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Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes dryness, itchiness, rashes, and blisters.

Living with facial eczema tends to require some special considerations when buying beauty and skin care products something you might already know for yourself.

If you have eczema, its generally safe to wear makeup, except during a flare-up, says Emily Wood, MD, board certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology. When your skin is actively inflamed, youll want to lay off the makeup until symptoms subside.

That said, not all makeup is well suited to eczema-prone skin.

Some makeup, for instance, contains irritants that can trigger or worsen flare-ups. Thats why most dermatologists emphasize the importance of always checking ingredient labels before investing in a new foundation, blush, eyeshadow, or other makeup product.

Most people with eczema are more prone to skin sensitivity and allergies, says Tiffany Link, MD, a medical and cosmetic dermatologist at Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery. So, try to choose brands and products made for sensitive skin, which generally means they have minimal ingredients, no fragrance, and fewer chemicals.

Below, dermatologists share some helpful tips on how to choose non-irritating, eczema-friendly makeup.

As a general rule, make it a point to seek out makeup labeled as hypoallergenic or formulated for sensitive skin. These products tend to have fewer of the most common allergens that can worsen eczema.

Also, try to avoid gel-based products, Link recommends. Their alcohol-based formulas can strip skin of all its moisture and potentially aggravate eczema symptoms like dryness and itchiness.

You might opt for cream and mousse formulas instead, as these tend to be much less drying to eczema-prone skin than powders. Makeup powders can worsen or draw attention to any texture issues.

If you have an allergy or sensitivity to a particular ingredient, makeup with that ingredient can make your eczema worse, Link explains.

So, if you find your eczema flares up frequently on your cheeks, eyelids, or other areas where you apply makeup, a good next step involves connecting with a dermatologist. They can help you identify exactly which ingredients to avoid and offer more guidance on choosing eczema-friendly ingredients.

Sunscreen is a daily necessity. Still, you might have trouble finding a product that offers the right protection and also doesnt trigger an eczema flare.

Wood highly recommends sticking to physical, or mineral-based sunscreen, which is far less likely to cause burning, redness, and irritation than chemical sunscreen.

Learn more about the difference between chemical and physical sunscreen.

If you have eczema, you need to check ingredients on any products that touch your skin, says Link. This includes:

Some beneficial ingredients that could help soothe eczema or at least prevent it from worsening include:

You may want to avoid using makeup products with the following common irritants. These ingredients could trigger an eczema flare-up or make your symptoms worse.

Try to pick products that say fragrance-free rather than unscented, Link recommends, going on to explain that unscented products often use a masking fragrance to cover up an unpleasant smell. In short, theyre not completely free of fragrance.

In addition to paying attention to the ingredients in your makeup products, the following tips may help you avoid eczema flare-ups.

You can use sponges, gentle brushes, or even your fingertips to apply makeup without irritating and inflaming the skin.

Make sure you always clean your tools, says Link, since bacteria on brushes or your hands may aggravate the skin. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends washing your brushes with gentle shampoo and water every 7 to 10 days to kill any harmful bacteria.

Apply products gently, with as little friction and pressure as possible.

Using a primer before applying foundation may help to provide a buffer between your skin and the makeup.

While you may want to layer makeup to cover up any eczema rashes, skin discoloration, or scaly patches, Wood emphasizes that less is more.

Thick layers of makeup are not helpful for maintaining a healthy skin barrier, says Wood. Plus, thicker layers are more difficult to remove without using harsh chemicals or rubbing the skin.

As far as eye makeup is concerned, Wood advises staying away from the following:

The following makeup products are free of many common irritants and may be a good option for eczema-prone skin:

Just remember that everyones skin is different, so what works for someone else with eczema may not be the right match for you.

Working with a dermatologist will enable you to craft a skin care and makeup routine that helps rather than worsens your eczema, Link emphasizes.

Interested in more product recommendations? It may be worth checking out the NEAs Eczema Product Directory, which features a list of skin care products that have received the NEA Seal of Acceptance, meaning theyre formulated specifically for people with eczema or very sensitive skin.

