Category Archives: Eczema

Experts are not sure what exactly causes eczema. However, most researchers believe there is a link between eczema and a combination of genes and triggers. Stress is one potential trigger.

People who have eczema often have overreactive immune systems that respond to a substance, or trigger, inside or outside the body. The body reacts to these triggers by causing inflammation. This in turn produces eczema symptoms, such as itchy, painful skin.

According to advocacy group National Eczema Association (NAE), stress is sometimes a trigger for eczema. Some people experience a flare-up of symptoms when they feel stressed. Others feel stressed because of their eczema, which worsens their symptoms. The result is a cycle of anxiety and eczema symptoms.

This article explores eczema and its causes. It also looks at prevention and treatment and when to contact a doctor.

Although researchers have found strong links between stress and eczema, they do not fully understand the mechanisms underlying the connection.

However, there are several theories about why stress may worsen skin symptoms.

Stress may cause or worsen eczema as part of a persons fight-or-flight response.

When a person is in a stressful situation, this triggers the fight-or-flight mode. The body responds by producing more stress hormones, such as cortisol and epinephrine.

However, too much cortisol can dysregulate the immune system and lead to inflammation of the skin. People who have eczema are especially susceptible to this inflammatory response.

Cytokines are small proteins that control the activity and growth of blood cells and affect immune and inflammation responses in the body.

According to some research, the connection between stress and eczema may involve cytokines, which in turn affects communication between inflammatory responses and depression or stress.

Stress may lead to changes in the immune system, which may trigger eczema.

These changes involve the neuroendocrine pathways. These pathways are a hormonal system of communication between cells.

Research in animal studies has shown that inflammation in the nervous system can cause stress-induced flare-ups of allergy symptoms. The inflammation may lead to eczema.

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a common allergic skin condition that usually starts in early childhood. The main symptom is itchy, dry skin.

If a person scratches the affected areas, their skin can become chafed and thickened, and red to purple discoloration may occur.

Half of all people with moderate to severe eczema also have hay fever, asthma, and food allergies.

Experts have linked eczema to a leaky skin barrier, which allows water to escape and dry the skin. A person can inherit leaky skin or develop it due to their environment.

A protein called filaggrin is essential to the skins barrier. If someone lacks this protein or if it is faulty, it can cause moderate to severe eczema.

A person may also develop eczema due to contact with bacteria, pollen, detergents, soaps, and animal dander.

While stress can also trigger eczema, there are differences between stress-related eczema and a typical stress rash.

A stress rash usually appears in the form of itchy, rounded welts, or hives. Hives can appear anywhere on the body and vary in size. While they often disappear within 24 hours, a bout of hives can last up to 6 weeks.

Anxiety disorder may trigger flare-ups of eczema. It can be difficult for a person with anxiety to manage the condition without medication.

Having anxiety may produce physical symptoms, including eczema.

If a person has a family history of anxiety or depression, they may need to address these issues first before managing their eczema.

Eczema is a complex condition. While researchers are not sure what causes it, they believe the following may play a role:

There are also various potential triggers for eczema, including:

The NAE found that more than 30% of people with eczema are also living with depression, anxiety, or both.

If a person experiences these health issues, they should seek guidance from a mental health specialist, who will determine the most suitable treatment.

To manage stress that occurs due to eczema, a person can try the following:

A person may be able to prevent eczema flare-ups by making certain changes to their routine, including:

A dermatologist may tailor a treatment plan to meet individual needs. However, most treatment plans include:

A person with eczema should contact a doctor if:

Eczema is a common allergic skin condition that may cause discolored, itchy, dry skin.

Stress may trigger eczema due to increased cortisol levels, which leads to inflammation, causing eczema symptoms.

An eczema rash may result from anxiety or depression. If that is the case, a person should seek treatment for these underlying conditions to help manage their eczema.

There are various causes of and triggers for eczema, including family history, certain fabrics, scented products, and extreme temperatures.

Managing stress, moisturizing skin regularly, and using fragrance-free skin care products and detergents may help alleviate symptoms.

Dermatologists usually treat eczema with a combination of topical and other medication, trigger management, and phototherapy.

A person should contact a doctor if their eczema is severe or appears infected.

More here:
Eczema and stress: Triggers, connection, and more - Medical News Today

Angelo Berry, now 4, was diagnosed with the condition when he was just six weeks old (Picture: Liverpool Echo)

A mum has revealed how she struggled to hold her baby because his skin had been ravaged so badly by eczema.

Angelo Berry, now 4, was diagnosed with the condition when he was just six weeks old.

Mum Chiara, a mental health nurse, said: It was around his six-week check-up, we noticed his skin was very dry and thats how it started out.

She said his skin became red and bloody, dry and flaky and doctors at Alder Hey Childrens Hospital in Liverpool warned her he could be scarred for life.

Angelos skin was left open and weeping, and his mum said he was in so much pain. Shocking pictures show the eczema covering his body.

Chiara, who is also mum to Rosa-Maria, 6, and is expecting another baby in December, said: He had to have bandage therapy for three weeks all over his body.

They have special cream they put on the skin and special, strong steroid creams in the bandages themselves.

They wrap them like a mummy so it soaked in and it had to be changed every other day.

