Category Archives: Eczema

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I have had eczema since I was a little girl, but it was neverterribly debilitating. I had some scratches on my neck, arms, and legs, but I never thought too much of it. And I was lucky to haveclear skin on my face. Other thana pimple here or there, my complexion was generally even and bright, andI neverneeded to use foundation.

That all changed this past May.Perhaps triggered by acombination ofpoor diet and taking too many medications, my eczema finally reared its ugly head in full force. Despite never having hadfacial eczemabefore, I started experiencing symptoms around my eyeswithin the next few months, it would consume my entire face, neck, arms, and upper legs.I ended up visiting countless doctors, starting a clean diet, and buying every product out there that claimed to be eczemas miracle cure.

I wish I could tell you that Im now free of eczema symptoms, butIhave a long ways to go. My face is still bright red, raw, and itchy. My legs and neck have inflammation, and I struggle to wake up every day feeling happy and healthy.

Did myskin issues make me feel down about myself at times? Sure. But succumbing to that way of thinking only made memore depressed.What has helped: understanding that my struggle with eczema is actually key to appreciating my life even more. Here, five ways the skin condition has helped me gain perspective and live a more fulfilling life.

RELATED: 9 Things You Should Never Do If You Have Eczema

1. I care less about looks. In the past, I couldn'tleave the house without eye makeup.In fact, I cant remember a time when I was able to confidently go outside without my trusty eyeliner. Now? I truly feel beautiful without makeup. Even when my facial eczema completely clearswhich I know it willI plan on wearing a lot less makeup than I used to. Im finally comfortable in my own skin.

2. In a strange way, I've become more confident. During my worst flares, when my face was red and sore, I found that I actually felt empowered. Sure, I cried and felt ugly at first. But I foundstrength from within to muster up thecourage to continue my day. Once that happened, I felt like I could take on anything.

3. Ibecame more empathetic. As clich as it might sound, I've realizedthat everyone is fighting their own battle. Sure, mine might be more noticeable, but I've become moreunderstanding that no one's life is all peaches and sunshine.

4. I focus more on health. I admittedly used to eat way too many cookies, cake, friesyou name it. As a result,I was constantly fatigued, no matter how many hours of sleep I got. Sinceimproving my diet by cutting out unnecessary sugarand consuming more leafy greens,I feel more alive. Another plus? I lost 10 pounds.

5. Iknow whos there for me. I didn'talways handle my eczema wellI avoided seeing people, I worked from home, and I didn'twant to look my boyfriend in the eye. But the experience has helped me realizewho truly loves me for me. My boyfriend, for example, continues to tell me Im beautiful every day. So whatif other people want to make comments or stare? They dont matter.

Have eczema, psoriasis, acne, or another conditionmessing with your confidence? Know that youre so much more than your skin, and you cant let it tell you how worthy you are. Do I still struggle with myself? Of course. But I now know that it willalways get better.

Read more:
How Having Eczema on My Face Changed My LifeFor the Better - Health.com

July 20, 2017 by Alan Archer-Boyd, From Horizon Tiny capsules embedded in clothes can release essential oils when they come into contact with bacteria that cause skin infections. Credit: Pexels/ Valeria Boltneva

Tiny capsules embedded in the clothes we wear could soon be used to counteract the rise of sensitive skin conditions.

"As people are getting older, they have more sensitive skin, so there is a need to develop new products for skin treatment," said Dr Carla Silva, chief technology officer at the Centre for Nanotechnology and Smart Materials (CENTI) in Portugal.

This increased sensitivity can lead to painful bacterial infections such as dermatitis, otherwise known as eczema. Current treatments use silver-based or synthetic antibacterial elements, but these can create environmentally harmful waste and may have negative side effects.

To combat these bacterial infections in an eco-friendly way the EU-funded SKHINCAPS project is combining concentrated plant oil with nanotechnology.

Their solution puts these so-called essential oils into tiny capsules that are hundreds of times smaller than the width of a human hair. Each one is programmed to release its payload only in the presence of the bacteria that cause the skin infections.

This means that each capsule is in direct contact with the affected skin as soon as an infection occurs, increasing the effectiveness of the treatment.

