine bound for Illinois-based OSF HealthCare, which will use the equipment to make its own N95 masks. It isn't the hospital group's first foray into manufacturing. After COVID-19 border closures in early 2020 choked shipments from Asia, producer of about 80% of the world's medical masks and protective gear, OSF and some other hospital groups started investing in U.S. production of key supplies including masks, gowns and critical pharmaceuticals.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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Health News Roundup: U.S. FDA approves Pfizer's drug to treat eczema; U.S. reports case of highly pathogenic avian flu in a wild bird and more -...

Bacteria is often associated with disease and general uncleanliness, however ingestion of certain types can actually have remarkable health benefits.

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts and often lauded for their natural composition that helps ailments as well as weight loss.

They are a certain type of friendly bacteria, that provides health benefits when eaten.

Read more: Important changes on Covid vaccines for young people in Wales announced

One way in which they can help is weight loss. Harvard Health says that visceral fat has been linked to increased risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

If you are planning to lose weight for your health, advice suggests that you do this in a gradual way. A healthy diet and exercise can help, however, this supplement can also be considered.

Healthline suggests that probiotics may help you lose visceral fat, and the good bacterias use does not stop there.

There is also some research that shows they're useful for problems in other parts of your body as well as helping with weight loss. For example, some people say they have helped with:

Skin conditions, like eczema

Urinary and vaginal health

Preventing allergies and colds

Oral health

Researchers are trying to figure out exactly how probiotics work. Some of the ways they may keep you healthy:

When you lose "good" bacteria in your body, for example after you take antibiotics, probiotics can help replace them.

They can help balance your "good" and "bad" bacteria to keep your body working the way it should.

The NHS explains for most people, probiotics appear to be safe but notes probiotics are generally classed as food rather than medicine, which means they don't go through the rigorous testing medicines do.

Lactobacillus - This may be the most common probiotic. It's the one you'll find in yogurt and other fermented foods. Different strains can help with diarrhea and may help people who can't digest lactose, the sugar in milk.

Bifidobacterium .- You can find it in some dairy products. It may help ease the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and some other conditions.

Saccharomyces boulardii - is a yeast found in probiotics. It appears to help fight diarrhea and other digestive problems.

Probiotic foods include yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, tempeh, and kimchi.

One study published in the Journal of Functional Foods looked at probiotics, and found that they may have body composition modifying properties.

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Another, published in the National Library of Medicine, says certain probiotics can help you lose weight and visceral fat, by reducing dietary fat absorption in the gut, increasing how much of it you excrete in faeces.

The NHS recommends: Your GP or practice nurse can help you assess your current diet and levels of physical activity, and set personal goals for change.

It is important to note that these supplements should be discussed with your doctor before taking a high amount or lengthy course. In rare cases they could lead to mild side effects.

More information can be found on these good bacteria at Healthline.

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The supplements that help with weight loss, eczema, UTI's and colds - North Wales Live

- Patients from PSOARING 3 who completed the survey preferred tapinarof to prior topical treatments with 81.7% considering it more effective -

LONG BEACH, Calif. & BASEL, Switzerland, January 15, 2022--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dermavant Sciences, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative therapeutics in immuno-dermatology, today announced results from a patient satisfaction questionnaire in the long-term, open-label Phase 3 PSOARING 3 extension study of tapinarof cream 1% once daily for the treatment of plaque psoriasis in adults. Patient responses demonstrated consistent high rates of satisfaction and positive perception of treatment with tapinarof across all patient-relevant parameters, including patient satisfaction with treatment efficacy, formulation elegance, ease of application, impact on daily life and preference for tapinarof versus prior psoriasis therapies. These results were presented during the 2022 Winter Clinical Dermatology Conference, held January 14-19 in Koloa, Hawaii.

"As a clinician, its paramount that my patients are satisfied with their treatment, as research shows that patients who are satisfied with their treatment are more likely to continue treatment, which may improve treatment efficacy. I am encouraged by these results with tapinarof showing consistent patient satisfaction, which has often been difficult to achieve with current psoriasis treatments, including steroidal topicals," said Jerry Bagel, M.D., M.S., director of the Psoriasis Treatment Center of New Jersey and Eczema Treatment Center of New Jersey in East Windsor, a member of the National Psoriasis Foundation board of directors, and lead author of this publication. "Building on previous PSOARING 3 results, these findings demonstrate that tapinarof, subject to FDA approval, has the potential to be a long-awaited new treatment option to improve the care of patients suffering from this debilitating, chronic condition."