But now Chiara and Angelos dad Jonathon, who live in Newton-le-Willows, say their childs eczema can be treated with steroid creams and he is no longer covered in painful rashes from head to toe.

Chiara added: He still gets in behind his knees, his elbows. It tends to just be a flare up but the creams we have at home target it immediately.

They told us as he grows older he should get better. And we have noticed in these four years massive improvements already.

Hes brilliant, hes currently off with chicken pox at the moment. Hes just started school last week and were really happy with his progress.

Last week was National Eczema Week, when the National Eczema Society worked to raise awareness of the condition.

According to the NHS, eczema is a conditionthat causes the skin to become itchy, dry and cracked.

It is more common in children, often developing before their first birthday but it may also develop for the first time in adults.

It is usually a long-term (chronic) condition, although it can improve significantly, or even clear completely, in some children as they get older.

Some people only have small patches of dry skin, but others may experience widespread inflamed skin all over the body.

The condition can be treated with special moisturisers, and steroid creams where it is particularly bad.

Were really made up as a family because at one stage, even just holding him as a baby, he was in so much pain.

We did worry about it quite a bit but hes come on loads.

They say Angelo doesnt appear to have been left with scars, and they hope he has grown out of the condition.

Even when we talk to people about Angelos story, they just cant believe how bad he was, she said.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us atwebnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this,check our news page.

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Baby's eczema was so bad he was left covered in bleeding sores - Metro.co.uk

Have you ever met someone with almost 40 allergies?

I have. Her name is Shivaika Sewlal. Well, we didnt actually meet, I came across a few of her videos on Tiktok.

Shiv, as she prefers to be called, is a social media influencer who uses Tiktok and Instagram to spread awareness about people living with allergies and eczema.

She is not a qualified allergist but she does live with just under 40 different allergies which range from being unable to eat nuts and shellfish to some pretty rare ones such as olive oil and even certain types of trees.

I spoke to Sewlal, 20, to get more of an idea of how she and her family cope.

She is a social media advocate and influencer. I make humorous videos on social media about serious situations in order to create awareness around the many types of allergies and eczema, she says.

Not all allergies just cause sneezing, some are life threatening. ##allergyawareness ##allergycheck ##lifethreatening

Deaths caused by allergies could have been avoided if people knew more about theme. It is now my mission to use my platforms to create awareness and show how I can live a healthy, happy and normal life despite such limitations.

The Allergy Foundation of South Africa says: Food allergies have become more common worldwide in the past few decades. In some areas of the world, food allergies occur in 8-10% of young children. In South Africa, food allergy occurs in around 2.5% of children aged one to three.

This figure is much higher in children with moderate to severe eczema, who have food allergies in around 30% to 40% of cases.

So how does one become allergic to something? The Mayo Clinic says allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance such as pollen, bee venom, pet dander (pet skin cells), or a certain food that does not normally cause a reaction in most people.

Read the latest Simply Green digital magazine below

Your immune system then produces antibodies. When you have allergies, your immune system makes antibodies that identify a particular allergen as harmful, even though it isn't. When you come into contact with the allergen, your immune system's reaction can inflame your skin, sinuses, airways or digestive system.

Allergies may affect people differently. For example, I fight a yearly pollen war in spring, a war where I am never the victor. At the same time, my partner happily strolls outside, with clear sinuses.

The severity of allergies varies from person to person and can range from minor irritation to a potentially life-threatening emergency. While most allergies can't be cured, treatments can help relieve symptoms.

Wilmi Hudsonberg, spokesperson of allergy pharmaceutical firm, Pharma Dynamics, says: South Africa has one of the highest prevalence rates of allergic disorders in the developing world and we are fast catching up to developed countries such as the US, New Zealand, Australia and Europe.

Statistics also show that the prevalence of allergies is increasing more rapidly in disadvantaged communities and that this population group tends to be more heavily burdened by severe allergic conditions,

Sewlal says: When I was growing up, there was no representation of eczema and allergies, especially on social media. I am now proud to say that I have successfully raised awareness in millions of people all over the world. The analytics on my accounts are a good indication of how much of a need there was for awareness and representation for eczema and allergies.

Why do hot showers feel so good when theyre so bad?? ##eczemacheck ##eczemaflareup

Sewlal receives, on average, 15.2 million views on Tiktok and reaches over 9.5 million Instagram accounts a month. Beginning her social media journey in October 2020, she has since amassed over 250000 followers on Tiktok and 23000 followers on Instagram.

I get comments and messages daily from followers, sharing their stories with me, and together we have successfully created a community for all eczema and allergy sufferers.

As with most allergy sufferers, Sewlal was born with her allergies.

I personally think its better because I never had to adjust my way of life, this is my norm. I was diagnosed at a very young age after my parents began introducing new foods to me. My eczema was diagnosed a few weeks after I was born.

Things I didnt know were eczema related (Ib: @savetimeshan ) ##eczemaawareness ##eczemaawarenessweek

Sewlal keeps a full list of all her allergies on the fridge at home. She also gives printed copies of her allergies to people who will be preparing foods for her at events or, sometimes, at restaurants.