According to Dr Silva, who is also project coordinator of SKHINCAPS, the nano-capsules are attached to the clothing material using covalent bonding, the strongest chemical bond found in nature. This ensures the capsules survive the washing machine and that they are invisible to whoever is wearing them.

This nanotechnology has a lifespan equal to that of the garment, though the active ingredients contained in the nano-capsules will run out earlier depending on the extent of the skin infection, and thereby on how much of the treatment is released when the clothing is worn.

The nano-capsules will prove invaluable for chronic eczema sufferers and those with high levels of stress, as well as the elderly and diabetics, who are particularly vulnerable to developing such infections.

And it's not just essential oils that could be held in the capsules.

The project is also demonstrating the use of nano-capsules loaded with paraffin, a waxy solid with the ability to absorb and release energy, in thermal clothing. The melting or crystallisation point of paraffin is around the temperature of human skin, meaning that the capsules can keep users cool by absorbing energy as the paraffin melts, or warm them up by releasing energy when it crystallises again.

This could not only improve the day-to-day comfort of those less able to control their body temperatures, such as young children, but also help sportspeople to control their temperature better while exercising.

SKHINCAPS is also adding nano-capsules loaded with vitamins and antioxidants to create anti-ageing cosmetics. The shell of this type of nano-capsule will protect their contents from decay due to sunlight exposure or change in temperature, releasing the anti-ageing ingredients only when they come into contact with skin at the right temperature and pH, maximising their effectiveness.

Cosmetics

Another EU-funded project developing nano-cosmetics is PEPTICAPS. They are putting vitamins, such as A, B, C and D, as well as antioxidants, inside nano-capsules to repair skin damage caused by chemical or sun exposure.

Dr Damien Dupin, the head of the biomaterials unit at IK4-CIDETEC, a research centre in Spain, is the project coordinator of PEPTICAPS, and highlights the importance of protecting ourselves in the chemical-rich world we live in.

"In everything we are touching now there are chemical products," he said. "For example, latex gloves fifty years ago no one used them, now everyone does and some people get redness and itching."

PEPTICAPS' nano-capsules are filled with a special cocktail of vitamins that can protect or repair skin when exposed to harmful chemicals, but they don't release them until the conditions outside the capsule require them to do so.

This occurs when there is a change in pH and/or the release of an enzyme when skin irritation occurs. They could be used in creams, lotions and facial masks to help healthy skin recover after chemical or sunlight damage.

The project has been testing the nano-capsules on a laboratory-grown epidermis, an important layer of the skin, made from human skin cells donated by patients after cosmetic surgery. One advantage of this approach is that the skin layer can be irritated in the same way as real skin, providing realistic and validated results, without using animal testing.

The team have been able to show that their treatment is more efficient and penetrates deeper into the epidermis than products currently available in shops. The PEPTICAPS project expects the first cosmetic products to contain the nano-capsules to be available by 2019, in time to make SKHINCAPS a possible competitor.

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Clothes intertwined with nanotech will treat eczema - Phys.org - Phys.Org

Eczema entrepreneurs are often driven by personal experiences that they or their family members have had with the skin condition. Joe Paulo, for example, created Smiling Panda clothing after he had eczema as a teenager. But he and others, including Ms. Scott, have found that the path to a winning eczema product is not short or easy, in large part because there is no official testing process to get approval.

Everyones eczema is different, and not everything works the same way on every patient, said Julie Block, president and chief executive of the National Eczema Association, which tracks developments in the field but does not endorse products. The association does offer a certificate of acceptance for companies that can show they have clinical safety testing data for their products.

The only apparel company to earn the associations grade so far is Ms. Scotts AD RescueWear, whose wet-wrap therapy garments relieve itching by sealing in moisture. Medical studies have shown such therapy helps eczema sufferers.

Ms. Scott discovered the therapy while searching for a way to help Harrison, who will be 9 in September. As a baby, his eczema was so severe that he got a staph infection from scratching. Dr. Mark A. Ebadi, an allergist at the Colorado Allergy and Asthma Center in Denver who was treating Harrison, recommended wet-wrap therapy.