You can still wear makeup if you have eczema, but youll mostly want to opt for products without potential irritants and common allergens. Experts also recommend avoiding makeup during an eczema flare.

Remember, too, that its always wise to do a patch test when trying new products. Patch testing can help you check your skins reaction before fully applying the product to your face.

Having trouble finding makeup or other beauty products that dont worsen your eczema symptoms? You may want to consider working with a dermatologist who can offer more guidance on treatment options and eczema-safe products.

Rebecca Strong is a Boston-based freelance writer covering health and wellness, fitness, food, lifestyle, and beauty. Her work has also appeared in Insider, Bustle, StyleCaster, Eat This Not That, AskMen, and Elite Daily.

Originally posted here:
Makeup for Eczema-Prone Skin: Considerations, Products, and Tips - Healthline

Eczema vaccinatum is a rare complication of the smallpox vaccination. It affects people with eczema, and serious cases can be fatal.

However, smallpox is no longer considered a public health threat, and routine smallpox vaccinations against smallpox stopped in the United States in 1972.

Today, the vaccination is only given to select members of the military, select members of the Department of Defense, and some people who work in biological laboratories. This means eczema vaccinatum is very rare, but knowing the symptoms of this condition is still important. Treatment is essential for eczema vaccinatum, and its best to start treatment right away.

Read on to learn more about this rare condition.

Eczema vaccinatum (EV) is a complication that sometimes occurs as a result of the smallpox vaccination. This complication only occurs in people who have eczema.

EV causes a painful rash, fever, and other symptoms. It is most dangerous to young children and always requires medical treatment. EV can be fatal in severe cases.

The symptoms of EV are highly noticeable. People with EV generally become very sick, very quickly. Symptoms occur after receiving a smallpox vaccine or after coming in contact with someone who received the vaccine. Symptoms include:

Some forms of the smallpox vaccine contain a live virus. This viral material is normally harmless. Most people who receive the smallpox vaccine have mild symptoms such as a sore arm or a slight fever for a day or two but have no long-term or serious complications. In fact, EV doesnt occur as a result of the injected live virus. Rather, EV develops when the live virus gets into the body through your skin.

Eczema damages the skins natural barriers. People with eczema are at higher risk of bacterial, fungal, and viral skin infections. These infections may be more complex for people with eczema than standard cases and they require additional or specialized treatments. Similarly, people with eczema can develop an infection if the live virus contained in the smallpox vaccine touches their skin. This can happen if a person with eczema:

Sometimes, people with eczema can spread the smallpox vaccine virus without realizing it. For instance, a person with eczema could remove their bandage believing the site is completely healed. Later, they could apply their standard nightly lotion or corticosteroid cream. If the vaccination site wasnt fully healed, applying lotion can spread the virus, and can even help it penetrate the skin.

Doctors can normally diagnose EV during a single exam. The skin lesions that develop are very distinctive.

Keep in mind that EV only develops in people with eczema whove come in contact with the smallpox vaccine, and the smallpox vaccine is very rarely given in modern times. This allows doctors to either rule out or confirm EV quickly.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have approved and currently recommend the use of vaccinia immune globulin (VIG) as a treatment for EV.

This treatment is given by injection over the course of several days. Treatment is most successful when it is started early. In some cases, additional treatment might be needed. For instance, antibiotics are sometimes prescribed to prevent or treat bacterial infections or open lesions.

EV is extremely rare. The biggest risk factor is having eczema and receiving the smallpox vaccine.

The smallpox vaccine isnt recommended for people with eczema or for people who share households with people with eczema. This includes people who havent had recent eczema flare-ups. For instance, adults who no longer have eczema flare-ups, but who had childhood eczema, are not candidates for the smallpox vaccine.

Its important to note that some people with other chronic skin diseases, such as Dariers disease, are also not candidates for the smallpox vaccine.

Talk with a medical professional if you have any chronic skin condition and if you, or anyone in your household, need a smallpox vaccine for any reason. There are alternative smallpox vaccines available for people with immune conditions like eczema and HIV.