This is a list of Sewlals allergies:

1. All nuts including peanuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts and pecans.

2. Eggs

3. Any wheat products including bread, pizza, pasta and roti

4. Honey

5. Soya

6. Any cows milk products including cheese, yoghurt and ice cream

7. Rye

8. Penicillin

9. Oats

10. Olive oil and olives

11. Anything containing citric acid including oranges, lemons and juice.

12. Guava

13. Peas

14. Kiwi fruit

15. Apples

16. Any goats milk products.

17. Shrimp

18. Pork

19. Sunflower seeds and sunflower oil

20. Most chocolate (contains soya and milk)

21. Most sweets (contain citric acid)

22. Most cereal (contain wheat, oats, soya, etc)

23. Codfish

24. Most soft drinks (contain citric acid)

25. Most fruit juice (contain citric acid)

26. Most canned food (contain citric acid)

27. Most marinated meat/ sausage (contain citric acid/ soy sauce)

28. Most berries (contain citric acid)

29. Cats

30. Dogs

31. Horses

32. Cockroaches

33. Mould

34. Certain grasses and trees

35. Bee stings

36. Chlorine

37. Dust Mites

Sewlals parents and extended family experienced a lot of stress over the years. I was the only one with severe eczema and multiple allergies, it was very new territory, she says.

I also didnt make it easier for my parents growing up. Whether it was the countless phone calls to come pick me up from school because I ate another childs lunch or when I played sports and forgot my asthma pump.

Even when at home, Sewlal was a danger to herself. I was a hazard, especially when I was fiddling with my EpiPen and it auto injected through my finger. I didnt exactly make my situation any better. Fortunately, I learnt and was able to understand my allergies better after each incident.

Despite all these obstacles, Sewlal has learnt to embrace her allergies and eczema.

Im coping with my diet and I still continue to find new foods that I can actually eat. Its like an exciting and fun treasure hunt. I recently found pasta made from beetroot, lasagne sheets made from rice and even chocolate biscuits that are made from rice and tapioca flour.

Having a positive mindset really helps me during a reaction. My familys constant encouragement and help always makes me feel safe and loved.

Reply to @user4151672829282 | (40+ Allergy Edition) Dairy Wheat ##whatieatinaday ##allergic

She rarely eats out at restaurants because of the potential dangers involved. If Sewlal does venture out, she prefers to take her own meal or eat beforehand.

(And I thought eating out as a vegan was difficult.)

She also has to be extremely careful when leaving her home. I always carry my EpiPen injection and asthma pump with me. Even if I dont plan to eat anything, I still need to take precautions because the smell of certain allergens also affects me. I make sure that all my friends and family or whoever I am with know how to use the EpiPen in case anything happens.

It. Is. Not. Life. Threatening. To. Take. Your. EpiPen. (even if its not needed) ##epipenlife ##allergicreaction

On the sensitivity of her allergies, Sewlal says: In high school, I touched my desk and then touched my face when applying my cream to certain areas. Those areas immediately started to swell and I had to be sent home. I assume someone sitting there before me ate something Im allergic to and left crumbs which I accidentally touched.

Asked if her life has ever been in danger, she replies: When I was 12 I went to a restaurant with my family and I told the waitress that I was allergic to nuts. However, they still put cashews in my chicken. I started to feel sick straight after the first bite.

Thankfully, I was with my parents and my mum rushed me to hospital straight away. This is a big factor as to why I am reluctant to eat out at restaurants.

Despite having to live such a strict life, Sewlal says she is actually happy to live with eczema and her allergies.

If Id been born with perfect skin and no allergies, I wouldnt be the person I am proud to be today. I am strong and I am resilient. I have a strong and support structure of friends and family who understand and protect me.

I also have a large support structure online. If there is one thing that allergies have taught me, it is to be grateful. Im grateful for the food I can eat and I am grateful for the delicious meals I am not allergic to. There are many people who are worse off than me.

Death by Puffed Rice

If you had a message for South Africans living with allergies, what would it be?

Go to an allergist if you have either an allergy, eczema or both. I went to an allergist for the first time when I was 20 and she answered all my questions. Ive been to countless specialists for my eczema and allergies and none of them eve referred me to an allergist. I never understood why creams would only help my eczema in the short term. It was because my allergies constantly trigger my eczema.

Going to an allergist not only answered many of my questions but also gave me hope that I can be helped.

You can visit allergyfoundation.co.za to find an allergist in your area. If you do not have an allergy, please do be understanding of those who do. If someone is trying to explain their allergy to you, theyre not trying to be difficult, so just listen. Most people do not dismiss people with allergies on purpose; rather its a lack of understanding that needs to be addressed to potentially save lives in the future.

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Ever hear of someone who has almost 40 allergies and eczema? Well, meet Shivaika Sewlal. This is her story - IOL

NEW YORK, Sept.21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --Hoth Therapeutics (NASDAQ: HOTH), a patient-focused biopharmaceutical company, announced today that a Safety Review Committee (SRC) has reviewed the safety data from the first cohort of healthy subjects and recommended that the study proceed to dosing patients with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema. There were no serious adverse events and no drug-related treatment-emergent adverse events observed during the administration of BioLexain healthy subjects. Based on the recommendations of the SRC, Hoth has submitted to the Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) overseeing the trial to obtain official approval to proceed dosing the patient cohort. The official submission to HREC occurred on September 10, 2021.

"This second submission to HREC is a welcome next step in our continued investigation of BioLexa," statedRobb Knie, CEO of Hoth Therapeutics. "We look forward to receiving swift HREC approval to advance our trial in patients living with mild to moderate eczema."