Ms. Scott dressed her son in wet cotton pajamas, and at Dr. Ebadis suggestion taped her husbands tube socks around her sons hands for protection. But the wrapping was cumbersome.

It was off-putting to wrap a child in damp clothing, she said. And cotton pajamas got baggy, and my son would get cold. We needed something for him that was close fitting so it would be next to his skin.

It took a lot of trial and error, but Ms. Scott, who is an interior designer, gradually developed a full body suit with flat seams almost like a long-sleeve onesie with covers for her sons nails. The suit has attached feet, like those found on infant and toddler pajamas, to prevent children from scratching their legs and ankles, where clusters of eczema are often found.

I knew nothing about clothing manufacturing, Ms. Scott said. Eventually, she found a family-owned company in Michigan that was willing to produce a run of her sample suit. It was made from the artificial fiber Tencel, which retains more water so the material holds its shape and stays closer to the skin.

She called the body suit the Wrap-E-Soothe suit, but customers later began calling it the rescue suit a nickname her company quickly adopted. It sells for $109 for children. The product line later was expanded to include tops and pants, which cost $74.50, and sleeves, which cost $34.95, to cover childrens arms and legs.

Ms. Scott began selling the garments in 2012, the same year that she teamed up with Anne McVey, an experienced marketer in Davenport, Iowa, whose daughter has eczema. To test reaction from doctors, they took samples to an annual meeting of allergy, asthma and immunology specialists, held in San Antonio in 2013. The garments received good reviews, but Ms. Scott said it was an uphill climb to attract customers online because the product was little known.

She did not share specific numbers, but Ms. Scott said sales increased 70 percent last year to around 10,000 items over 2015. Repeat customers, the eczema associations certificate of acceptance and a medical product billing insurance code have all helped raise the sites visibility and attract business, Ms. Scott said.

Were aiming for 100,000 pieces annually, she added, noting that the site is adding garments for adults.

Mr. Paulo, 23, has already made some inroads with adults seeking relief with his Smiling Panda brand, which he started after getting eczema on his arms. The eczema appeared after he moved from California to Philadelphia in 2012 to attend college.

His eczema, he said, got significantly worse when he had to wear professional clothing during college internships. When even bedsheets began irritating his skin, he started researching the properties of different fibers and how clothing was made. He chose a bamboo-cotton blend for his clothing because bamboo is soft and cotton fibers allow a closer fit, he said. He began cutting and stitching his own shirts, with flat seams and no tags.

When he wore his shirts to bed, he said: I went from having a really tough time falling asleep to having no trouble at all.

I thought there might be other working adults interested in this type of clothing, and that comfortable clothing would help them in the same way it helped me, he said. He found a small manufacturer willing to make a batch of sizes for women and men. He chose Smiling Panda as the company name and started a website in February 2016.

Mr. Paulo, an engineer for a construction company, sold only about 70 shirts last year at $40 to $50 apiece.

But we are on track to sell 100 shirts this year, he said, despite limited advertising, mostly on Facebook. He added that sales were expected to pick up in coming months.

Many of the men and women who buy his garments for workout wear, undergarments and sleepwear are repeat buyers and are so committed that, in March, he decided to add childrens sizes.

Mr. Paulo said he did not know if the company would ever be profitable. I like doing it because I feel like our products make a difference in our customers lives, he said. I know from personal experience how miserable clothing can be when you are itching from eczema.

A version of this article appears in print on July 20, 2017, on Page B5 of the New York edition with the headline: Personal Stories Drive Start-Ups In Eczema Products.

Link:
Search for Eczema Relief Leads to Business Opportunities - New York Times

The Sun

Skin doctor's top tips to help eczema sufferer's survive summer and five must-have remedies for under a tenner The Sun The sun alone can cause it to dry our but excess sweat can also leave your skin craving moisture. Dr Bewley said the summer heat has been found to cause eczema flare ups with many sufferers. The drier your skin becomes the more your eczema is likely to ...

