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People with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) sometimes experience itchy skin. This may be due to the condition itself, the medications they are taking, or another condition, such as eczema. Switching medications with a doctors approval may be an option. Home remedies can also provide relief.

RA is an autoimmune condition that primarily causes inflammation and pain in the joints.

RA can also sometimes cause skin problems, including itchiness. This may be related to RA itself or to other factors, including medications.

Learn about the causes of itching in people with RA, along with some tips for prevention and relief.

People with RA often experience symptoms including:

RA can also affect other areas of the body, including the skin.

For example, some people with RA report itchy skin. Rashes are uncommon in RA, but a person does not need to have a rash to have itchy skin.

The causes of chronic itch are generally poorly understood.

For people with RA, it can be difficult to determine the exact cause of itching. Some possible explanations include:

Hives (urticaria) appear as red or dark welts on the skin. They often itch. If symptoms last for longer than 6 weeks, doctors tend to consider it chronic hives.

Some research suggests that people with autoimmune conditions such as RA have a higher risk of developing chronic hives.

In people with an autoimmune condition, hives may be due to an overactive immune system that attacks healthy tissues.

One study of more than 12,000 people found that chronic urticaria was strongly associated with autoimmune conditions. Females with chronic hives were found to have a higher incidence of RA.

Itchy skin may be due to a number of medications.

For example, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can cause an itchy, measles-like rash in some people. NSAIDS can also make hives worse.

Doctors sometimes prescribe biologic medications to treat RA. These can also cause itchiness in some people.

Sometimes, stopping an RA medication that was controlling an inflammatory skin condition can cause a rash to appear.

People who have eczema, or atopic dermatitis, experience red, scaly, itchy skin that sometimes blisters over and weeps fluids.

Eczema is another type of autoimmune condition. In people with eczema, the immune system goes into overdrive when an irritant or allergen triggers it. This causes inflammation and skin symptoms.

Some researchers have found that RA is more common in people with inflammatory conditions, including eczema.

The skin condition psoriasis can lead to psoriatic arthritis (PsA). RA and PsA symptoms are similar, which can make it difficult for doctors to tell the difference between the two conditions.

Also, they sometimes incorrectly diagnose psoriasis as eczema. As a consequence, some people receive a diagnosis of RA and eczema when they really have PsA, and vice versa.

A dermatologist can help determine whether a rash is due to eczema or psoriasis. Diagnosis often involves a blood test, and it sometimes involves a skin biopsy.

A person should always talk with a doctor to determine the potential cause and best treatment for itching.

General guidelines from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) to prevent itchy skin include:

If a doctor determines that a medication is causing itching, they may recommend a different treatment.

For some people with RA, tofacitinib may help treat chronic itch. Tofacitinib is a Janus kinase inhibitor that doctors sometimes prescribe to treat RA or PsA.

A 2019 study in five people with RA who experienced chronic itching and had no known dermatological conditions found that they reported significant improvements in their overall levels of itching while taking this drug. More research is necessary to confirm these findings.

A person should never stop or change their medications without consulting a doctor first. Stopping medications prescribed for RA can impact the disease course and may even worsen skin symptoms.

Simple home remedies can help many cases of itchy skin. The AAD recommend the following tips:

RA can affect multiple areas of the body, including the skin. People with RA may experience itchy skin due to the condition itself, certain RA medications, or other chronic conditions, such as eczema.

Home remedies may provide some relief from itching. Also, changing medications may be an option with a doctors approval.

Read more here:
Rheumatoid arthritis itching attacks: Causes and relief tips - Medical News Today

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Eczema Skin-Care Products Market report covers the different market scenarios that have a direct impact on the growth of the market. The report is structured with the meticulous efforts of an innovative, enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and experienced team of analysts, researchers, industry experts, and forecasters.

The report includes the SWOT analysis, PESTLE analysis, predictive analysis, real-time analysis, revenue share, market size, the competitive market scene, market opportunities, key strategies such as partnership, collaboration, mergers, and acquisitions that have been taken by key players to improve their market position and strengthen their presence in the world market.

Important Features that are under offering & key highlights of the Eczema Skin-Care Products report:

1) Does the study cover COVID-19 Impact Analysis and its effect on Growth %?