Story continues

Responses to the questionnaire, which were assessed at study completion (week 40 or early termination), demonstrated consistent high rates of satisfaction across all evaluated parameters. Of the 78.5% (599/763) of patients from PSOARING 3 who completed the survey:

Patients preferred tapinarof to prior topical treatments with 81.7% considering it more effective.

85.8% either strongly agreed or agreed they could easily manage their psoriasis with tapinarof.

82.5% expressed that they would use tapinarof again or continue using it if available.

"As a team that is driven by a passion for helping patients, we are delighted to present findings for patient satisfaction with tapinarof from PSOARING 3 during the 2022 Winter Clinical Dermatology Conference, highlighting our continued commitment to addressing unmet needs for patients with inflammatory skin conditions," said Philip M. Brown, M.D., J.D., Chief Medical Officer of Dermavant. "We know that patients with plaque psoriasis and their physicians are looking for non-steroidal topical treatment options, and we hope to bring long-overdue innovation to this community."

In August 2021, the FDA accepted a New Drug Application for tapinarof for the treatment of plaque psoriasis in adult patients and assigned a Prescription Drug User Fee Act target action date in Q2 2022.

About Dermavants Phase 3 Program for Tapinarof in Psoriasis

Dermavants pivotal Phase 3 clinical program for tapinarof in adult plaque psoriasis consists of PSOARING 1 (NCT03956355) and PSOARING 2 (NCT03983980), as well as PSOARING 3 (NCT04053387), a long-term extension study.

PSOARING 1 and PSOARING 2, which collectively enrolled 1,025 patients, were two identically designed, multi-center, randomized, vehicle-controlled, double-blind, parallel group studies conducted in North America that evaluated the safety and efficacy of tapinarof cream, 1% dosed once daily (QD) for 12 weeks versus vehicle QD in adult patients aged 18-75 years diagnosed with plaque psoriasis. The primary endpoint of both studies was the proportion of patients who achieved a PGA score of clear (0) or almost clear (1) with a minimum 2-grade improvement from baseline at Week 12.

PSOARING 3 was a long-term, open-label, extension study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of tapinarof cream, 1% for the treatment of plaque psoriasis in adults. Patients in the study had previously completed treatment with tapinarof or vehicle in either the PSOARING 1 or PSOARING 2 Phase 3 pivotal efficacy and safety studies. PSOARING 3 consisted of up to 40 weeks of tapinarof cream, 1%, and a 4-week safety follow-up period. As such, patients who received drug during PSOARING 1 and PSOARING 2 and who completed PSOARING 3, received treatment with tapinarof cream for up to 52 weeks. Greater than 90% of eligible patients who completed PSOARING 1 and PSOARING 2 enrolled in PSOARING 3. Dermavant released interim analysis results from PSOARING 3 in February 2021 and the study completed on April 5, 2021.

About Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, systemic, inflammatory skin disease characterized by red patches and plaques with silvery scales on the skin. Psoriasis affects approximately 8 million people in the United States and 125 million worldwide.

Psoriasis can begin at any age, but typically has two peaks of onset, the first at age 20 to 30 years and the second at age 50 to 60 years. People with psoriasis are at an increased risk of developing other chronic and serious health conditions. Comorbidities include psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and depression. Psoriasis has a significant impact on quality of life and on psychological health.

About Dermavant

Dermavant Sciences, a subsidiary of Roivant Sciences, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative therapeutics in immuno-dermatology. Dermavants focus is to develop therapies that have the potential to address high unmet medical needs while driving greater efficiency in research and clinical development. The companys robust medical dermatology pipeline includes both late-stage and earlier-stage-development product candidates the company believes could address important immuno-dermatological conditions, including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, vitiligo, primary focal hyperhidrosis, and acne. Tapinarof is a novel, therapeutic aryl hydrocarbon receptor modulating agent, in development as a once-daily, steroid-free and cosmetically elegant topical cream for the treatment of plaque psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, which affect approximately 8 million and 26 million people in the United States, respectively. The company has reported positive Phase 3 results for tapinarof cream in adult patients with plaque psoriasis. For more information, please visit http://www.dermavant.com, and follow us on Twitter (@dermavant) and LinkedIn (Dermavant Sciences).

