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Eczema is a condition that can cause patches of your skin to become red, itchy, and sometimes blistered. Approximately 1 in 10 people will experience eczema at some point in their life, and for most people symptoms start before the age of 6.

Though there is no cure for eczema, there are treatments you can use to relieve your symptoms and keep the condition from getting worse.

Eczema tends to be chronic, meaning that it comes and goes over a long period of time. Some of the most common symptoms of eczema include:

Symptoms of eczema can be difficult to live with and can limit your ability to work or interrupt your sleep with itching. However, there are several treatments you can use to help improve your symptoms.

Keeping your skin moisturized is a key step to help control your eczema symptoms.

This is because many people with eczema have a weak skin barrier, which makes it hard for the skin to retain water.

"This means more dry skin and easily damaged skin," says Brian Kim, MD, a dermatology professor at the Washington University School of Medicine.

Putting oil-based moisturizers on your skin creates a barrier that keeps water from leaving the skin and helps prevent severe dryness from eczema.

Kim recommends looking for moisturizers or ointments that come in jars rather than lotions that come out of a pump, as these are more likely to contain heavier, oil-based ingredients. You can also look for ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, or petroleum jelly.

Experts recommend that Vaseline and Aquaphor are both good options for treating eczema. If these ointments feel too greasy to wear throughout the day, you can also apply them at bedtime.

Topical steroids are medications that you apply directly to your skin to help relieve inflammation.

Steroids work by blocking the chemicals that set off your immune system's response to skin irritation, which causes inflammatory symptoms like redness and itching.

People with eczema have immune systems that overreact to any damage of the skin barrier, Kim says. This means that when irritants like pollution or bacteria pass through a weak skin barrier, your immune system will go into overdrive, causing painful and irritating eczema symptoms.

Kim says that eczema patients should use topical steroids as soon as inflammation symptoms start to appear. "This will prevent the inflammation from getting worse over time and harder to control."

Topical steroids like hydrocortisone are available over the counter or your doctor may prescribe them. You can put topical antibiotics on your skin once or twice per day but you should never use them on infected skin unless your doctor approves it.

Coal tar is another eczema remedy that is especially useful because it can be applied to the entire body, including your scalp.

Coal tar works to treat eczema by slowing the growth of new skin cells and softening the top layer of your skin. This allows your skin to more easily shed scales and keep in moisture.

Coal tar comes as a gel, cream, or shampoo and you can find it over the counter at most pharmacies. Shampoo brands include Neutrogena T/Gel and Denorex and skin gels include Betatar and Fototar.

You can apply coal tar gel once or twice per day, while creams can be used up to 4 times a day. When using coal tar shampoo, it's best to consult with your doctor about how often you should use it.

Do not use coal tar on infected or blistered areas of skin and make sure to remove it before going out into the sun, as this can cause a negative skin reaction.

Because eczema patients have a weak skin barrier, they are at greater risk for skin infections like staph or the herpes simplex virus.

"Bacteria like to live on eczema-prone skin like a parasite," Kim says, adding that one sign of infection is when skin becomes oozy and crusted.

One remedy to treat infections is an antibiotic ointment like bacitracin or Neosporin, which you can find in most pharmacies. These ointments are able to kill bacteria like staph and allow skin to begin healing.

If topical antibiotics aren't helping, your doctor may also prescribe oral antibiotics, Kim says. When using topical or oral antibiotics, you should always consult with your doctor to determine how often and how long you should take them.

Eczema is an uncomfortable condition that can affect you over a long period of time, but there are many treatments available to soothe your symptoms. It's important to be proactive to keep your flare-ups at bay and to talk with your doctor about the best form of treatment for you.

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3 ways to get rid of eczema and prevent flare ups - Insider - INSIDER

By Chris Kocher

June 05, 2020

An estimated 35 million Americans suffer from eczema, a chronic skin condition also known as atopic dermatitis. Worldwide, 2 to 5% of adults and about 15% of children suffer from symptoms such as dry, inflamed and very itchy skin with open sores.

Although there are myriad treatments for eczema, such as medical creams and natural remedies, the exact causes of the condition remain elusive.

A new study from Binghamton University researchers published in the journal Tissue Barriers may help to peel back the layers of unhealthy skin at least metaphorically speaking and get closer to a cure.

In a new paper, the team Associate Professor Guy German and PhD student Zachary W. Lipsky from the Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Department of Biomedical Engineering, and Associate Professor Claudia N.H. Marques of the Harpur College of Arts and Sciences Department of Biological Sciences connects two aspects of eczema research that are rarely studied together.

A new study from Binghamton University's Watson School shows that bacteria associated with eczema dont grow around skin cells but actually through them.

One result of atopic dermatitis is a decreased level of skin oils known as lipids, particularly one group called ceramides. Lipids on the surface of the skin function to regulate hydration and also help defend the skin from foreign invaders either indirectly through immune signaling or directly through their inherent antimicrobial activity.

Another result of eczema is an increase in staph bacteria in the skin, which can cause irritation and infection.

German said that genetics can play a part in whether someone has eczema, but people in certain occupations have also been shown to be more likely to get the skin condition, such as healthcare professionals, metalworkers, hairdressers and food processing workers. The connection? An increased amount of handwashing or regular contact with detergents for your job.

What happens if, either through a mutation or through occupational risks, theres a decreased presence of lipids on the skin? he asked. The essence of this study is that in normal, healthy conditions, bacteria do not penetrate the skin barrier. In atopic dermatitis conditions or lipid levels consistent with AD, it does and it consistently takes nine days.

Because the staph bacteria are immobile, they need to multiply in number to grow through the protective outer skin layer known as the stratum corneum. The Watson researchers believe the bacteria dont grow around the skin cells but actually through them. With lipid depletion either through genetics or occupational risks the skin appears to become more vulnerable to bacterial invasion and infection of underlying skin tissue.