In the United States, the smallpox vaccine is only required in a few specific professional settings, including:

EV can be fatal in severe cases. EV is most dangerous for young children. EV is infectious and could spread to others while skin lesions are open.

On average, it takes 21 days for scabs to form and for lesions to begin falling off. However, eczema can make skin healing a longer and slower process.

Eczema vaccinatum is a rare condition. It develops when the smallpox vaccination gets into the skin of people with eczema.

The live virus can travel through the damaged skin barriers and cause someone to become very ill. Its important for someone with EV to get treatment right away because severe cases of EV can be fatal.

However, the smallpox vaccine isnt routinely given in modern times. Only certain military, Department of Defense, and laboratory workers receive the vaccine. Additionally, versions of the vaccine for people who are immunocompromised, including people with eczema, have been developed.

These factors make EV a very rare condition, but it is a serious one. If you have eczema, its important to understand EV and to keep yourself safe if you ever do come in contact with the smallpox vaccine.

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Eczema Vaccinatum: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment - Healthline

Emilie Chho, 27, has had atopic dermatitis (commonly known as eczema) since she was an infant. In elementary school, she began usingsteroid creams to ease her itchiness and discomfort. The rashes made me self-conscious, and the itching made it hard to sleep, but the topical steroids would always clear things up, says Chho, a medical-surgical nurse in Meriden, Connecticut.

Last summer, she didnt think twice about using a steroid cream to relieve the sting of a mild sunburn. I applied it to my arms for a few days, then I stopped, she recalls.

A few days later, she developed a rash, not only on her arms but also the rest of her body. My skin was burning red, then after a few days it would peel off, like it was shedding. There were flakes everywhere. It was disgusting, she recalls.

The cycle would repeat the rash, then the peeling for six long months. I was burning and itching, my eyes were swollen, and my arms looked as if I was wearing a shirt with red sleeves, Chho says.

Even before she went to a dermatologist for help, Chho suspected she was experiencing topical steroid withdrawal, a condition also known as TSW, topical steroid addiction, or red skin syndrome.

Topical steroids, the most widely prescribed medications for eczema flares, work by reducing inflammation. They are an important treatment option but can have negative side effects, such as thinning skin, particularly when patients use higher-dose formulations for extended periods of time.

Topical steroid withdrawal is essentially a rebound response to overuse of the medication. People whove been using topical steroids on an ongoing basis and then suddenly stop are more likely to report having TSW. According to the National Eczema Association (NEA), symptoms of topical steroid withdrawal include burning, weeping (skin oozing liquid), flaking, shedding, peeling, spreading, swelling, redness, wrinkling, thin skin, pus-filled bumps, cracking, itching, nodules, pain, insomnia, hair loss, shivering, fatigue, depression, and disability.

The NEA has expressed a commitment to raising awareness about topical steroid withdrawal, a diagnosis that remains controversial among dermatologists. Some patients report that their doctors are skeptical that TSW is real.

Looking for validation and empowerment, patients are choosing to share dramatic images of their skin on Instagram and TikTok, with the hashtags #topicalsteroidwithdrawal and #tsw.

Chho learned about TSW a few years ago when she started searching online for information about a severe skin reaction she was experiencing and discovered a nonprofit organization called ITSAN the International Topical Steroid Awareness Network. They had a Facebook page full of people with the same symptoms that I had, she says.

But her dermatologist was doubtful when she brought up TSW as a potential diagnosis. He told me: Dont be part of a Facebook mob. That condition doesnt even exist, she says.

Chho was hesitant to go back to that dermatologist during her skin scare last summer. Instead, she went to an urgent care facility, where a physicians assistant offered more steroids.

She decided to seek help online, posting about her condition on TikTok (@emchho). In the video, I totally broke down and the post blew up, she says. Within a month, she went from having 20 followers to 10,000.

Today, she has more than 13,000 followers, and she continues to post about TSW providing updates about her skin, trying products, and savoring the groundswell of support.

Shes far from the only TSW influencer. As of July 2022, TikTok videos with the hashtag #topicalsteroidwithdrawal have garnered more than 331 million views, while those tagged #tswhave gotten more than 515 million views.