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220115005007/en/

Contacts

Gilmartin:Laurence WattsManaging Directorlaurence@gilmartinir.com 619-916-7620

dna Communications:Angela Salerno-RobinSenior Vice President, Media Relations, HealthcareASalerno-Robin@dna-comms.com 212-445-8219

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Dermavant Presents New Patient Satisfaction Data from PSOARING 3 Long Term Extension Trial of Tapinarof in Adults with Plaque Psoriasis at the 2022...

SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / January 10, 2022 / Meet Silk & Glow; the handmade skincare line that started from an idea scribbled on a whiteboard to being brought to reality by a driven Founder who made the companys mission to offer self-love and self-care in the form of an affordable product.

With an emphasis on excluding preservatives from their product, Silk & Glow succeeded in providing a completely home-grown & natural solution to achieving optimal skin health. The companys need & purpose to help skin-related issues actually began very close to home as the Founders son struggled with eczema causing incredibly dry, irritable skin. In the infant stage of the company, Silk & Glow stepped up and formulated a working concoction thats still replicated today. In fact, as a byproduct of the outstanding results, they were able to remove all of their prescribed eczema medicinals saving a fortune in time & money.

In the moment, the company was simply solving a problem, but what theyve come to learn is it was this story that allowed them to effectively kickstart an on going word-of-mouth ecosystem and a chain of positive referrals & reviews. Soon enough they went from selling to friends & family to shipping products across 5 separate states (California, Florida, Michigan, West Virginia, Indiana).

In parallel to their audience growth, Silk & Glow has also continually expanded their product line with items such as beard oil, body cream, and soaps geared towards men. From a creative outlook, the brand puts a focus on incorporating unique color shades and aromas designed to be memorable. For those who prefer fragrance-free options, those are available as well. An overarching look at Silk & Glows catalogue would include body scrubs, body butter, facial oils, lip scrubs, lip glosses & more.

The company has their sights set on partnering with Targets & Walmarts nationwide to increase brand recognition and product accessibility. With a strong foundation like this at the start of the New Year, Silk & Glow is on track to make a big push this year. Keep up to date with them by checking out their website and social media for coverage on new releases & company updates!

Contact:

Dana McNealsilkandglow1@gmail.com330-338-0781

SOURCE: Silk & Glow

View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/681846/Silk-Glow-Effectively-Treats-Eczema-Jumpstarting-Their-Massive-Growth

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Silk & Glow Effectively Treats Eczema Jumpstarting Their Massive Growth - Digital Journal

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, between about 60 million and 70 million people in the United States live with some sort of digestive disease. Bloating, gas, diarrhea and heartburn can mean your stomach is trying to tell you something, so listen up. Oftentimes it's a minor issue, or something you ate, but If the problem continues, pay attention and speak with your physician. Eat This, Not That! Health talked to doctors who explained what signs point to something wrong in your gut. Read onand to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had COVID.

Dr. Jesse P. Houghton, MD, FACG Senior Medical Director of Gastroenterology SOMC Gastroenterology Associates explains, "White or gray colored stools (sometimes referred to as 'clay colored stools') may indicate that something is going on with your gallbladder, bile ducts, or pancreas. This usually occurs when the bile that your liver produces is being blocked from making its way to your intestines. Possible causes include a stone in your gallbladder or bile duct, a tumor in the head of the pancreas, or severe liver dysfunction."

"Black stools may indicate that you are losing blood from your upper GI tract," Dr. Houghton says. "The results from the blood being partially absorbed by your intestines. Possible causes include an ulcer in the stomach or duodenum, an oozing blood vessel, or acid reflux causing damage to the esophagus lining."

RELATED: Best Ways to Reverse "Deadly" Weight Gain

According to Dr. Houghton, "Oily or fatty stool may indicate malabsorption in your small intestine. This results in the fat in your diet coming out without being properly digested. Possible causes include Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and pancreas insufficiency."