Yes, the overall industry has seen quite a big impact due to slowdown and shutdown in the production line & supply chain. The study covers a separate qualitative chapter on COVID-19 Impact analysis. Additionally, it also provides before and after the scenario of COVID-19 on sales growth & market size estimation to better analyze the exact scenario of the industry.

2) Which top-10 companies are profiled in the report?

Usually, We follow Industry standards and validate company profile with product mapping to filter relevant Industry players, furthermore the list is sorted to come up with a sample size of at least 50 to 100 companies having greater topline value to get their segment revenue for the Eczema Skin-Care Products market estimation.

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3) Can we narrow the available business segments?

Yes, depending upon the data availability and feasibility check by our Research Analyst, a further breakdown in business segments by end-use application or product type can be provided (If applicable) by Revenue Size or Volume.

By Types

Lotions and Ointments, Cleansers, Detergents, Humidifiers, Others

By Application

Online Sales, Offline Sales

4) Can we add or profiled a new company as per our needs?

Yes, we can add or profile a new company as per client need in the report, provided it is available in our coverage list as mentioned in answer to Question 1 and after feasibility run, final confirmation will be provided by the research team checking the constraints related to the difficulty of survey.

5) Can a specific country of interest be added? What all regional segmentation covered?

Yes, Country-level splits can be modified in the study as per objectives. Currently, the research report gives special attention and focus on the following regions:

North America [United States, Canada, Mexico], Asia-Pacific [China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam], Europe [Germany, France, UK, Italy, Russia, Rest of Europe], South America [Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America], Middle East & Africa [GCC Countries, Turkey, Egypt, South Africa, Rest of the Middle East & Africa]

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Published byShubham

Link:
Eczema Skin-Care Products Market Research Report Explores The Comprehensive Analysis For The Forecast Period 2021-2027 The Courier - The Courier

Dermatitis is an umbrella term for several different skin conditions. It has a variety of symptoms, including:

There are several types of dermatitis. Below are the most common ones.

Dandruff, or seborrheic dermatitis, is a common condition that affects the scalp. It causes small pieces of dry skin to flake off, and it may also lead to itchiness on the scalp.

Dandruff affects around 55% of the global population. It often occurs alongside a number of other types of dermatitis.

It develops in areas of the body with hair, most commonly in the scalp, face, and chest.

The causes of dandruff are complex. Hygiene factors do not play a large part in the condition, but unwashed hair can cause it to become more obvious. In addition, not washing excess oils off the skin can feed the yeast on the skin, allowing them to grow further and exacerbate the condition.

Certain medical conditions can also increase a persons chance of having seborrheic dermatitis. These include:

Dandruff has links with various factors. These include:

The main symptom of dandruff is dry and flaky skin on the scalp. It can also cause a persons head to become itchy.

Contact dermatitis is a common skin condition that affects 1520% of people.

Contact dermatitis causes burning or stinging skin, along with other symptoms. These symptoms only arise after a person comes into contact with a particular substance, agent, or product.

There are two types of contact dermatitis: allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and irritant contact dermatitis (ICD).

ICD is the more common of the two types, making up 80% of all contact dermatitis cases. The most common substances that trigger ICD include:

ACD is common in people who are sensitive to specific substances. Common substances that can trigger ACD include:

Symptoms of ACE and ICD are very similar. They may include:

A person may wish to bring their hygiene and grooming products with them when consulting with a doctor. A healthcare professional may be able to determine what might be causing the contact dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis is a long-lasting skin disease that often causes itchiness in the skin. It is often called eczema.

There are several different types of eczema, with atopic dermatitis being the most common.

Atopic dermatitis usually begins in childhood. However, older adults can also get it. It is a common condition that affects 1 in 10 Americans.

The disease often flares up, which causes symptoms to appear or become worse. However, at other times, the skin can show signs of improvement or even clear up entirely.

Atopic dermatitis causes the skin to become inflamed, irritated, and sometimes very itchy.

If a person with atopic dermatitis scratches their skin, it can trigger the following additional symptoms in the skin:

Dyshidrotic dermatitis is a type of eczema. It causes small blisters to appear on the fingers and the palms of the hands. It can also appear on the soles of the feet.

It can last for 34 weeks before clearing up. While it can occur just once, it may develop into a chronic condition in some people.

Similar to other types of eczema, dyshidrotic dermatitis can present in flare-ups. However, once a person identifies the triggering substance, they can avoid coming into contact with them.

