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Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is often associated with food allergy; approximately 37 percent of young children with moderate to severe eczema also have food allergies. However, scientists are still investigating the exact nature of this relationship do food allergies cause eczema or vice-versa?

Eczema is a non-contagious, inflammatory skin condition that is characterized by itching, redness, and scaly rashes. These symptoms can be painful, cause skin coloring changes, and blisters. Symptoms of eczema often appear on the arms, legs, hands, and face. The itch associated with eczema can be severe, often interrupting sleep. Scratching of the skin may lead to an infection. Infants who have eczema may rub against bedding or other things in an attempt to relieve the itch.

Eczema most commonly presents before the age of 5, but adolescents and adults can also develop this condition. About 60 percent of patients will experience symptoms of atopic dermatitis by age 1, and another 30 percent will experience symptoms by age 5. Children born into families that have a history of allergic diseases such as asthma or hay fever are at an increased risk for eczema developing.

Eczema is considered to be part of the atopic march. The atopic march involves the diagnosis of eczema, food allergy, allergic rhinitis, and asthma, typically in that sequential order.

There is documented association between food allergy and eczema among young children. It is recommended that children under the age of 5 who have moderate to severe eczema be evaluated for milk, egg, peanut, wheat, and soy allergies, if the child continues to have eczema even after treatment. Testing is also recommended when the child has a history of reaction after eating a specific food.4 An allergist can help identify which foods, if any, to eliminate from your childs diet.

Scientistshave found that people who have Filaggrin deficiency (Filaggrin is a protein found in the outermost layer of the skin; some people have a gene mutation that causes Filaggrin deficiency) are at risk for developing atopic eczema the presence of this gene defect is also believed to increase the risk of developing food allergy.

Children and adults diagnosed with eczema can manage this condition with the guidance of an allergist. In cases of moderate or severe eczema, an allergist may recommend prescription medication, including topical steroids and/or antihistamine. Milder cases may be treated with ointments and moisturizers. People with eczema should avoid harsh cleansers, drink water often, wear gloves in cold weather, and avoid wearing materials such as wool, which could irritate the skin.

Flare-ups of eczema can be caused by foods, cosmetics, soaps, wool, dust mites, mold, pollen, dog or cat dander, dry climate, and other variables.

Will the symptoms of eczema improve?

Eczema is a chronic condition, and the symptoms can come and go. The symptoms are treatable. Talk to your allergist about topical ointments or creams that can be applied to the skin. You can also help manage your eczema with regular moisturizing after baths and showers, avoiding things may that trigger a flare up (pollen or animal dander, for example), avoiding extremes in humidity levels, using non-perfumed soaps, and wearing loose-fitting, soft cotton clothing.

Is all eczema the same?

No. We have mainly discussed atopic dermatitis, also known as atopic eczema. Many other types of inflammatory skin conditions are also part of the eczema family. One such example is contact dermatitis, which is caused by direct contact with substances such as latex, detergents, perfumes, and a host of other allergens and substances to which an individual has developed sensitivities.

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eczema in children - ACAAI - ACAAI Public Website

Researchers Discover Genetic Cause for Eczema

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A research team from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and other institutions has identified a genetic mutation that causes eczemaa chronic skin condition also called atopic dermatitis. This discovery could lead to better treatments for atopic dermatitis.

Eczema affects up to 30 percent of the U.S. population and often occurs in young people alongside asthma, hay fever, or other allergies. Its thought to be caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors.

For the study, researchers analyzed gene sequences in eight people with severe eczema from four families that had a specific mutation of a gene, called CARD11, that affects the immune systems response to infection. In addition to linking the mutation with eczema, the results of the also indicate that people with mutations in the CARD11 gene can have eczema alone, without having other medical issues common in people with immune system disorders.

Sourced from; MNT

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TodayJune 21stis the first full day of summer! As the heat and humidity rise and record-breaking temperatures hit in some areas of the country its important to reduce your risk for serious conditions like heat stroke. Older adults, children, and people who work outside are particularly vulnerable to the heat.

Heat-related illness usually progresses in three stages: heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat strokewhich is a medical emergency. To cut your risk, drink plenty of non-alcoholic beverages (water is best) and avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the dayusually between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Symptoms that require immediate cooling measures include increased thirst, muscle cramps, headache, nausea, weakness, and agitation or anxiety. Heat stroke can be fatal and requires immediate medical attention. Signs of heat stroke include mental confusion, an absence of sweating, and reddened skin that is dry to the touch. If you suspect heat stroke, call 9-1-1.

Sourced from: NBC News

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A new study shows the number of U.S. adults who take high-dose vitamin D supplements increased significantlyfrom 0.3 percent to 18.2 percentbetween 1999 and 2014 in the U.S. According to the study, which was published in JAMA, this may be concerning. Although vitamin D is important for bone health, extremely high doses may are linked to negative health effects, including kidney stones, bone fractures, and falls.

Sunlight is the main source of vitamin D; the body produces it when the suns UV rays are absorbed by the skin. It is also found in animal productsmeat and dairyand in mushrooms. The recommended dietary allowance of vitamin D is 600 IU (International Units) in people under age 70 and 800 IU in those over 70. The upper tolerable limit of vitamin Dthe largest amount unlikely to cause harmis 4,000 IU daily for people of all ages.

For the study, researchers examined data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey involving about 40,000 people. In each survey from 1999 to 2006, fewer than 0.1 percent of adults reported taking 4,000 IU or more of vitamin D supplements a day, but in the 2013-2014 survey, 3.2 percent of adults reported taking at least that much.

Sourced from: Live Science

Daily Dose Index

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Researchers Discover Genetic Cause for Eczema | HealthCentral - HealthCentral.com

If you have eczema, you know that the itchy, scaly rash can pop up on any given dayand in the most inconvenient places. But even though there is no known cure for the skin condition, making small lifestyle changes can help you avoid symptoms.

Did you know that taking long, hot showers can irritate your skin? The hot water saps skin of natural oils. The same goes for harsh detergents and soaps. Try stocking up on dye-free and fragrance-free products, or try formulas specifically geared toward sensitive skin, so youre less likely to encounter an irritant. For more tips, watch the video.

Watch the video: What Causes Eczema?

Dont have time to watch? Read the full transcript:

Eczema is a skin condition with an itchy, scaly rash. The most common type of eczema is called atopic dermatitis. It usually appears on the arms or behind the knees, but it can appear anywhere on the body. Experts believe its hereditary, but its also linked to asthma and allergies. To help manage symptoms, avoid:

See the article here:
6 Common Triggers for Eczema and What To Do About Them - Health.com