Additional information and updates on the BioLexa clinical trial can be found by visiting http://www.hoththerapeutics.comandhttps://clinicaltrials.gov.

About BioLexaBioLexa is a patented, proprietary antimicrobial topical formulation being developed for treatment of diseases mediated by Staphylococcal biofilms. Bacterial biofilms are specialized communities consisting of bacteria adhered to a surface (both biological and abiotic surfaces) and to other bacteria, and often with a protective extracellular matrix. Mature bacterial biofilms often result in chronic, recurrent infections that are difficult to treat due to the barrier effect of the biofilm that facilitates antibiotic resistance and avoiding immune system mechanisms. The BioLexa formulation is optimized to prevent Staphylococcal biofilm formation, keeping the bacteria in a more susceptible state to antimicrobial therapy. This novel mechanism of action has the potential to broadly treat clinical manifestations resulting from Staphylococcal biofilm formation.

About Hoth Therapeutics, Inc.Hoth Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing new generation therapies for unmet medical needs. Hoth's pipeline development is focused to improve the quality of life for patients suffering from indications including atopic dermatitis, skin toxicities associated with cancer therapy, chronic wounds, psoriasis, asthma, acne, mast-cell derived cancers & anaphylaxis and pneumonia. Hoth has also entered into two different agreements to further the development of two therapeutic prospects to prevent or treat COVID-19. To learn more, please visithttps://ir.hoththerapeutics.com/

Forward-Looking StatementThis press release includes forward-looking statements based upon Hoth's current expectations which may constitute forward-looking statements for the purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws, and are subject to substantial risks, uncertainties and assumptions. These statements concern Hoth's business strategies; the timing of regulatory submissions; the ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approval of existing product candidates and any other product candidates we may develop, and the labeling under any approval we may obtain; the timing and costs of clinical trials, the timing and costs of other expenses; market acceptance of our products; the ultimate impact of the current Coronavirus pandemic, or any other health epidemic, on our business, our clinical trials, our research programs, healthcare systems or the global economy as a whole; our intellectual property; our reliance on third party organizations; our competitive position; our industry environment; our anticipated financial and operating results, including anticipated sources of revenues; our assumptions regarding the size of the available market, benefits of our products, product pricing, timing of product launches; management's expectation with respect to future acquisitions; statements regarding our goals, intentions, plans and expectations, including the introduction of new products and markets; and our cash needs and financing plans. There are a number of factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. You should not place reliance on these forward-looking statements, which include words such as "could," "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "expect," "may," "continue," "predict," "potential," "project" or similar terms, variations of such terms or the negative of those terms. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, the Company cannot guarantee such outcomes. Hoth may not realize its expectations, and its beliefs may not prove correct. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including, without limitation, market conditions and the factors described in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in Hoth's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Hoth's other filings made with the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All such statements speak only as of the date made. Consequently, forward-looking statements should be regarded solely as Hoth's current plans, estimates, and beliefs. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Hoth cannot guarantee future results, events, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Hoth does not undertake and specifically declines any obligation to update, republish, or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or circumstances or to reflect the occurrences of unanticipated events, except as may be required by applicable law.

Contact

Investor Contact:LR Advisors LLCEmail:investorrelations@hoththerapeutics.comwww.hoththerapeutics.comPhone:(678) 570-6791

Media Relations Contact:MakovskyEmail:hoth-mak@makovsky.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hoth-therapeutics-submits-to-ethics-committee-for-approval-to-initiate-patient-cohort-2-in-biolexa-clinical-trial-301381590.html

SOURCE Hoth Therapeutics, Inc.

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Hoth Therapeutics Submits to Ethics Committee for Approval to Initiate Patient Cohort 2 in BioLexa Clinical Trial - BioSpace

Chiara Berry and her husband, Jonathon, who live in Newton-le-Willows in Merseyside, discovered their young son Angelo had the condition when he was just six-weeks-old

Image: Chiara Berry)

A mum struggled to hold her young baby due to the pain caused by eczema, which left the skin on his body 'open and weeping'.

Chiara Berry and her husband, Jonathon, discovered their young son Angelo had the condition when he was just six-weeks-old.

The family, who also have a daughter - six-year-old Rosa-Maria - and another baby due in December live in Newton-le-Willows.

Shortly after Angelo, now four-years-old, was born they had taken him to Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool Echo reports.

Chiara said: "It was around his six week check-up, we noticed his skin was very dry and that's how it started out."

The mental health nurse describes her son's skin as "red and bloody, dry and flaky," with doctors warning her that the severity of her son's eczema could scar him for life.

Image:

In photographs, the painful condition can be seen across all of Angelo's body, including his face.

Chiara said it was a struggle to hold him as a baby as the condition had left her young son "in so much pain".

To help treat the worst effects of the eczema, strong steroid creams were applied to Angelo while being wrapped in bandages.

Chiara said: "He had to have bandage therapy for three weeks all over his body.

"They have special cream they put on the skin and special, strong steroid creams in the bandages themselves.

"They wrap them like a mummy so it soaked in and it had to be changed every other day."

Now four-years-old, for the most part Angelo's eczema can be treated with steroid creams and he is no longer covered head-to-toe in painful rashes.