The following triggers can cause dyshidrotic dermatitis flare-ups:

Dyshidrotic dermatitis symptoms include:

If this condition becomes severe, the blisters may become large and spread to the backs of the hands, feet, and other parts of the body.

Cradle cap is a common condition that affects infants. It often appears during the first few months of life.

Cradle cap appears in the form of a greasy, scaly rash in patches on the scalp. It can also have a yellowish appearance.

The condition is generally safe and rarely causes discomfort for the infant.

However, doctors do not know what causes it, but hygiene factors, allergies, and bacterial infections are not contributing factors.

Cradle cap also has other names, including pityriasis capitis, infantile seborrheic dermatitis, crusta lactea, honeycomb disease, and milk crust.

The main symptoms of cradle cap are greasy or scaly patches on areas such as the scalp, the external ear, and the center of the face. These patches of affected skin often have a yellow color.

Diaper rash is the general term for any rash that appears on the area of skin a diaper covers.

Moisture and irritation from the diaper can often trigger a rash.

Diaper rash is the most common skin disorder in infants. It affects up to 25% of infants and toddlers. It is most common in infants aged 912 months.

In some infants, the diaper itself may be causing the rash. In this case, the diaper rash is often a form of ICD.

It may also occur due to other skin conditions, such as:

The main symptoms of diaper rash are:

Diaper rash may also indicate that one of the above medical conditions is affecting the infant.

A parent or caregiver should speak with a doctor if the infant has severe diaper rash that cracks open and bleeds. They should also seek medical help if the infants diaper rash does not improve with home treatment.

Originally posted here:
Dermatitis: Types, symptoms, and treatment - Medical News Today

P&Gs Olay Body is introducing three new Premium Body Care Collections showcasing the latest in body care science.The three collections include: Olay Cleansing & Renewing Body Care Duo with Retinol; Olay Premium Exfoliating Body Wash Collection, and the Olay Dermatologist Designed Collection, which was designed by dermatologists with dermatologist-recommended ingredients to address specific dry skin concerns.Made with a proprietary combination of petrolatum, Vitamin B3 Complex and prestige skin care ingredients, these curated collections deeply hydrate to renew skin.TheCleansing & Renewing Body Care Duowas inspired by Olays skincare line and is infused with super ingredient retinol. According to Olay, the Retinol Body Wash improves skin 3X better than the leading body wash and transforms skin from dry and stressed to bright and smooth.The Rinse-Off Body Conditioner with retinol is a sheer conditioner that provides concentrated moisture that works overnight to help stop dry skin before it starts and before you even get out of the shower.TheExfoliating Body Wash Collectiongently removes dead skin cells and replenishes skins natural moisture barrier to leave skin feeling smooth and renewed. Rich moisture meets advanced exfoliation with these three body wash products that are gentle enough for everyday use:

Originally posted here:
Olay Debuts Three New Premium Body Care Collections - Beauty Packaging Magazine

Newswise Eczema, or atopic dermatitis (AD), is sometimes called "the itch that rashes." Often, the itch begins before the rash appears, and, in many cases, the itchiness of the skin condition never really goes away. Approximately 9.6 million children and 16.5 million adults in the U.S. have AD, which can have a serious effect on quality of life for patients. Although much has been learned about the uncomfortable sensation that triggers the desire to scratch, many mysteries remain about chronic itch, making it a challenge to treat. A paper by authors from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School published in TheProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, offers new clues about the underlying mechanisms of itch. Findings suggest a key molecular player known as cysteine leukotriene receptor 2 (CysLT2R) that may be a new target for intractable chronic itch.

"In atopic dermatitis, the itching can be horrific and it can aggravate disease," said co-corresponding author K. Frank Austen, MD, a senior physician in the Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology at the Brigham. Austen is also the AstraZeneca Professor of Respiratory and Inflammatory Diseases, Emeritus, at Harvard Medical School. "We began collaborating for two reasons: one is an interest in science -- I wandered into the study of what is now the cysteine leukotriene pathway decades ago, and I've been pursuing it ever since. The second reason is itch -- understanding its cause and connections to neurons."

Austen and his lab, which focuses on the molecular components that contribute to allergic inflammation, collaborated with Isaac Chiu, PhD, an assistant professor of Immunology at Harvard Medical School. The team also included researchers at the Center for Immunology & Inflammatory Diseases at Massachusetts General Hospital and at the University of Texas at Dallas.

