Category Archives: Eczema

ScienceDaily (Oct. 11, 2012) More than 15% of children suffer with eczema, or atopic dermatitis, an inflammatory skin disease that in some cases can be debilitating and disfiguring. Researchers reporting in the October issue of Immunity have discovered a potential new target for the condition, demonstrating that by blocking it, they can lessen the disease in mice.

In eczema, immune T cells invade the skin and secrete factors that drive an allergic response, making the skin itch. Dr. Raif Geha, of Boston Children's Hospital, and his collaborators now show that scratching the skin precipitates the condition by encouraging an influx of other immune cells called neutrophils. These neutrophils secrete a lipid called leukotriene B4 that calls in more neutrophils, and more importantly, potent immune T cells that are the hallmark of eczema. These cells cause inflammation that aggravates the skin further. The investigators suspected that blocking the onslaught of these cells might slow down the disease or even stop it in its tracks.

Furthermore, Dr. Geha and his colleagues wondered whether the production of leukotriene B4 served to recruit T cells to the site of mechanical insult. And indeed that was the case. "We showed that a drug that blocks the production of leukotriene B4 blocks the development of allergic skin inflammation in a mouse model of eczema," says Dr. Geha. His team also found that deleting the receptors on immune cells that bind to leukotriene B4 had a similar effect.

"Our findings suggest that neutrophils play a key role in allergic skin inflammation and that blockade of leukotriene B4 and its receptor might provide a new therapy for eczema," says first author Dr. Michiko Oyoshi.

Most people get eczema as infants, and they tend to outgrow it by adolescence; however some people continue to experience "flare-ups" of an itchy rash on and off throughout life. Some develop these after coming into contact with particular substances, such as specific soaps, or in response to certain conditions, such as a respiratory infection or cold.

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The above story is reprinted from materials provided by Cell Press, via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.

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Stopping the itch: New clues into how to treat eczema

Mustela Philippines distributor Sharleen Cu-unjieng with Metro magazines Charmagne Laconico

Mention the name Mustela to any mother and her eyes light up. This is immediately followed by oh I looove that!

The brand was brought to the Philippines by moms Tammy Tancinco and Sharleen Cu-Unjieng after they discovered Mustelas wonders.

So legendary was Mustelas reputation that it was actually Sharleens yaya who recommended Mustela to relieve her babys diaper rash.

Mustela is the No. 1-selling mom-and-baby product in European pharmacies. It is manufactured by Laboratoires Expanscience, which is the sixth largest independent laboratory in France, which ensures its products are free from paraben, phthalate, phenoxyethanol, alcohol, chlorphenesin and oils. The firm uses ingredients of natural origins.

Stylish moms headed by chef Francesca Cario gathered at the newly opened Premio restaurant at The Fort for the launch of Mustelas Stelatopia line for babies with atopic or eczema-prone skin.

HOST Lexi Schulze

My own two children suffer from eczema-prone skin and so I was interested to try out a new product that would replace the use of steroid creams.

When my son was small I vowed not to use strong medicines on him. However, his eczema flare-ups would get so bad that I was forced to use steroids to relieve the itching and redness that would sometimes disrupt his sleep.

JACKIE Antonio, Juana Yupangco

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Now available: Naturally sourced eczema treatment for babies

Clinical trials have found that a dairy culture probiotic shows significant long-term benefit for children suffering from eczema, even after they have stopped taking the supplement.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001, developed from dairy cultures by Fonterra Nutrition, was shown in a previous trial to help reduce the occurrence of eczema symptoms in children by almost half when they took the probiotic up to two years of age.

Now, a follow-up study published in the journal Clinical and Experimental Allergy has shown that this reduction in symptoms continues through to four years old, even when the subjects stopped taking the probiotic half-way through the test period.

Long-term benefits

This study adds support to the theory that the placement of beneficial bacterial cultures in the diet, through probiotics, may allow more control over infant conditions such as eczema, even after supplementation has ceased, said Professor Julian Crane, one of the studys authors.

He added that the findings showed that Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 has a long-term protective effect and could be an effective solution in reducing the risk of eczema development in children with a family history of allergy. Half of all cases of eczema are diagnosed before a childs first birthday.

The research was carried out by the University of Otagos Wellington Asthma Research Group, with funding provided by the New Zealand Health Research Council and Fonterra. Eczema affects around one in five children in New Zealand, and has reported childhood prevalence rates of up to 20.5 per cent in some countries.

The long-term benefits shown by Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 are extremely encouraging and are particularly relevant in New Zealand, which has one of the highest incidence rates of eczema in the world, said Dr James Dekker, a Fonterra Nutrition senior research scientist.