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Skin doctor's top tips to help eczema sufferer's survive summer and five must-have remedies for under a tenner - The Sun

184

Published: July 17, 2017

Q. Im a 26-year-old with atopic dermatitis thats reasonably controlled in cool weather. But last summer l struggled with rashy, itchy outbreaks, especially on the hotter days. Any suggestions to prevent flare-ups this summer? And would swimming in my neighborschlorinated pool help my eczema or make it worse?

Many patients with atopic dermatitis find they are worse in the summer. Overheating can release histamine, and sweat can irritate the skin, causing flare-ups. I suggest you try your best to keep your body temperature down with central air conditioning.

Sunscreens are another potential irritant. I recommend mineral-based sunscreens, where the active ingredient is titanium or zinc (or both) as they are less irritating. And while we usually do our best to avoid sun in the summer, a limited amount each day can be beneficial. In fact, ultraviolet light treatment is often used in dermatologists offices to treat skin inflammation. Everything in moderation: Fifteen minutes of natural sunlight, midday, without sunscreen, can be a useful treatment for dermatitis.

As for the pool the chlorine could definitely flare your eczema. But you dont have to stay out of the water altogether. Swim for a short time, to cool off. When you get out, towel off or, better yet, rinse off in a shower. If you have active dermatitis patches, you could apply a moisturizer, like Cetaphil, CeraVe or Lipikar Baume, to these areas before you swim to act as a barrier to the chlorinated water.

Find Dr. Skotnickis clinic at Baydermatologycentre.com.

First published inAllergic Livingmagazine. To subscribe and get the magazine right at your door, clickhere.

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Controlling Eczema Flare-Ups in the Summer - Allergic Living

Summer can be a tricky time for people who suffer from eczema or atopic dermatitis, as sunny weather can lead to major flare-ups due to sweating or photoallergic reactions. Specialists from the French Eczema Association (Association franaise de leczma) have a few tips to help eczema sufferers through the summer months.

Stay out of the sea when experiencing flare-ups

Salty seawater has multiple benefits for atopic skin, but each dip in the sea should be followed by a shower in clean water, careful drying and sunscreen application to hydrate skin, say experts. However, swimming in the sea isnt recommended for patients experiencing severe flare-ups, as patches that are very inflamed and/or weeping can burn the skin.

Dips in the pool arent out of bounds, but take care with hygiene to avoid fungal infections and verrucas.

Keep on treating patches of eczema by applying cortisone creams in the evening after showering. (iStock.com)

Slather on factor 50

Its important to use a maximum protection sunscreen, such as factor 50 or higher, especially for young children. Avoid getting too much sun exposure during the hottest part of the day: between 12pm and 4pm.

Dont give up on treatments

Keep on treating patches of eczema by applying cortisone creams in the evening after showering. Even if stress levels tend to drop on vacation and symptoms may seem to improve, you should continue applying your emollients every day, as well as moisturising lotions.

Moisturise skin every day

To minimise sweating, dermatologists recommend wearing clothing made from cotton or linen. In summer, you should continue to moisturise skin very regularly every day. Showers should be short and cool.

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Keep these four tips in mind to manage eczema better in summer - Hindustan Times

By Rachel Burge 12 Jul 2017, 21:37

If you have eczema, you'll know that some things can make it worse. Read on to learn what causes eczema, common triggers that cause a flare up, and what you can do about them.

See also: Scientists working on eczema treatment turn to body's natural defences

See also: Foods that beat dry skin

What causes eczema? Eczema is a scaly, itchy rash that can be red and sore. It's known to be hereditary, so if your parents have eczema, or you have a brother or sister with the condition, you're more likely to develop it. It's not infectious, so it can't be passed on through close contact.

Numerous things can cause a flare-up, and these vary from person to person. Typical triggers include:

1. Washing in hot water Skin that's already dry and sensitive isn't able to retain much moisture, so it's important not to dry it out further by having hot baths or showers. If you prefer to have a bath, don't stay in too long and keep the water lukewarm. Some people find that adding a handful of colloidal oatmeal (a different type to breakfast cereals which shouldn't be eaten) to the water can help to soothe and soften the skin.