"As a neuro-immunologist, I'm interested in how the nervous system and immune system cross-talk," said Chiu, co-corresponding author of the study. "Itch arises from a subset of neurons, and acute itch may be a protective response to help us remove something that's irritating the skin. However, chronic itch is not protective and can be pathological. The underlying mechanism that activates neurons and causes chronic itch is not well understood and new treatment is needed."

Chiu, Austen and colleagues set out to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that may trigger chronic itch. To do so, they looked for gene activity in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons linked to itch in mice. They found a striking level of CysLT2R, which was uniquely and highly expressed in these specific neurons. They also found expression of this receptor in human DRG neurons. This led the researchers to focus their analysis on the receptor's role in itch signaling. Additional studies showed that activating this receptor induced itching in a mouse model of AD, but not in other mouse models. Mice that lacked CysLT2R showed decrease itching. Collectively, their findings pointed to the receptor's key role in causing itch and potentially contributing to AD.

Lead author Tiphaine Voisin, PhD, carried out many of the preclinical experiments in mouse models of AD during her time in the Chiu lab at HMS.

"The last ten years or so of research in the field of chronic itch have shown the importance and the complexity of the interactions between the immune system and the nervous system," said Voisin. "It was very exciting to explore the contribution of cysteine leukotrienes in these neuro-immune cross-talks leading to itch, including in a mouse model of AD."

Leukotrienes are a class of lipid molecules that originate from white blood cells, such as mast cells, which are involved in allergy and inflammation. Today, the leukotriene inhibitor montelukast, which targets CysLT1R, is used to treat asthma but does not provide relief from itch. No clinically approved inhibitors of CysLT2R currently exist and, while the researchers have seen evidence of the receptors in humans, until an inhibitor is developed and trialed in humans, it will remain an open question as to whether the new target can lead to a therapy for patients.

While Chiu and Austen are eager to see their findings prompt treatment improvements, Austen, who has been pursuing leukotrienes since the 1970s, also notes the importance of making new discoveries and unexpected connections through research.

"I do believe that science is bottom up, not top down," said Austen. "The joy of research is doing it for the pleasure of finding out something you didn't know. The immune system is far more complex than we give it credit for. Understanding the involvement of nerves is an immense step forward -- it's been a missing piece in the study of inflammation. In my view, this is immensely important to connect neuroscience with those of us committed to studying inflammation."

###

Funding for this work was provided by the National Institutes of Health (DP2AT009499, R01AI130019 and NS111929), the Food Allergy Science Initiative, the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, the Brigham and Women's Hospital Hypersensitivity Fund, the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (K08 AI132723), and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Foundation Faculty Development Award.

Paper cited: Voisin, T et al. "The CysLT2R receptor mediates leukotriene C4-driven acute and chronic itch"PNASDOI: 118/13/e2022087118

Read the original:
Understanding itch: New insights at the intersection of the nervous system & immune system - Newswise

SINGAPORE - It has been almost a year since the wearing of masks outside one's home was made compulsory in Singapore to control the spread of Covid-19.

With mask-wearing now a way of life here, skin doctors have seen more cases of "maskne" - acne or skin irritation caused by prolonged mask usage.

Dr Tan Wei Sheng, consultant dermatologist and medical director at Dermatology & Co clinic, has been seeing two to three cases of "maskne" each day since the start of the circuit breaker last April.

One possible cause is the retention of heat and humidity from perspiration and exhaled air within the mask, which leads to acne, says Dr Tan.

"Changes to the skin's flora, or the micro-organisms which reside on the skin, happen with increased heat retention that also contributes to the formation of acne," he adds.

Friction caused by constant pressure and the rubbing of the mask on the skin may also lead to a type of acne known as acne mechanica.

Other dermatologists here have also seen an increase in skin conditions linked to mask-wearing.

Dr Eileen Tan, a dermatologist at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, has seen a 15 to 20 per cent rise in skin consultations related to mask-wearing since it was mandated in April last year.

Her patients often suffer from skin infections such as eczema, acne or folliculitis, which is the infection of one's hair follicles.

"In my clinical practice, the most common skin issue caused by frequent mask-wearing is eczema, which affects those who have sensitive skin or existing eczema," says Dr Tan.

Eczema often appears on the skin as redness, flaking, or pressure sores, or even oozing and crusting in more severe cases, which often leave scars, she adds.