Noside-effects

Dekker added that the results indicate that Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 may be able to modify the immune system early in a childs development, to deliver long-term benefits with no discernible side-effects.

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Probiotic found to reduce eczema symptoms over long-term period

London, October 8 (ANI): In a new study, researchers have identified 8 new loci associated with susceptibility to atopic dermatitis in the Japanese population.

The findings by researchers at the RIKEN Center for Genomic Medicine (CGM) and their colleagues, advance our understanding of the genetic basis of the skin disorder, which affects millions of children and adults around the world.

Atopic dermatitis - often called eczema - is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin condition affecting as much as one-fifth of children and 1-3 percent of adults in industrialized countries.

Those with the condition have skin that reacts easily to the environment and becomes flaky and itchy. While treatment can alleviate some of these symptoms, current techniques remain ineffective in many cases, due in part to a limited scientific understanding of the origins of the condition.

The research group set out to shed light on these origins using a genome-wide association study (GWAS), an approach which identifies gene loci associated with a particular trait. With its strong genetic basis, atopic dermatitis is well suited to the GWAS approach.

Three previous GWAS on European and Chinese populations identified 7 loci associated with the condition, but no such studies have been conducted on Japanese people.

To fill this gap, the group conducted a thorough GWAS on 1472 subjects with atopic dermatitis and 7971 controls from among the Japanese population, and then validated their results in a separate study on 1856 subjects with atopic dermatitis and 7021 controls.

Analyzing a total of roughly 600,000 genetic variants (called Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms or SNPs), they identified 8 new genetic regions associated with atopic dermatitis and confirmed the 7 loci observed in earlier studies.

Among these regions, they identified variants at the IL1RL1/IL18R1/IL18RAP and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) loci, both of which have been associated with bronchial asthma in recent GWAS.

The group's findings thus suggest that atopic dermatitis and asthma have overlapping susceptibility regions, and thus that these regions contain common genetic factors for many allergic diseases.

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8 new susceptibility loci for eczema identified

For national eczema awareness month, The Eczema Company will donate $1 from every sale to the National Eczema Association. http://www.eczemacompany.com

(PRWEB) October 04, 2012

In support of the National Eczema Associations ongoing efforts to provide education on eczema, The Eczema Company is donating $1 from every sale to the association during Octobers national eczema awareness month. As a mother of a child with eczema, I understand the need to reach out and connect with other parents dealing with the same itchy skin. We are thrilled to support the National Eczema Association as they offer a world of resources for parents such as myself and they have an excellent network of support groups located around the country, states Jennifer Roberge, owner of The Eczema Company.

In 2012, The Eczema Company was also a proud sponsor of the National Eczema Associations Itching for a Cure Walk in Asheville, NC and Patient Conference in Atlanta, GA.

About the Eczema Company:

The Eczema Company was created for families dealing with the daily emotional and physical strains of eczema. The online store provides products to help soothe your itchy little world that include scratch protective clothing, healing jewelry, and natural, non-toxic skincare.

Jennifer Roberge The Eczema Company 877-600-7130 Email Information

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The Eczema Company Pledges Donation for National Eczema Awareness Month

Karen Holland is a patient advocate for ITSAN. She is finally having a chance to heal after a long battle with worsening and spreading Eczema due to topical steroid use. Her story now serves as an inspiration to people living with Eczema from around the world.

Indian Harbour Beach, FL (PRWEB) October 02, 2012

It wasnt until my early forties that my skin rash become problematic. My hands started getting itchy so I used Elocon lotion on them. The rash would clear, but my legs would break out. In 2010, I took a course of Prednisone because I needed to have a break from the constantly sore, itchy, red skin. The Prednisone worked for a small while. After a few months though, a rash started to reappear, recounted Karen. Karen tried to only use Elocon as needed, rotating on and off, but within a week of not using the medicine the rash came back.

In July 2011 I developed a cluster of pimple-like bumps on one cheek. After two weeks, more of these pimples appeared on the other cheek. Overnight, my face became red, swollen and sore to the touch. My doctor diagnosed me with Steroid-Induced Rosacea and said it was due to touching my face with fingers that held traces of Elocon. I went home and resolved not to use Elocon at all, anywhere, said Karen.

Within a few weeks of completely stopping steroids Karens neck had big, red, sore lumps on it and her face and neck were insanely itchy and burning. I took Prednisone and the next day was good but the day after was hell. My face was burning hot and had starting weeping and oozing yellow liquid. My eyes were swollen, my stomach was itchy, my legs were getting itchy behind my knees. By day three, my armpits were hot, red and sore to touch. By day five, I had red, hot, itchy skin all over my body and yellow ooze all over my face, neck and arms. I also had Edema in my hands and arms, said Karen.