Most dermatologists say tropical steroid withdrawal is real but relatively rare. I use topical steroids as the first line of treatment on many of my patients with eczema, and the vast majority that Ive seen have not experienced TSW, says Joy Wan, MD, an assistant professor of dermatology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore.

Dr. Wan points out that there isnt much data documenting how many people have topical steroid withdrawal. In 2015, the NEA found just 34 studies about the condition. The research review, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, was updated in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment in 2022, but the number of relevant studies was still scant.

The research review did reach a few conclusions, however among them that TSW is most common in adult women who apply mid- or high-potency steroids to their face or genitals. The condition also seems to be associated with the prolonged use of daily topical steroids on sensitive areas or the use of topical steroids without tapering or periodic breaks.

Its possible that TSW is underdiagnosed because there is no test that can confirm a person has it, says Katherine Siamas, MD, a clinical assistant professor in the department of dermatology at Stony Brook Medicine in Commack, New York.

Adding to the ambiguity, there are other possible explanations for skin issues that can look like TSW. Symptoms can result when the underlying condition the patient is being treated for whether eczema or something else has not been adequately controlled, so they flare up when the medication is stopped, Dr. Siamas says.

Yet there are key differences between the symptoms of topical steroid withdrawal and those of atopic dermatitis, which can offer clues to whats going on. With TSW, the literature notes that redness tends to be concentrated in the face first, then spreads to other areas, including the genitals, says Wan. Atopic dermatitis, on the other hand, can appear anywhere on the body, but typically the hands, neck, inner elbows, ankles, knees, feet, and around the eyes, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

And while people with atopic dermatitis generally experience itching, Patients with TSW feel a burning or stinging sensation, says Wan.

Worried that you might develop TSW? You may be at greater risk if youve been prescribed or have been using topical steroids inappropriately, which is to say too frequently or for too long a period of time, says Wan.

Usually, theyre good medications we use routinely, says Siamas. But its important to go with the appropriate strength for the location; for instance, we dont typically use a high-potency formulation on the thinner skin of the face or the groin where the medication is more easily absorbed by the body.

Besides potency, its also critical to consider length of use. While theres no strict cutoff, we try not to prescribe the higher-strength steroids for more than two to four weeks, maximum, says Wan. Beyond that, she adds, its vital to build in breaks, especially if youre applying the medication to areas like the face or groin.

Chho says that her dermatologist didnt talk about limits. He told me I would need topical steroids for the rest of my life, she recalls. I think the problem is that doctors dont always teach patients how to use the medication properly the doctor gives you a tub of it and you end up just slathering it on.

Siamas agrees about the need for doctors to warn patients about potential issues. When seeing an atopic dermatitis patient for the first time, I make sure we have the conversation about not overusing steroids, she says. I may prescribe a topical steroid first, to calm things down, then have someone come back in two weeks to see how its working. After two or three weeks, I might switch to a nonsteroid medication, for maintenance.

For patients with long-standing skin conditions, she takes a different tack: I prescribe both a steroid and a nonsteroid, and have them alternate.

For someone like Chho, Siamas says she would wean her off topical steroids while adding a nonsteroidal medication. I might also try an oral anti-inflammatory medication and an oral antibiotic, like doxycycline, to quiet the skin down a bit.

For Chho, whose dermatologist has since acknowledged that she might have had TSW after all, the best option felt like not using anything at all on her skin, at least for a time. Now she is taking upadacitinib (Rinvoq), an oral medication that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved for atopic dermatitis.

Im not fully healed, but Im better its working for me, she says.

Her best advice for those who suspect they may have TSW: If you think something is wrong, dont doubt your feelings. Keep advocating for yourself and fighting to get the help you need.

See more here:
What Is Topical Steroid Withdrawal in Atopic Dermatitis Treatment? - Everyday Health

As anyone with eczema can attest (yep, me too ), the itchy skin condition can be all-consuming at times. That whole cycle of relentless scratching, sweet relief for a mere minute, followed by days of scabbing, bleeding and flaking skin no matter how many potions you apply? Very much not a vibe. Which is why it's so exciting to hear that the NHS have given a new eczema-eliminating drugs (which are catchily called abrocitinib, upadacitinib and tralokinumab) the green light.