Dr Pan Jiun Yit, senior consultant at the National Skin Centre, has also seen patients with eczema or acne caused by mask-wearing.

All have responded well to treatment and changed their mask-wearing habits or types of mask they wear, he says.

Engineer Derrick Tan, 30, has changed his lifestyle to minimise skin issues from mask-wearing.

Last September, he saw a skin specialist after noticing pimples around his chin and neck each time he removed his mask.

He was diagnosed with maskne or acne mechanica, and given antibiotics and creams.

"It got a lot better since then, but I think this has helped me to be more conscious of the mask being a potential cause (of acne). So I try to avoid situations where I have to wear a mask, such as going out for social gatherings less frequently," says Mr Tan, who works mainly from home.

Essential workers such as front-line healthcare workers are at even greater risk of skin issues as their masks are more tight fitting and they have to wear them longer, notes Dr Eileen Tan.

A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology in May last year surveyed 700 healthcare workers in Hubei, China, and found that over 70 per cent of them had dry skin, and 52.5 per cent experienced itchy skin.

The nasal bridge, where the mask rests, was the most common area of irritation, the study found.

Dr Tan Wei Sheng notes that mask-wearing could also trigger flare-ups in people with existing skin conditions, such as rosacea, where patients have red bumps and redness around the nose, cheeks and mouth.

There may also be allergic reactions to the rubber latex in the elastic loops of the masks usually worn by healthcare workers, he adds.

When using reusable masks, skin doctors say it is important to practise good mask hygiene.

Dr Tan says: "If reusable masks are not washed regularly, they can retain oil and dead skin cells as well as bacteria. This may play a small part in maskne.

"Hence it is important for reusable masks to be washed daily with a gentle soap."

He says it is also important to ensure one's mask has a good fit.

"It should not be too tight to cause excessive pressure, but it shouldn't be too loose that it moves about on the face, as doing so could cause even more friction on the skin," he adds.

Agreeing that the daily washing of reusable masks is important, Dr Pan adds that people with sensitive skin should opt for masks made of light polyester materials.

While cotton masks allow for more airflow, he says they may lead to increased sweating, especially given the humidity here.

Ms Hilary Kong, 39, who works in the hotel industry, had a skin infection partly as a result of wearing a mask at work during phase two of the reopening of Singapore's economy last year.

It started with one or two cysts on her face.

Having to wear a mask aggravated her skin, which "did not have time to heal or breathe", she says. "It was uncomfortable and painful."

Since then, she has gone for silk masks. Silk masks are known to be more comfortable as they cause less friction on the skin.

"I've also avoided putting make-up around my chin and ensure that I wash my masks daily," she says.

To prevent maskne, Dr Eileen Tan, dermatologist at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital suggests the following:

1. Take a 15-minute "mask break" every four hours, although you should remove your mask only when it is safe to do so. Many healthcare workers say this practice has helped them to better protect their skin.

2. Wash your cloth mask frequently, or after each use, where possible.

This removes the oils and skin cells that collect in the mask, which could lead to a skin problem.

3. Avoid wearing make-up if you have skin conditions as this may clog your pores, leading to breakouts.

If make-up is necessary, use products that are oil-free or non-comedogenic so they will not clog or block your pores.

4. Avoid or reduce the use of new or harsh skincare products which could be irritating to the skin, such as glycolic acid or retinol- related products, which are typically used for anti-ageing, acne and pigmentation. These have a higher risk of causing skin irritation with long hours of mask-wearing.

5. Moisturise your face at least 30 minutes before putting on your mask, preferably with a light, non-greasy moisturiser.

6. After taking off your mask, wash your face immediately. This helps to remove the grease, dead skin and bacteria which have built up over the day.

7. Pat your skin dry, instead of rubbing water off with a towel, to maintain the skin's natural moisture.

The rest is here:
Got 'maskne'? 7 tips to keep clear of skin woes linked to mask wearing - The Straits Times

Several conditions can cause a cough and a rash to appear together, such as allergies and viruses.

Coughing is the bodys natural response to blockages or irritants in the airways. Colds, flu, asthma, and allergies could all cause a cough.

Doctors describe a rash as an area of swollen or irritated skin. It might look like pimples, blisters, or spots.

The treatments for a combination of cough and rash combined depends on what is causing the symptoms.