It was at this time that Karen joined the Eczema Association of Australia. Within a week of joining, I received my first newsletter, which included an insert from a man named Peter from Western Australia. Peter spoke about his wife and their journey to end the skin suffering. He mentioned a website established by a woman named Kelly Palace (http://www.itsan.org) as well as his own website (http://www.topicalsteroidcream.com). I checked out these websites and realized that what I had was not Eczema, but a condition called Red Skin Syndrome which is caused by topical steroid withdrawal.

Karen decided to follow the advice on the ITSAN website. From the ITSAN website Karen joined a forum called Cure Eczema by Stopping Steroids.

The next three months were hell. I developed severe Edema in my legs and feet, and was largely bedridden. I couldnt wear shoes, let alone any clothes other than a sarong and an old t-shirt. My skin exuded, burned, flaked and itched. I shivered uncontrollably. My lymph nodes grew to the size of grapes. My legs ached, it was painful to walk. I was a mess and cried from all of the pain, said Karen.

Karen took photos and kept a diary of progress. She checked into the forum daily and drew enormous support from others going through the same nightmare.

In months four and five, the edema slowly receded, the weeping eventually stopped, energy levels returned and I started to get active again and enjoy life. It is now over a year since I stopped using steroids for Eczema and my skin has its normal color back, my arms still feel a bit dry and my neck gets itchy occasionally. The skin on my legs and feet is still damaged from daily scratching, but is healing slowly, says Karen.

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The International Topical Steroid Addiction Network Patient’s Story About Curing Eczema Featured in the Eczema ...

How to put a stop to overactive protease, the culprit in eczema.

DERMATOLOGISTS agree that eczema is one of the most prevalent skin disorders, particularly in babies and children. The dry, itchy skin condition is so common that it affects approximately 10-15% of children at any one point in time.

Did you know that protease attacks play a vital role in the severity of your childs eczema?

Protease is an enzyme that is naturally present in the skin. The role of protease is to break down protein in the skin to allow for natural skin renewal. However, overactive protease breaks down the skin barrier, leaving it thin and weakened, allowing water loss, and irritants and allergens to inflame the skin.

Soap has been linked to the increase in protease activity in the skin, and an increase in skin pH, which leads to skin damage, and oftentimes becomes the trigger for flare-ups of eczema, especially in children.

Protease effectively breaks down protein in the skin to allow the natural desquamation process. In people with eczema, this skin barrier is disrupted, and as such, the skin barrier is more vulnerable to irritation by substances such as soaps and detergents.

Eczema occurs when the surface of the skin becomes weakened, allowing irritants and allergens to penetrate the skin barrier and cause inflammation. As such, parts of the body with naturally thin skin such as flexural areas and the face are prone to eczema.

So how can we monitor protease activity on our babys skin?

The answer is to be extra careful about the products we use on our babys skin. Instead of being distracted by nice smells and cute packaging, we should pay careful attention to the ingredients that make up the product and how they react with young, fragile skin.

It is important to use an extra gentle cleanser that helps prevent protease attacks, facilitates the repair of babys skin, and cleanses the skin, without disturbing the skins natural moisturising factors.

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Itchy protease!

Gloria says, I had eczema as a child, then it went away and now I am a senior and it is back. What do you do for it?

Unfortunately, Gloria, not a lot has changed in the treatment for eczema since you we're a child. Eczema is a chronic skin condition that causes dry itchy patches usually around the elbows and knees, but in reality, it can be found almost anywhere you have skin. It was originally thought to be related to asthma or hay fever (allergies) but now we really don't think so. It is probably an immune problem, with something in the environment acting as a trigger. It usually comes and goes, and can start as an infant, persist through adolescence, and disappear for years only then to reappear and start all over again.

Symptoms:

Since this is a chronic condition, treatment is mainly to reduce the symptoms. You can expect "flares", especially when under stress, throughout your lifetime.

Treatment options:

The immunomodulators are really the only new type of treatment available. They have been found to be effective, but have some significant side effects if used for extended periods of time. They are recommended for only short duration. As with anything chronic, there are always triggers that make the symptoms worse. Avoiding the triggers is often the best treatment.

Triggers:

As you can see, the triggers are everywhere! BUT, not everyone has the same triggers, so look for the ones that are specific for you. If you can avoid the problem, there is no need for any expensive or strong treatment with side effects! Stay Healthy My Friends!

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Priority Health: Eczema

The Sensitive Skin Diaries: Acne, Rosacea & Eczema Explained

When it comes to sensitive skin disorders, there is three main culprits acne, rosacea and eczema (also known as dermatitis). As any sensitive skin sufferer would know, using new products or products not specifically designed for sensitive skin can result in a costly trip to the dermatologist or worse, a very severe reaction, so it's important to understand the basics about our skin, as well as what causes each skin disorder. Knowledge is power when it comes to finding some relief, so keep reading.