When we usually think about the oils in our skin, we think about water retention and moisturizing things like that, Lipsky said. Now were looking at how these lipids are important for protection against these microorganisms that can come in and cause diseases.

Guy German is an associate professor at Binghamton University's biomedical engineering department. Image Credit: Jonathan Cohen.

While this study has not unlocked all the secrets of atopic dermatitis, showing that the bacteria could be the cause rather than the result of the disease is a major step forward. Further research is required, and thats where the Watson team will investigate next.

Now that we know that bacteria can permeate through lipid depleted skin, how does it affect the skin mechanically? Lipsky asked. Does it make the skin weaker and more likely to crack? Can we figure out how bacteria are moving through different skin layers?

German added: In scientific research, you get one answer and three additional questions pop up, so were never stuck for things to do.

German, Marques and Lipskys research, titled Lipid depletion enables permeation of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria through human stratum corneum, is funded through Germans NSF CAREER Award from the National Science Foundation.

Read more from the original source:
Binghamton biomedical researchers get closer to why eczema happens - Binghamton University

Young children are most at risk of developing eczema symptoms, but it could also develop in later life.

If you have eczema, your symptoms can vary between small patches of dry skin, to widespread, inflamed areas of cracked skin.

You could lower your risk of dry skin at home by using certain natural moisturisers.

One of the best natural treatments for eczema is coconut oil, it's been revealed.

READ MORE: Eczema treatment - the sweet treat to relieve dry and itchy skin

"Some medications can irritate sensitive skin, prompting many people with eczema to search for effective natural treatments, such as coconut oil," said medical website Medical News Today.

"While coconut oil cannot cure eczema, it can soothe the skin, reduce irritation and itching, and lower the risk of infection.

"Coconut oil is solid at room temperature, but exposure to heat turns it into a liquid. A person can use solid or liquid coconut oil on the skin. If it is solid, rub a small scoop between the fingertips until it softens.

"To reduce symptoms of eczema, apply coconut oil to the skin twice a day, or more often if necessary. A person can use it like any other lotion or moisturiser."

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Eczema treatment - the 1 natural oil to protect against dry and itchy skin at home - Express

Acuwellness Center offers acupuncture for infertility. Research suggests that acupuncture, along with traditional Chinese medicine, can serve as an effective treatment for infertility and other reproductive disorders.

According to announcements released by Acuwellness Center, and Sharareh (Sherry) Daghighi DAOM, LAc, FABORM, the wellness center offers acupuncture for fertility. Research-backed evidence suggests that fertility acupuncture can be a useful treatment procedure to complement IVF and ART treatments. Combined with other TCM protocols, acupuncture can enhance physiological processes essential for fertility. Acupuncture as a treatment modality for infertility can assist in preparation for IVF, IUI, and other ART protocols. Fertility acupuncture helps control unwanted side effects associated with IVF and ART treatments. It improves implantation and pregnancy rates. The wellness clinic will coordinate with a subject's reproductive endocrinologist to prepare a custom infertility treatment plan to optimize her chances at conception.

Sources reveal that alternative treatment procedures that use acupuncture and herbs can improve the symptoms of many health conditions, including polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which is not an uncommon condition among women in the United States. PCOS can result in diabetes, hirsutism, infertility, and obesity. Acuwellness Center is also an established Encino dermatology clinic where eczema, psoriasis, acne, rosacea, fungal infections, etc. are treated using herbal formulations, dietary supplements, and acupuncture. The wellness clinic prescribes herbs for acne, and it has delivered excellent results in treating this condition. TCM eschews the use of topical ointments that may contain harsh chemicals. Acuwellness Center treats acne by recommending dietary and lifestyle changes, acupuncture, and herbal medicines. It prescribes Chinese herbs for eczema.

Sharareh (Sherry) Daghighi DAOM, LAc, FABORM, of Acuwellness Center said, At Acuwellness Center, we offer services such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and nutritional consultation in a friendly, relaxing environment. Our areas of expertise are woman's health, fertility, internal medicine, and TCM dermatology. Our mission is to provide a tranquil, healing environment where your mind, body, and spirit can relax and recover from the stress of everyday living.

On acupuncture and herbs for premature ovarian failure, Daghighi said, Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) is defined as a cessation of ovarian function in women younger than 40 years of age. It is characterized by the occurrence of irregular and light menstruation (oligomenorrhea), primary or secondary amenorrhea (no menstruation) with elevated levels of gonadotrophins like follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and low estrogen levels. Women with POF will also have menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and decreased sexual desire.

She continued to say, Studies have shown that Acupuncture and herbal medicine can treat premature ovarian failure. Acupuncture can induce ovulation and regulate the menstrual cycle, other studies have shown some herbal formulas such as Zuo Gui Wan or a modification of this formula can induce ovulation, lower FSH levels, and regulate menstrual cycle for certain POF patients. At Acuwellness Center, we offer Acupuncture and herbal medicine services for infertility, including premature ovarian failure, we can help achieve your fertility goals or just reduce menopausal symptoms.

For more information, go to https://www.acuandherbs.com/infertility-acupuncture.html

Media ContactCompany Name: Acuwellness CenterContact Person: Sharareh (Sherry) DaghighiEmail: Send EmailPhone: (818) 642-3512Address:16260 Ventura Blvd, Ste LL16 City: EncinoState: CA 91436Country: United StatesWebsite: https://www.acuandherbs.com/infertility-acupuncture.html

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Acupuncture For Fertility And TCM Improve Chances Of Conception And Pregnancy And Mitigates Side Effects Of IVF Treatment - Press Release - Digital...