In this article, we will look at some of the most common causes of a combination of a cough and a rash. We will also examine how to treat a cough and rash, and when to see a doctor.

Some of the most common causes of a cough and skin rash include:

Many people have allergies. Allergies occur when the immune system registers something as a threat, such as:

Doctors call these things allergens.

Typical allergy symptoms include:

An allergic reaction will typically start soon after a person encounters the allergen. The rash, which is usually itchy, might be mild or severe, depending on the person.

With some allergies, a person might also develop hives. Hives are pale bumps that might itch, burn, or sting.

Learn more about what allergic reaction rashes look like here.

Mild allergic reactions usually improve without treatment. Many people with mild allergies either try to avoid the allergen or take over-the-counter medicines called antihistamines.

If someone has a severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, they need immediate medical attention. With anaphylaxis, the bodys immune system causes severe, life-threatening symptoms that can affect multiple parts of the body.

Learn more about how anaphylaxis can affect the body here.

The coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 can cause the disease COVID-19. COVID-19 mostly affects the lungs and can be severe in older people and those with underlying health conditions.

The main symptoms of COVID-19 are a fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath. Other symptoms may include:

Some people with COVID-19 may also develop a rash. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the rash could appear as:

Learn more about the early symptoms of COVID-19 here.

Current treatments for COVID-19 include the following drugs:

At present, remdesivir is the only drug will full approval from the Food and Drug Administration.

Most people recover without seeing a doctor, but some people need hospital treatment.

Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 should follow their local guidelines. They may need to get a COVID-19 test. People can find the latest information on testing on their local or state health departments website.

Learn more about treatments for COVID-19 here.

Stay informed with live updates on the current COVID-19 outbreak and visit our coronavirus hub for more advice on prevention and treatment.

In children, the most common causes of a cough and rash include:

Anyone who has not had a measles vaccination can develop measles. Measles is highly contagious, meaning it spreads quickly, and it can be severe. For some people, it can be fatal.

Measles can be severe for all age groups. However, some groups are more likely to experience complications from measles, including:

A fever is usually the first sign of measles, along with a cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. People may also notice small white spots inside the cheeks.

A rash tends to develop after several days. It often starts on the face and neck and spreads across the body to the hands and the feet. The rash tends to fade after 56 days.

No antiviral treatments exist for measles. People can avoid complications by ensuring the body has everything it needs to fight the infection. That includes nutritious food and plenty of fluids.

Children with measles sometimes need vitamin A supplements, which can help prevent eye damage.

Sometimes, measles can lead to eye and ear infections or pneumonia. When this happens, doctors will usually prescribe antibiotics.

Roseola is a viral infection that causes a skin rash and a high fever. It most commonly affects infants between the ages of 612 months. It can affect adults, but this is rare. Doctors might call roseola sixth disease or exanthema subitum.

The first sign of roseola is a high temperature, which may last for 35 days. The child will then usually develop a pink rash on the torso, which might spread to the:

Other symptoms may include:

Roseola will usually get better without treatment. In the meantime, home remedies can help ease symptoms, such as:

People can ease cough symptoms at home by taking OTC cough medicines or having a spoonful of honey.

OTC cough remedies are not recommended for children due to both a lack of efficacy and potential risks.

Caregivers should not give honey to any children under the age of 1 year due to the risk of infant botulism.

To soothe an itchy rash, people can try applying a cold, wet cloth or ice pack to the affected area or moisturizing the skin.

Some rashes, such as those from an allergic reaction, can be treated with nonsteroidal creams, oatmeal baths, OTC anti-itch lotions such as calamine, or OTC antihistamines, such as Benadryl or Zyrtec.

Learn more about cough and cold medications here.

Learn more about toddler cough home remedies here.

If someone is experiencing color changes, hives or swelling on the skin along with other symptoms of anaphylaxis, they need emergency medical attention. Those are:

People who suspect they have COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider as they may need to get a COVID test. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that anyone experiencing the following symptoms should seek medical care immediately:

The complications of measles can be severe. Anyone with a child showing symptoms of the condition should speak to a doctor immediately. The best way to prevent measles is vaccination.

There are many causes of cough and a rash. Allergies and viruses are the most common causes.

Some viruses and mild allergies will clear up without treatment. Anyone who is having a severe allergic reaction or difficulty breathing should seek medical attention immediately. Children with suspected measles also require urgent medical attention.