Once you're done, gently pat your skin - without rubbing - until damp, and then apply plenty of cream to seal in moisture. If you're allergic to wool, avoid lotions that contain lanolin as it will irritate your skin. If you don't have an allergy, lanolin is likely to help.

If the skin on your hands is particularly dry, you may need to apply cream or a prescribed steroid ointment each time after washing. Speak to your GP about trying a stronger steroid ointment if the creams aren't working,

2. Allergens People with eczema are susceptible to environmental allergens. Pet hair, dust mites, and mould are the most common offenders and can all cause a flare-up. Be sure to dust and vacuum regularly (you can buy vacuums that are designed to combat allergens) and opt for wooden floors and blinds rather than thick carpets and drapes.

It may be worth investing in anti-allergy bedding and be sure to wash bedding regularly in hot water.

Ask for help with household chores if cleaning makes your symptoms worse.

3. Getting hot and sweaty Whether you're working out in the gym or having fun in sun, getting hot and sweaty can play havoc with your eczema.

Exercise in an air-conditioned gym or studio rather than outdoors, and gently dab off sweat rather than rubbing. Swimming can be a good option (just steer clear of the hot tub!) but the chlorine may be irritating to some. Remember to have a lukewarm shower and moisturise well afterwards.

In hot weather, avoid going out in the hottest part of the day and cover up with loose cotton clothing. Sunburn will inflame the skin and make the condition worse, so take care in the sun. If sunscreen irritates your skin, try opting for mineral versions, like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, or use sunscreens formulated for the face on your body.

4. Clothing Clothing made from natural fibres are better than synthetic materials, like polyester and nylon. Opt for loose, breathable cotton and avoid wearing anything scratchy next to the skin, such as wool or mohair. Before wearing new clothes, it's a good idea to wash them at home with fragrance-free detergent this will ensure any dyes or chemicals are removed.

5. Chemical irritants When washing clothes, scented fabric softeners and fragranced washing powder are best avoided. Instead, opt for detergent that's formulated for babies or those with sensitive skin. Don't use more than the recommended amount and rinse clothes twice if necessary.

When it comes to shower gel and shampoo, opt for a non-soap cleansers that are pH neutral and fragrance-free.

6. Food allergies and sensitives Research has found a link between sensitivity to cow's milk and eczema symptoms, particularly in babies and children. Peanuts, soy, wheat, fish, and eggs can also be an issue. Talk to your GP or consult a dermatologist before eliminating any foods from your own, or your child's diet.

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Common eczema triggers and what you can do about them - AOL UK

Im not the first person in my family to be diagnosed with eczema. My mom had eczema growing up, and both my older and younger sister developed it at birth. With so many of us dealing with the condition, youd think our family wouldbe as knowledgeable as the dermatologists. But when I was young,no one seemed to know that much about eczema. In fact, my siblings and I used to pronounce ite-czema,with the emphasis on the e.Im still getting used to saying it correctly!

When I was two years old, my sister and I developed eczema herpeticum, a serious viral infection that's more likely toaffect children with atopic dermatitis (AD). AD is the most common type of eczema, and is more common in people prone to allergies and asthma. We broke out in raging fevers and developed patches of pus-filled bumps on our skin. I dont remember much about that time, but apparently when my mom tried to take our clothes off, the material would stick to our skin, causing it to peel off in pieces. At the hospital, no one knew what the infection was; the doctors had to call in specialists. We were quarantined in a giant room all by ourselves for two weeks, and we couldnt get out of bed. Even today, some of the doctors Ive visited have never heard of this infection.

RELATED: 5 Things You Should Never Say to Someone With Eczema

Growing up, I used manylotions and ointments to try to ease the itch. My mom even tried duct-taping socks to my hands at night, since I would scratch my skin while I slept. That never worked, thoughIalways pulled them off by the time I woke up. I also had to be very careful about what I ate. Im allergic to dairy, pork, nuts, and seafood, and once had a terrible reaction to smoked salmon. Even certain lotions or creams that contain nuts will make my skin break out, so I have to read the ingredient labels carefully to see if there are any almond or macadamia oils in products.