Acne

According to the Australasian College of Dermatologists, acne affects 85 percent of Australians at some time during their life now that's a lot of zits! Put simply, acne is caused by a blockage to the opening of the oil glands in the skin. The oil glands are called sebaceous glands, and they produce an oily sheen called sebum (stay with us), which is responsible for keeping skin healthy. Yes, oil is good! Blockages in the sebaceous glands are common in teens, but also in adults if their hormones are seeking some balance. In short: there is no known cure for acne but it is treatable both orally with antibiotics and topically with creams, lotions and gel including benzoyl peroxide and salicyclic acid.

Rosacea

Rosacea is a very common skin disorder that causes red patches, pimple-like bumps and burst capillaries on the face (think of it as a permanent flushed face). Charming, no? The condition is especially common in fair-skinned people aged in their 30s and 40s. While there is no known cause of rosacea, things like hot drinks, alcohol and spicy foods are known to aggravate it. The condition can be controlled with antibiotics, but the Australasian College of Dermatologists recommends sufferers stay away from the aggressors above, but also saunas, sitting next to open fires, harsh winds and hot baths.

Eczema

Eczema is also known as dermatitis, and is a term used to describe inflammation of the skin. Sufferers fall into two categories acute or chronic. Acute eczema consists of itchy, red, oozing patches of skin, and sometimes blisters; while chronic eczema has longer-lasting affected areas that can be thick, dry and prominently marked. This is the result of constant itching and rubbing in an effort to get some relief. There is at least six types of eczema including Varicose (on the legs) and Seborrhoeic (common on the face and scalp), and the key to treatment and management is getting a thorough diagnosis from a dermatologist.

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The Sensitive Skin Diaries: Acne, Rosacea & Eczema Explained

ATLANTA, Sept. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --enaltus -- CapriClear, an all-natural, hypoallergenic, dermatologist formulated and tested spray-on moisturizer was awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance. CapriClear is a patented colorless, odorless, non-staining, and hypoallergenic spray made from fractionated coconut oil (Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride) that provides immediate soothing relief from dry, flaky, and irritated skin. Unlike many conventional emollients, CapriClear does not contain, emulsifiers, fragrances, animal products, artificial dyes, preservatives or other additives such as sulfates, parabens or toxins that can lead to skin irritation.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120919/CL77417 )

The NEA Seal of Acceptance was awarded as part of the association's Eczema & Sensitive-Skin Education program (EASE) which maintains rigorous standards for acceptance. Products eligible for the NEA Seal of Acceptance are those that have been created or intended for use by persons with eczema or severe sensitive skin conditions and that have satisfied the NEA Seal of Acceptance criteria.

Martin Floreani, Chief Marketing Officer for enaltus states that "We are honored that CapriClear received the distinguished NEA Seal of Acceptance because we firmly believe in the National Eczema Association's mission to improve the health and quality of life of individuals with eczema and severe sensitive skin conditions. The NEA Seal of Acceptance will be proudly displayed on all future CapriClear packaging."

Floreani adds, "Eczema, or Atopic Dermatitis, can be a debilitating disease that affects over 30 million Americans. There are many products that help alleviate the symptoms associated with eczema, such as itch and inflammation. We are confident that CapriClear will be an important resource to help millions of people who suffer from the itch-scratch cycle of eczema. Moisturizers are a critical component in the prevention and maintenance in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Many people are sensitive to the chemical ingredients that are found in over the counter creams & lotions. CapriClear is a unique, all-natural, hypoallergenic spray-on moisturizer that will help everyone from babies to the elderly look and feel better."

"CapriClear is ideal for people of all ages, but especially those with sensitive skin. It does not burn or sting upon application, making it a great option for people that suffer from atopic dermatitis or eczema. It is even a safe option for eczema in babies and children," said Dr. Betty Bellman, a Miami dermatologist and Associate Voluntary Professor of Dermatology of Miami Miller School of Medicine & Mount Sinai Medical Center.

CapriClear is available on http://www.CapriClear.com and online retailers nationwide.

Like CapriClear on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/CapriClear and follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/capriclear.

Media contact:Amber Clapp 646-567-8114 amberclapp@yahoo.com

About enaltusenaltus (www.enaltus.com), an international specialty skin care products company headquartered in Suwanee, Ga., that focuses on both medical professionals and consumers with a concentration on scar management and safe skin care products for mothers and babies. The company's flagship brands are Kelo-cote,the Belli Skincare, and bioCorneum+.

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CapriClear® Awarded the National Eczema Association NEA Seal of Acceptance™