People who have symptoms of COVID-19 may need to take a test and seek medical advice.

Excerpt from:
Cough and rash: Causes, symptoms, treatment, and more - Medical News Today

Have you noticed your skin has suffered in the last year, with an increase in acne, deepening wrinkles or exacerbated existing conditions? Pandemic stress might be to blame.

Multiple lockdowns combined with the stresses of working from home and homeschooling has been tough on most people's mental health," says dermatology nurse consultant Paula Oliver.

"Even though normality is on the horizon, it can still feel daunting, and this stress could be causing skin to flare-up for eczema and psoriasis sufferers."

Plus, if you already have complexion issues, they can have an impact on your mental health.

"I often say to my patients, 'Stress causes skin disease and skin disease causes stress'," says consultant dermatologist Dr Alia Ahmed aka The Psychodermatologist.

"People with skin conditions are at higher risk of developing poor psychological health, meaning they are more likely to feel embarrassed, low, anxious, have body image issues or feel socially isolated. These feelings can then impact their skin and it can turn into a vicious cycle."

Why does stress impact our skin?

"The brain has a stress-activated pathway that causes the release of various chemicals and hormones that drive inflammation both in the body and the skin," Dr Ahmed continues. "Feelings of emotional distress lead to the release of a stress hormone (cortisol), which is known to affect the immune system."

The effects of cortisol can vary, with skin "feeling dry and itchy, as well as the formation of lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, signs of premature aging and dull skin".

Oliver adds: "Acne tends to heal much slower when a person is under stress, which means pimples stay longer and appear more visible."

Stress management

Our experts agree that treating the cause, not the symptoms, is the best approach, which is why you should start by trying to reduce the causes of stress in your life.

Dr Ahmed says: "Often, very simple changes can make big differences in patients' lives. So, it's important to consider the amount of sleep people are getting, their daily fluid intake, food choices, and amount of time spent exercising."

Oliver recommends sticking to "a healthy, balanced diet, which is full of rich, leafy greens, good fats and high fibre foods.

"Drinking at least two litres of water a day can also help hydrate the skin, preventing breakouts and signs of ageing".

Exercise is another lifestyle factor to consider, she says, as it "releases endorphins that make you feel happy, and it gives you the opportunity to clear your mind from daily worries.

In addition, Dr Ahmed recommends trying relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness or meditation, to find a method that works for you.

"Ways to facilitate this have become easier. There are apps that can be used (e.g. Headspace), online habit reversal and self-help websites. If you're not sure what approach is right for you, speak to a healthcare professional."

Skincare

"It's important to remember that chasing the concept of flawless skin can be emotionally distressing, but learning to cope with 'skin imperfections' can be empowering," says Dr Ahmed.

"So, having a good skincare product that helps take care of your skin and treats any marks can help you feel more confident in your own skin."

She recommends using a lightweight oil, such as Nuture Nourishing Skin Treatment Oil (5,99, was 8.99, Boots) to "replenish hydration for improved elasticity and supple skin".

Oliver says that an emollient, such as Epimax Original Cream, (6.99, YourDrySkin) is ideal for "the relief of dry skin, and diagnosed eczema and psoriasis".

Belfast Telegraph

Link:
This is how stress can affect your complexion: Experts advise on how to cope if pandemic worries have had an impact on your skin - Belfast Telegraph

Antihistamines have improved over the past few decades. Credit: Carol Yepes / Getty Images

Antihistamines are one of the most widely taken medications worldwide, used to relieve allergy symptoms such as runny noses, sneezing and congestion.

But new research points out that misconceptions around these common medications abound, leading to both misuse and overuse.

A paperpublishedin theCanadian Medical Association Journallists five facts to know about them:

People need to rethink what they stock in their home cabinets as allergy medicines, what hospitals keep on formulary, and what policymakers recommend, says Derek Chu, a researcher in allergies at McMaster University in Canada and co-author on the paper.

There are new modern second-generation antihistamines that are potent, specific, fast acting and of proven safety which everyone should be using to treat allergic rhinitis and hives, adds Gordon Sussman, a professor of medicine at the University of Toronto in Canada and co-author on the paper.

More information can be found onHealthDirectandNPS Medicinewise.

More on allergies

Ellen Phiddian is a science journalist at The Royal Institution of Australia.

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Five things to know about antihistamines - Cosmos