To make matters worse, I also have a lot of environmental allergies, mainly dust, pollen, and freshly-cut grass. When I moved from Tumwater, Washington to Los Angeles about ten years ago, I started carrying moisturizer and a spray bottle to mist my face if my skin got too sweaty. Inow own a public relations company and a big part of my job involves socializing with others. I represent people in the entertainment industry, and I dont want to reflect badly on my clients, so Ive had to reschedule meetings around a breakout.

Ive been taking a corticosteroid cream for most of my life, but I wish I had other options. Some of the eczema creams and drugs on the market are too expensive for me. But Ive also made some progress in recent years. After a particularly bad flarea couple of years ago, I found an allergist that I love. Hes by far the most knowledgeable doctor that Ive gone to in a long time.

I also have a boyfriend whos really supportive of me. Hes never had any issues with his skin, so hes had to get used to a lot of my quirks over the past four years. He had to change all his soaps and re-learn how to wash his clothes. Plus, he loves seafood, but he waits until Im out of town to go on a sushi binge. Then hell shower and brush his teeth a few times before I get back.

Right now, my eczema is pretty bad; Im in the middle of a flare. But this happened to my older sister when she was 30 years old, too. Now shes 34, and her skin is much better, so Im hoping in the next few years, Ill be able to rein my eczema in, as well.

Ralina Shaw, as told to Maria Masters

Link:
How My Eczema Led to a Viral Infection That Nearly Killed Me - Health.com

Eczema on your hands can be uncomfortable and frustrating. Dermatologists weigh in on how to ease symptoms like itchy, red skin.

Youve probably heard of dishpan hands, a rash that occurs from dipping hands too often in a kitchen sink filled with soapy water. When most people use this term, however, theyre usually talking about hand eczema, also known as hand dermatitis. More than 30 million people in the U.S. have some form of eczema, a skin condition that causes red, itchy patches on the skin. Eczema can appear anywhere on the body, but its particularly bothersome when it shows up on the hands.

Although experts arent sure exactly what causes eczema, most believe its likely a combination of a persons environment and genetics. In the most common type, atopic dermatitis, the immune system is triggered by something and goes into overdrive, leading to sensitive, dry skin. The problem doesnt go away and is treatable, although incurable. Certain things, such as allergens in food, dust exposure, or weather extremes, can make symptoms worse. Like eczema that appears elsewhere on the body, symptoms of hand eczema can include red, itchy, scaly, painful hands that are dry and chapped. Blood or pus may ooze from cracks and blisters on the skin.

It could happen easily from washing your hands regularly or changes in temperature, people who are in a cold environment, says These are very common things that can happen to a lot of people.

Another type of hand eczema, called contact dermatitis, is linked to direct exposure to an irritating substance such as chemicals. Professionals whose hands often come in contact with chemicals are particularly at risk, such as hairdressers, cleaners, plumbers, and construction workers, as well as those who frequently wash their hands throughout the day, such as nurses.

Yet another type of hand eczema is dyshidrotic eczema. It can cause itchy blisters on the hands, fingers, feet, and toes. Its often triggered by stress, moisture, and contact with certain metals such as nickel or cobalt.

The key to both preventing and treating hand eczema is to find out what triggers it and avoid those triggers whenever possible. Here, a few smart strategies that may help keep hand eczema at bay. Its also a good idea to see a dermatologist, who may suggest stronger topical or other treatments to treat underlying inflammation, depending on your symptoms.

Limit contact with water, especially water that is hot and soapy. Wash dishes in a dishwasher if possible and clean hands with lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap.

Apply a moisturizer right after cleaning hands and regularly throughout the day. [Moisturizing] the skin is extremely important, says Dr. Yosipovitch. It should be part of a daily routine. Look for a brand that contains humectants or emollients.

Stay away from antibacterial soaps. These irritate the skin more than giving benefit, says Dr. Yosipovitch. Waterless cleansers are more likely to contain alcohol and chemicals that may trigger a flare.