Image:

Chiara said: "He still gets in behind his knees, his elbows. It tends to just be a flare up but the creams we have at home target it immediately.

"They told us as he grows older he should get better. And we have noticed in these four years massive improvements already.

"He's brilliant, he's currently off with chicken pox at the moment. He's just started school last week and we're really happy with his progress.

"We're really made up as a family because at one stage, even just holding him as a baby, he was in so much pain. We did worry about it quite a bit but he's come on loads.

"Even when we talk to people about Angelo's story, they just can't believe how bad he was.

"We've got all the pictures on my phone because sometimes his skin would be back and the doctors would say that he might be scarred for life, but we can't see any scars on him."

Image:

Last week (September 11-18) was National Eczema Week, when the National Eczema Society called on people to talk about their own experiences living with the condition.

According to the society, Eczema is a non-contagious, inflammatory skin condition that can affect people from early infancy to old age.

The most common form, atopic eczema, affects one in five children and one in 10 adults in the UK.

The condition can cause the skin to become unbearably itchy and the urge to scratch can be irresistible.

During a flare-up it can also be red, cracked, sore and raw.

Alongside the painful physical symptoms, many children and adults experience related sleeplessness, anxiety, depression and other mental health problems.

More information on living with the condition and treatments can be found on the NHS website and at the National Eczema Society.

Excerpt from:
Baby 'in so much pain' due to eczema he had to be 'wrapped up like a mummy' - The Mirror

Severe eczema, if left untreated, can become dangerous and lead to potentially life-threatening complications. Many people can treat mild to moderate cases of eczema, despite how scary that may sound.

Use creams, antihistamines or oral antihistamines along with mild soaps without dyes and fragrances. A humidifier can help keep flare-ups under control.

Eczema is a common skin condition in children but can develop at any age, according to the Mayo Clinic. Eczema symptoms can include dryness and itching, red or other colored patches, small raised bumps (or any other color), cracked skin, scaly, swollen, and rough skin.

Eczema may come and go, but flare-ups can happen at any time. Sometimes, triggers can make it worse. Flare-ups can be caused by stress, pollen, sweat, and dust.

The condition may worsen in infants with food allergies. Triggers include eggs, dairy, wheat, and soy. If you have a fever or skin symptoms that are not normal, consult a doctor right away.

Obviously, avoid your specific triggers that cause flare-ups to occur. Your doctor may recommend or prescribe topical creams and even ointments. Creams and lotions can be used to seal the moisture into your skin, which can help prevent flare-ups. A shorter, more refreshing shower can help soothe the skin and reduce irritation.

Dry air can worsen the symptoms of eczema. The skin can become more sensitive to dry air, especially in colder months. In fact, dry air combined with indoor heating systems can dry out anyones skin. Therefore, using a humidifiermay help combat or prevent flare-ups from happening.

Amazon, the online store for everything, of course, has an array of humidifiers from which to choose from. Below are some of our top picks.

The Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier keeps the air moisturized for 25 hours and has an automatic shut-off. It is quiet, easy to clean, and has an optional nightlight.

AquaOasis Cool Mist Hummingbird, Quiet Ultrasonic Cool Mist A Humidifiers, or the TAOTRON Humidifier are all great choices.

Humidifiers are great for skin conditions like eczema, however, they may also help with other issues as well.

A humidifier can help with dry sinuses and other conditions such as seasonal allergies, dry eyes, dry sinuses, or irritated vision. The humidifier will be appreciated by indoor plants, which thrive in humid conditions.

Your humidifier should be cleaned regularly to avoid bacteria and mold growth. This can worsen any existing health conditions. You can keep the humidifier in operation for many years by using hydrogen peroxide and white vinegar.

Originally posted here:
When it comes to healing eczema, this trick works wonders. - Central Recorder

Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a non-contagious, inflammatory dry skin condition that can occur from early infancy to old age, with the most common form - atopic eczema - affecting one in five children and one in 10 adults across the UK.

The National Eczema Society explains how the skin can often be unbearably itchy, with the urge to scratch difficult to suppress and during a flare-up it may also be red, cracked, sore and raw.

However, many people across the UK living with any form of eczema may not be aware they could be eligible for financial support through the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which is paid by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Eczema is different for every person who lives with this debilitating long-term condition. The physical symptoms of eczema can be extremely difficult, including the torment of relentless itching and having to cope with raw, inflamed and bleeding skin.

But, the hidden cost of eczema is the profound impact it can have on peoples emotional wellbeing. Among other things, eczema can significantly affect relationships, social life, sleep, schooling and mental health.

As part of National Eczema Week, we are encouraging people with any of the 15 different types of eczema to check that they are not missing out on vital financial support to help them with the additional costs of living with the condition.

The latest figures from the DWP show that in July there were 2.8 million people across the UK claiming support through PIP and accessing a whole range of additional assistance including Council Tax Reductions, benefit top-ups and free or discounted public transport.

Of that total, 292,231 Scots are now receiving financial support between 23.70 and 152.15 every week PIP is paid every four weeks, so that amounts to between 94.80 and 608.60 each month - tax-free.

The statistics also show there are 889 people claiming PIP for some form of eczema.

This includes:

You do not need to have worked or paid National Insurance contributions to qualify for PIP, and it does not matter what your income is, if you have any savings or if youre in or out of work.