RELATED: The #1 Place to Not Walk Into Now, Say Virus Experts

Dr. Tiffany Mullen, a functional medicine physician and co-founder of Vytal Health explains what a leaky gut is and why it matters. "Leaky gut describes a condition where the lining of the gut becomes damaged and can't optimally function as a barrier. In a healthy gut, the cells that line the GI tract are close together, selectively allowing only certain nutrients and proteins to cross into the body. When leaky gut occurs, these cells are no longer tightly joined, and gaps between the cells occur (this is the 'leaky' part) and larger proteins can cross the gut barrier. Because 70% of our immune system resides on the other side of the gut barrier, exposure to these 'foreign' larger proteins triggers an immune response, leading to inflammation, which further damages the gut barrier."

RELATED: Diabetes Warning Signs You Need to Know, Say Experts

"Symptoms can be localized to the gut, including diarrhea or loose stools, bloating, food intolerances, or mucus in the stool," Dr. Mullen explains. "They can also present in other seemingly unrelated parts of the body, including eczema, acne, or other skin conditions, increased migraines, fatigue, depression and anxiety, and even hormone imbalance. Leaky gut can also make other chronic medical conditions worse, especially autoimmune problems like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis."

RELATED: Signs You Have a "Leaky Gut," Say Experts

Dr. Houghton says, "Gut health is extremely important for several reasons. Probably the most important reason is that a large part of our body's immune system resides in the lining of our gut. This part of our immune system interacts with the food we eat as well as the bacteria that normally reside in our intestines. Thus, for our immune system to operate at its best, it is important that we have a healthy gut with healthy bacteria. We can ensure this occurs by eating a healthy diet with fruits and vegetables. A probiotic and/or prebiotic can also help in this regard." And to protect your life and the lives of others, don't visit any of these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.

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Signals There's Something Wrong in Your Gut Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

When the seasons change, you switch up many things swapping cooler summer clothes for a warmer winter wardrobe, for example, or lighter dinner fare for heartier soups and stews. Unfortunately, winter also often brings about changes to your skin. Dry skin is extremely common when the weather turns colder.

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Our skin traps humidity or moisture thanks to natural oils, which act as a barrier of protection and hydration. In general, dry skin is caused by a weakened skin barrier, says dermatologistAlejandra Estemalik, MD. Thereason your skin not performing as well as it should be is because theres a decrease in these natural oils, due to overwashing or using products that dry out your skin.

Dry skin symptoms can include itching, flakiness and redness, although in more severe cases, your skin can also become cracked or bleed. Thankfully, Dr. Estemalik has some tips so you dont have to spend the entire winter feeling miserable and uncomfortable in your skin.

Call it a perfect storm of environmental conditions. Not only is outside humidity lower, but cold temperatures also mean youre spending more time inside, which isnt always ideal for your skin. In winter, environmental humidity is low, says Dr. Estemalik. But were also exposed to forced air or heat, which is also going to decrease humidity indoors and cause dry skin.

Due to the natural ebb and flow of the seasons, youre also exposed to less sunlight in the winter. Besides being a good source of vitamin D, sunlight is also a natural anti-inflammatory, which can help certain health conditions.

In the summer, when youre in the pool, youre exposed to chlorine and sunscreen, which are skin irritants, says Dr. Estemalik. But youre also in the sun. In people with eczema who getflare-ups in the winter, we have them do light treatment or phototherapy because it can make their skin less itchy.

In addition to seasonal changes, genetics can factor into whether someone has dry skin. Some people have drier skin because they dont produce enough of a protein called filaggrin, which plays a role in forming and hydrating your skin barrier.

Caring for dry skin in the winter involves a combination of habit changes, product swaps and reading ingredient labels carefully.

A long, hot shower feels great when its chilly outside but, unfortunately, its not great if you have dry skin. Its cold, so everybody feels like taking a hot shower is a good remedy, says Dr. Estemalik. But overwashing will dry your skin. The heat in the water dries the oils out of your skin. However, the hot water itself will also dry your skin. The warmer water you use, the drier your skins going to be.

Dr. Estemalik recommends limiting showers to between 5 and 10 minutes, and showering every other day if youre not getting sweaty exercising. If you work out three times a week, you dont need to shower every day.