Take care of any breaks or cuts on the skin before chemicals have a chance to come into contact with them and cause irritation.

source: Health

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What to Do If You Have Eczema on Your Hands - Information Nigeria - Information Nigeria

With the summer heat, many Canadians no doubt will be replacing those long pants, shirts, and sweaters with shorts, tees, and swimwear. However, for up to one-sixth of our population, this choice may not come as easy as we think. It's because they suffer from a disease known officially as atopic dermatitis although most of us call it eczema.

Eczema is a difficult disease to pin down. The symptoms range from itchy rashes to cracked, oozing skin. This condition can be a mere annoyance but in severe cases, it can impact one's ability to function in society. The same difficulties can be said for treatment. Some can manage the condition with hygiene while others may require prescription medications.

When it comes to the cause, eczema has proven to be an enigma. Researchers have known for years the ailment arises due to a change in one's immunity. For some reason, the body tends to overreact in certain areas of the body leading to the symptoms. This explanation is the basis for numerous pharmacological treatments known to calm the immune response and reduce or eliminate the ailment.

While therapeutic options may be helpful for those suffering, for public health officials, there is a need to know why eczema happens. They need to understand how this alteration of immunity starts in the first place. If they can figure out why our defense forces go awry, they can develop steps to prevent the problem.

The most obvious potential culprits behind this disease are microbes. They can be found all over the skin and research has revealed different parts of the body have different microbial populations. One or more species could find themselves in areas where they don't belong, such as the elbows or the back of the knees, and in an infection-like process, force the immune system to alter in a manner that leads to symptoms.

This idea does seem sound and evidence has been shown to support this theory. Yet it has never been proven. The closest researchers have come is the identification of reduced microbial diversity in flare sites. However, no one has singled out one species.

Now that has changed thanks to a group of American researchers. They have devoted their attention to the microbes found in eczema. In the process, they have revealed the name of the most likely culprit. Unfortunately, the research also has led to even more questions.

The team collected microbial samples from children suffering from varying degrees of eczema. They also collected control samples from times when the kids were not suffering from flares. The hope was to find some distinct change in the types of microbes present and pinpoint one species as being the cause.

When these initial results came back, there was reason for hope. As seen in other studies, flares led to a reduce diversity of bacteria in the area. A closer examination revealed one particular species, Staphylococcus aureus, tended to be higher during symptoms. Moreover, more of this species meant worsening symptoms.

Right off the bat, this discovery makes perfect sense. The species is known to be involved in many skin conditions, including acne, impetigo, and rashes. But this result cannot explain why some individuals end up with eczema while others have no issues.

The answer comes in a subcategory of a species, known as strains. S. aureus has numerous different strains and each one acts differently from the rest. In this light, one or more strains might be responsible for causing the disease.

Not surprisingly, this is the direction the researchers went next. The team examined the diversity of the strains in the hopes of finding an appropriate culprit. As expected, they found blooms of single strains in the eczema areas. The path to an answer became a little clearer.

But the elation didn't last long. When the group compared these single strains among the different eczema patients, they found something rather unsettling. Each patient had a different troublesome strain.

This significantly increased the complexity of the situation and required the group to take the investigation to a new level. They needed to find out if these strains were producing a common molecule that led to symptoms.

The team explored the genetic information of the bacteria in the hopes of finding a common cause for the symptoms. They came across many potential candidate molecules yet none were expressed in all the strains. Rather than being able to hone in on a particular gene, the team realized the onset of symptoms was more complicated than they believed.

While the results of the study did not manage to find the smoking gun, the group did develop some useful information for public health officials. The onset of eczema is due to a lack of microbial diversity on the skin and S. aureus is the most likely candidate for trouble. Moreover, seeing blooms of a particular strain could spell trouble.

The discovery may lead to the development of new diagnostic measures to determine the risk for flares. This also may develop a new treatment concept in which the immune system is not targeted but the bacteria population. By increasing diversity through the addition of friendly microbes, eczema may be both prevented and treated.

If this direction pans out, the future of eczema prevention may come in a cream consisting of a diverse microbial population. All one would have to do is use it regularly when trouble arises. That way, they might be able to lose the worry about symptoms and confidently enjoy wearing those summer clothes.

See more here:
The Microbial Mystery Behind Eczema - Huffington Post Canada