You must also have a health condition or disability where you:

The DWP will judge the eligibility of your PIP claim on a period of 12 months, looking back for three months and forward for nine months - they must consider if your illness changes over time.

You usually need to have lived in Scotland for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when you apply.

If you get or need help with any of the following because of your condition, you should consider applying for PIP:

preparing, cooking or eating food

managing your medication

washing, bathing or using the toilet

dressing and undressing

engaging and communicating with other people

reading and understanding written information

making decisions about money

planning a journey or following a route

moving around - outside the home

You are classified as needing help to do an activity if you need a person or a device to:

You may also be classified as needing help if you do an activity yourself but:

The PIP scoring criteria awards points for a statement which applies to you for each activity

The DWP will decide which statement best fits your situation most of the time. You will get a set amount of points ranging from 0 -12 for each activity.

The total number of points you get for each group of activities will decide whether you are entitled to PIP, and how much money you will receive.

To get the standard rate daily living component, you need to score between 8 to 11 points in total for the daily living activities. You need 12 points to get the enhanced rate.

To get the standard rate mobility component, you need to score between 8 to 11 points in total for the mobility activities. You need 12 points to get the enhanced rate.

PIP is usually paid every four weeks unless you are terminally ill, in which case it is paid every week.

PIP will be paid directly into your bank, building society or credit union account.

PIP is made up of two components - daily living and mobility.

Whether you get one or both of these and how much depends on how severely your condition affects you.

You could receive the following amounts per week depending on your circumstances:

Daily living

Standard rate - 60.00

Enhanced rate - 89.60

Mobility

Standard rate - 23.70

Enhanced rate - 62.55

You will be assessed by an independent healthcare professional to help the DWP work out the level of help you need.

Face-to-face assessments have now restarted and will be offered alongside telephone and video based assessments. All assessments will follow strict public health guidelines and put the safety of the claimant first - we have a full guide on how to prepare for assessments here.

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You can make a new claim by contacting the DWP, youll find all the information you need to apply on the gov.uk website here.

Before you call, you will need:

your contact details, for example telephone number

your date of birth

your National Insurance number - this is on letters about tax, pensions and benefits

your bank or building society account number and sort code

your doctor or health workers name, address and telephone number

dates and addresses for any time youve spent abroad, in a care home or hospital

Once you have contacted the DWP, they will send you a document to complete which consists of 14 questions and a section for any additional information.

The questions focus on how your condition affects you - put as much relevant detail in as you can to help the assessor understand your physical and mental health needs.

If you have difficulty filling in your form or understanding the questions, contact your local council and ask for help or Citizens Advice Scotland.

We have a breakdown of all 14 questions here and you can take an anonymous self-test online at Benefits and Work to see how many points you would be awarded for each response.

For more information about PIP, visit GOV.UK here.

Get the latest money-saving and benefits news sent straight to your inbox. Sign up to our weekly Money newsletterhere.

Read more:
Claim PIP for eczema and you could receive up to 608 every month from the DWP - Daily Record

SPRINGFIELD In recent weeks, mold has forced the closing of South Hadley High School and the temporary shuttering of the Roderick L. Ireland Courthouse here, as well as two Northampton schools, as mitigation efforts got underway to clean and remove it.

Exposure to molds can lead to symptoms such as a stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes, or skin, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Severe reactions may occur among workers exposed to large amounts of molds in occupational settings.

Individuals said to be at greatest risk for serious allergic reactions to the tiny, airborne spores that exist in thousands of species of mold include those with history of family allergies and who are exposed over time including, not only in classrooms or workspaces, but at home.

Dr. Jackie Garrett, a board certified allergist and immunologist with Trinity Health Of New England Medical Group, said one of the first steps in evaluating someone for a possible mold allergy is their environmental history.

I ask where they live, how old is the house they are living in, do they have carpeting, is the basement damp, do they have a ventilation system in place, do they have a central air system with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter to get rid of these small particles, Garrett said. I also ask if they are running a dehumidifier, is their bathroom ventilated, meaning after they take their shower, are they turning on that fan to dry out the air and has there been a leak before the onset of their symptoms?

Garrett, who treats patients with allergies, asthma and primary immunodeficiency diseases, said the reason for such questions is that molds like damp, wet environments.

Having proper ventilation is key in keeping moisture down inside of a home or a building just to help lessen the environment that is going to make it nice and friendly for mold to grow, Garrett said. Think damp, dark, humid places.

She said she tells patient that particularly in the cold months when you are running your heaters, you want to ensure the humidity is less than 50% in your home.

Mold and dust mites will grow with high humidity, Garrett said. Humidity is a friend for mold growing. Having good ventilation inside of a home, inside of a building is really good for keeping the mold count down and not making it a favorable environment to grow in.

She said that for indoor mold accumulation it is very important to make sure the space is cleaned appropriately.

When my patients come in and I say I live in an apartment building and I am seeing mold on the ceiling, I say you need to call the landlord immediately to come in and do a cleaning and if it is really involved you have to do a mold remediation to make sure it is all out, Garrett said. This makes sure you are not having the constant exposure to the mold on a daily basis.

Outdoor mold exposure can be seasonal, while indoor types can present ongoing challenges, she said.