When you moisturize your skin is also key. After a shower, pat your skin dry with a towel and then immediately apply moisturizer. The function of most moisturizers is to trap moisture in your skin, says Dr. Estemalik. When you apply moisturizer on skin thats really, really dry, its not going to be that helpful because theres no moisture to trap. Applying moisturizers on damp skin is much more beneficial, especially if your skin is dry to start with.

When thinking about what products to buy, Dr. Estemalik has a good rule of thumb: The better they smell, the more irritating they are for your skin. I like to call those micro-irritations. We accumulate micro-irritations that eventually will cause your skin to be dry, itchy and cracked. Fragrance-free moisturizers, such as the old medicine cabinet standby Vaseline, are great options.

Keeping laundry day fragrance-free is also important. Detergent has fragrance, and on top of that, we use dryer sheets, says Dr. Estemalik. They make your clothes feel really clean, but theyre another irritant that comes in contact with you 24/7. Even when youre not wearing your daily clothes, youre wearing pajamas. So this is something that youre experiencing all day long.

Not all moisturizers are created equally or from the same ingredients. Lotions are much more popular because theyre easier to apply, but that doesnt necessarily mean that thats the best type of agent to moisturize your skin, says Dr. Estemalik. Lotions have a lot of alcohol and fragrance in them, both of which are irritants to the skin. But dermatologists favor creams over lotion.

For example, when looking for a cream, read the ingredient label and pick products that contain hyaluronic acid and ceramide both moisture-friendly ingredients rather than botanicals like lavender tea tree oil or coconut oil.

Some other skincare products you might use on a daily basis can also have skin-irritating ingredients. Acne medications can contain salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, while anti-aging products often contain alpha hydroxy acid, glycolic acid or retinol.

Using these products less frequently is one solution. Anti-aging products may work out well in the summer but the ingredients in them that help promote quick skin cell turnover may be too drying in the winter, says Dr. Estemalik. When it comes to the winter and those anti-aging products, decrease your use to three or four times a week instead of every day. The same holds true for acne medication, she adds.

Soap is known for drying out the oils in your skin. Overexfoliating can also be damaging. Especially on the face, many people will see flakiness and dryness and think, Oh, I need to exfoliate, says Dr. Estemalik. But exfoliating is super potent. It strips moisture or oils out of your skin, and will even make your skin even itchier and drier. Exfoliate once or twice a week max, she recommends.

Its very common to get dry skin on your hands. Especially in the times of COVID-19, were using lots of alcohol-containing sanitizer, she says. Thats a drying and irritating agent. You dont need to stop sanitizing just moisturize as much as you can with something that has dimethicone, a silicone-based product thats great for skin dryness.

Wear gloves when you go outdoors in the winter, as well as when youre doing something where your hands get wet, such as doing dishes or washing your car. Coming in contact with chemical greases and other harsher micro-irritants will dry out your hands, too.

Using a humidifier in the room where you sleep can help reduce the effects of spending lots of time in dry and low-humidity environments. Dr. Estemalik recommends setting the machine to between 30% and 50% humidity.

Sometimes. For example, adults over the age of 40 naturally have drier skin and should be applying moisturizer regularly. Just like your hairs not the same, your skins not the same after that age, says Dr. Estemalik. As we get older, our skin naturally produces less oil.

Seasonal shifts that dont necessarily have to do with the weather can also affect certain conditions. Dr. Estemalik says holiday stress and consuming caffeine can make rosacea worse. The anti-inflammatory condition psoriasis is also affected by a lack of sunlight. Plus, eczema can flare up and worsen in the summer because your skin is more irritated by sweat or because you swim a lot, she adds.

However, dry skin can also be a sign of a completely unrelated health condition, such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, kidney failure or a nutrition deficiency. The key to figuring out whats going on is to watch out for certain symptoms.

Look out for intense itching, says Dr. Estemalik. If your skin is getting darker in the areas where youre scratching, and if there are areas that persistently rough, flaky and red, you should visit a doctor.

Inflamed skin that starts crusting over is another red flag, as this could mean a bacterial infection. We see bacterial and viral infections in people that have eczema, says Dr. Estemalik. If your skin is red, inflamed and scaly, and on top of that you see crusting, especially if its yellow crusting, its time to go the doctor. If youre experiencing intense itching, and your skin is bleeding, its time to go to the doctor.

Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream might help in some instances. However, when in doubt, seeing a doctor is the best option. After all, there are situations when a medicated cream or lotion is the best option. I see a lot of people that think, Oh, I have eczema, and Im going to moisturize more and more, says Dr. Estemalik. Theres times when moisturizer is just not enough, and you need something medicated. You need help.

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The Best Winter Skin Care Tips - Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic

While much of your skin texture and type is determined by genetics, there are some cases in which the exterior of your complexion is dictated by certain health conditions taking place inside of your body. If youve lived with dry sky most of your life and are suddenly experiencing an oilier base than usual, it may be worth looking into your overall health and taking your changing skin texture as an indication that something deeper may be going on. We checked in with board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Joshua Zeichner for a clear outline of what changing skin texture may be saying about your health status, and what you can do moving forward.

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If youre experiencing excessively oily skin or an abnormal number of breakouts, Zeichner notes that this may be due to an imbalance of androgen hormones. Hormones like testosterone and its more active form DHT simulate oil glands to go into overdrive, causing excessively oily skin and acne breakouts, he explains. Women with high hormone levels often suffer from irregular periods and hair growth in areas that men typically develop it. Should you experience any significant changes in the oiliness of your skin, it may be worth checking in with a primary care doctor to make sure your hormones are healthy and in check.

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On the other hand, if youre now experiencing unnaturally dry skin and flaky patches, while it may be due to the colder weather, it could also be related to changes in your internal health as well. Extremely dry skin may be the result of hypothyroidism or dietary deficiencies, warns Zeichner. Thyroid hormone helps our body regulate daily functioning and has an impact on the skin. We know that no thyroid hormone levels are associated with thinning hair and dry skin. However, another possible cause of increasingly dry skin is menopause, so taking age as a factor of your skin texture is also important before assuming your thyroid is out of whack.

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Particularly sensitive skin may be just that, or an indication of an underlying potential for allergy, explains Zeichner. People with asthma, seasonal allergies, and eczema often are more at risk for developing skin allergies than other people. These allergies commonly develop after coming in contact with ingredients like fragrances or preservatives, he adds. Having or developing more sensitive skin over time is not the most concerning skincare issue at the end of the day, but staying aware of the ingredients youre using on your complexion is helpful for ensuring no further reactions develop in the future. As a general rule, eliminating fragrance from your skincare products will likely make the most significant difference in clearing up your appearance.

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This Is What Your Skin Texture Is Saying About Your Overall Health, According To Derms - SheFinds

A rise in self-reported rates of food and drink allergies and intolerances has occurred during the pandemic, according to a new report.

On the strength of increasing numbers and consumer awareness, the allergy friendly food and beverage market is expected to grow through 2026, stated findings from Packaging Facts latest Allergy Friendly Foods: Market Trends and Opportunities report.

According to survey data, 14% of adult respondents report having a food allergy, while 23% report being intolerant of or sensitive to certain foods, revealing that a large minority of consumers avoid certain food and drink ingredients at least some of the time.

Allergy-friendly products are the most important to consumers with diagnosed food allergies that cause allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis, tingling or itching in the mouth, hives, itching, eczema, or swelling, cited the report.

Additionally, it observed how some people may think they have a food allergy or intolerance while not actually having these conditions. Some consumers also avoid certain allergens such as gluten, milk, or soy because they do not like these ingredients, think these ingredients are unhealthy, or simply have a negative perception of the ingredients. As such, the allergy-friendly food market appeals to a much broader audience than the name implies.

Opportunities for the food and drink sector can be seen with allergy-friendly products going the extra mile to emphasise when items are free from certain allergen ingredients and may have a third-party certification (such as certified gluten-free).

Products that are free from the big 8 major allergens (i.e., eggs, fish, milk, peanuts, shellfish, soybeans, tree nuts, and wheat/gluten) are, according to the report, important to those with food allergies, as well as products that lack other common food allergens such as sesame, sulfites, mustard, and corn.

The report reiterated how allergy-friendly options are also valuable to the much larger number of people who have food and drink intolerances or sensitivities that cause unpleasant digestive symptoms such as bloating.

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Reported rates of food and drink allergies rise amidst the pandemic - The Drinks Business