We see outdoor mold April through November, and we have had a wet spring and summer and it is looking like that for fall, too, Garrett said. Outdoor mold counts are definitely on the rise because of it. Historically, when the leaves fall you have a higher exposure. People have always had problems with indoor mold. Basements that are damp or if people accumulate old books and newspapers or keep have organic plants. I have seen throughout my career concerns for mold allergy but not specific to these exposures.

People who work in certain occupations, like farming and logging, that can exposed them to mold can be at risk for allergies to them especially if they have a history of family allergies or environmental allergies themselves, she said. Symptoms can be mild to severe.

You can have typical allergic rhinitis (inflammation of the nose), sneezing, congestion, runny, stuffy eye symptoms, itchy, runny nose, Garrett said. Some people with eczema, or atopic dermatitis, they will have rashes if they get into contact with mold.

She said people with asthma can experience significant symptoms from a mold exposure.

An asthmatic child, for example, not wearing gloves or a mask when picking up leaves can get an eczema flare or an asthma flare, Garrett said. More involved can be someone who has had problems with rhinosinusitis, that is, inflammation of the sinus passages. They can get allergic fungal sinusitis that is essentially a sinus infection, but fungal.

She added, You can also have allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in people who have had moderate to severe asthma and that might not be well controlled and they are having a consistent exposure to mold that could be in a classroom or home environment.

There is also a really rare condition that you can find in people with asthma called hypersensitivity pneumonitis, Garrett said. This is an inflammatory response that happens in the lungs.

She said that more severe cases of mold infections can be found as well in people who have susceptibilities.

People who are immunocompromised or on immuno-suppression medication, Garrett said. You have more invasive mold infections with people with HIV-AIDS or someone who has cancer and is on immuno-suppressive medication.

However, she said the majority of individuals if they have problems with mold, they are just on the allergy spectrum.

They are going to have nasal and eye symptoms, just as if they were exposed to other allergens like pollen, Garrett said.

She said skin testing can be done to determine whether an individual has a mold allergy and a course of treatment both immediate and long-term devised in needed.

The severity of symptoms in someone who may be susceptible can be influenced by length of exposure, Garrett said.

Say we have a bad rainfall and you get a leak in your basement, she said. You dont know about it because your basement is not finished and you dont really go down there and so the mold sets in. You are an allergic person in a house with mold for a month. You can start having more significant symptoms versus somebody like an asthmatic who is just cleaning leaves and gets that one-time exposure.

She added, More chronic exposure can set you up for more significant symptom complaints so you may end up with not just the runny eyes and itchy nose but if you do have baseline respiratory issues as with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), you could end up having more persistent symptoms.

Related content:

Continued here:
Mold proves to be health risk in workplace, homes - MassLive.com

For centuries, shea butter has been used as a cosmetic ingredient, and until today it is an essential component in most of the skincare and haircare products. Extracted from the nuts of shea trees in West Africa, the butter is off-white, yellow, or ivory in color and is rich in vitamins and fatty acids. Unlike what many would think at the look of it, the consistency of shea butter is easy to spread and melts at body temperature. Shea butter has myriads of benefits which makes it an amazing conditioning, moisturizing, and soothing product. Here is why you need to make it a beauty and skincare staple.

1. Shea butter is an excellent moisturizer for skin and hair. It is ideal for dry and dull skin as it helps retain and lock the moisture by forming a protective barrier on the surface of the skin. Shea butter also helps your hair from breakage, moisturizes the scalp, and can reduce dandruff.

2. It wont make the skin oily. Unlike coconut oil, shea butter will not clog your pores or make your skin oily. The linoleic, oleic, and stearic acids are easily absorbed into the skin and wont leave any oily residues.

3. Shea butter has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. If you suffer from skin conditions such as eczema, shea butter will help soothe your skin and reduce inflammation and irritation. The quick absorption into the skin will give a feeling of relief quicker than you think.

4. It heals scars and reduces the appearance of stretch marks. Shea butter is usually found in scar-healing products because the fatty acids content in it softens the scar tissue and helps speed up the healing process. Shea butter is also the base of ointments and creams used to treat stretch marks because it restores the skins elasticity and improves collagen production.

5. Shea butter has ant-aging properties and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Vitamin A and E found in shea butter nourish the skin and keep it supple, plumped, and radiant. The anti-aging properties and antioxidants found in shea butter prevent premature skin aging and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Follow this link:
5 Reasons why Shea Butter Should Be Your Go-To Beauty Potion - Egypttoday

People often use the terms atopic dermatitis and eczema interchangeably to refer to conditions that cause dryness, itchiness, rashes, and other skin lesions. While atopic dermatitis is a type of eczema, the term covers several different types of skin inflammation, such as contact dermatitis, discoid eczema, and dyshidrotic eczema.

Eczema refers to a group of conditions that cause the skin to become itchy, inflamed, or have a rash-like appearance. Evidence suggests that more than 31 million people in the United States are affected by eczema, with atopic dermatitis being the most common type.

This article defines eczema and atopic dermatitis and discusses other types of eczema, including how to identify, treat, and prevent them.

Both dermatitis and eczema are umbrella terms that people may use to refer to conditions that cause inflamed, irritated, and often itchy skin. There are many different types of eczema, such as neurodermatitis, stasis dermatitis, and atopic dermatitis (AD).

AD is a condition that makes the skin itchy and dry. The term atopic refers to being prone to developing an allergic hypersensitivity reaction to a trigger. AD is the most common type of eczema, which is why many people often simply call it eczema. Evidence suggests it affects roughly 13% of adults and 1520% of children worldwide.

AD is a chronic skin condition that may come and go and currently has no cure. It has associations with other atopic conditions such as hay fever and asthma. In AD, a combination of genetic, immune system, and environmental factors likely cause the skin to experience inflammation against typically harmless substances in the environment.

Other types of eczema can include the below.

Like AD, asteatotic eczema, also known as eczema craquel or xerotic eczema, has associations with dry skin. However, most skin lesions in asteatotic eczema are in the legs and look like plates of dry skin separated by cracks, showing a distinctive dry riverbed appearance. This type of eczema is typically more common in older adults, likely due to skin changes associated with aging.

AD and contact dermatitis go through the three stages of eczema and show similar features. However, with contact dermatitis, a persons skin experiences irritation or an allergic reaction after contact with a trigger, causing the skin to sting, burn, and become inflamed.

There are many known potential irritants, including hair dyes, nickel, certain antibiotics, preservatives, and chemicals. There are two types of contact dermatitis: irritant and allergic contact dermatitis.

Learn more about contact dermatitis triggers.

Similar to AD, discoid or nummular dermatitis is a long-term condition. It presents with similar symptoms of itchy patches of skin that may sometimes ooze fluid. However, in discoid dermatitis, skin patches have a distinct round shape.

Common triggers can include dry skin, insect bites, chemical burns, and other skin trauma. People with AD and allergic contact dermatitis are also prone to developing discoid eczema. A 2021 study found a relationship between contact dermatitis and discoid dermatitis.

Dyshidrotic eczema, which some health experts call pompholyx, causes small, itchy, and painful blisters to develop on the soles of the feet and palms of the hand.

Similar to AD, this condition tends to run in families. Dyshidrotic eczema is more common in adults aged under 40 years and females. Some people only have a single flare-up, but a majority can have it over the long term. Common triggers may include allergies, hot weather, moist hands, stress, and exposure to metals.

While AD and neurodermatitis can result in itchy lesions, skin thickening (lichenification), and discoloration, lesions in neurodermatitis are usually limited to one or two patches of skin. Itchy patches can develop anywhere but commonly appear on the feet, ankles, wrists, elbows, scalp, back of the neck, and groin area.

Neurodermatitis, which doctors call lichen simplex chronicus, develops when a person scratches an itchy skin patch. These lesions are often very itchy, while scratching may cause bleeding and scarring.

Seborrheic dermatitis affects skin areas that produce a lot of oil, including the scalp, nose, and upper back. The skin can appear swollen and greasy, while crusty scales may appear. The skin condition is due to an overproduction of Malassezia yeast, which causes an overreactive immune response, leading to skin inflammation.

It can occur in infants, known as cradle cap, and in adults. In infants, it often resolves by itself and does not come back. However, it often persists in adults and may come and go.

Also called stasis dermatitis, venous eczema, and gravitational dermatitis, this condition usually affects people with reduced circulation. While it is more common in older adults and women, it can also occur in young people with a predisposition to developing varicose veins. Aside from varicose veins, an individual with this skin disorder may notice ankle swelling and skin discoloration due to blood vessel bursting. It can also cause ulcers.

Learn more about different types of eczema.

Since all eczema types commonly present with symptoms, such as skin dryness and inflammation, it can be challenging to differentiate. However, each type has its differences, which are below.

AD most often affects young children and infants, with the majority occurring in those aged 1 to 5 years of age. In contrast, other types may occur at any age but are typically more prevalent in adults.

While most types have similarskin lesions, others have distinct characteristics. Discoid eczema has a distinctive round shape, while dyshidrotic eczema often comes with small, painful blisters. Contact dermatitis lesions typically appear in the area exposed to the irritant and have clear visible borders.

In infants and young children, AD lesions are typically present on the cheeks or the creases of elbows and knees, while adults often have AD around their eyes. Similarly, skin lesions in other types occur in other areas. Asteatotic and varicose eczemas have lower body lesions, dyshidrotic eczema affects the soles and palms, and seborrheic eczema most often affects the scalp.

Blood tests may reveal atypical immunoglobulin E levels for people with extrinsic AD, while these levels may be standard in other types of eczema. Patch testing can identify irritants in contact dermatitis, and doctors may detect reduced blood flow in people with varicose eczema.

AD often occurs with other atopic conditions. A 2021 review states asthma is a common comorbidity in people with AD. Additionally, individuals with varicose eczema have reduced circulation and may indicate heart and kidney problems.

While eczema currently has no cure, there are several ways to prevent or reduce flare-ups. These include:

Usually, most mild eczema cases are manageable. However, people who notice the following should speak with a doctor:

Additionally, individuals should watch out for signs of infection, including:

Eczema is a common term for a group of conditions that cause skin irritation and inflammation. Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema many individuals often simply refer to it as eczema. However, there are several other types of eczema.

While they have similar symptoms and features, each type differs in its causes and progression. Being able to identify which type of eczema a person has is crucial for its prevention and treatment.

Read more here:
What is the difference between atopic dermatitis and eczema? - Medical News Today