But who is able to take them? And how does it all work?

It's reported that the new tablet(s), which are endorsed by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), will be offered to scratchy sufferers who have previously tried alternative treatments (such as moisturising creams and topical steroid creams) and who are over the age of twelve.

However, if your eczema is just limited to one small part of your body, then unfortunately you may not be eligible as the guidelines suggest the tablet route is only to be an option for those who have eczema on 10% or more of their body surface area, meaning they've been diagnosed with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (eczema). One noted downside by some who've tried the pills is an increased risk of infection.

Dr Padma Mohandas, a consultant dermatologist at Barts Health NHS Trust in London, told the Daily Mail that while the skin condition is common, it's not always easy to treat so this advance in medicine is offering many a great deal of hope. "In the worst cases it's a debilitating disease that leaves patients feeling embarrassed, socially isolated and, in extreme circumstances, suicidal.

"With these new drugs we can offer them hope that their skin will get better, which is life-changing."

Diving a little deeper into the drugs, it's said that abrocitinib and upadacitinib work by inhibiting enzymes called 'janus kinases' that attack the immune system and skin, whilst helping to activate an immune defence response. Tralokinumab is slightly different as it's a monoclonal antibody drug, which sets out to blocks the activity of proteins called 'interleukin-4' and 'interleukin-13' (that cause major inflammation).

It's thought that over 6 million people in the UK suffer from eczema.

Symptoms include red, dry, itchy skin, often behind the backs of the knees and in the inner elbows, or on the hands. As per the NHS, the skin condition can also "disrupt your sleep, make your skin bleed, and cause secondary infections" and impact on concentration.

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A new 'cure for eczema' pill has been signed off but who is allowed to take it? - Cosmopolitan UK

You put so much effort into getting a great haircut, but then flaking from your scalp ruins the look. Youre not alone with this issue. Dandruff is actually common about half of adults have it. And although dandruff is harmless, it can still be a total inconvenience. Not only is it unsightly, but it can also be incredibly itchy and, yes, itching at it too much could lead to hair loss. But what causes dandruff in the first place?

Dandruff occurs when a persons head has an excess of skin cell growth and death, which can be caused by anything from stress to a fungus to dermatitis. But thankfully, because dandruff is hard to miss, its also easy to diagnose, and there are many different ways to get rid of dandruff.

Dandruff is a very common condition, but the cause is unknown, says dermatologist Peter Young, M.D., medical director of skincare company Facet. Still, researchers have learned that several factors most likely work together to cause it.

One potential cause is contact dermatitis, which occurs when your skin gets irritated because of something its been in contact with. Shampoos and other haircare products are common culprits.

Several studies have found a link between the yeast Malassezia and scalp health. Everybody has Malassezia on their heads, as it likes to munch on saturated fatty acids found in the oils on the scalp. Some skins, however, perceive this breakdown as something that shouldnt be happening and end up producing more skin cells to renew the skin layers more quickly than normal, even up to every two to seven days when the standard is roughly 30 days. These skin cells then cluster together and flake off, causing dandruff.

The cause can sometimes be seborrheic dermatitis, particularly if youre experiencing a bad case of dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic type of eczema that manifests with dandruff, as well as red patches and greasy hair. It sometimes affects the neck and ears too.

It could also just be that you have very dry skin, or a dry skin condition. When dry skin causes dandruff though, it should be easy to spot, because the flakes arent as oily and might be a little smaller than flakes caused by other conditions. Cold, dry, or windy winters can, as a result, exacerbate this type of dandruff.

A weak immune system because you have an immune system disorder, have undergone invasive therapies recently, or simply are very stressed can also heighten dandruff. Certain medical conditions can result in dandruff, such as Parkinsons Disease and HIV, Young adds.

Dandruff is not caused by poor personal hygiene, Young says. However, it can be worsened by certain hair care practices that dry out the scalp including using a hair dryer on the hot setting and excessive use of strong hair care products, such as chemical relaxers and hair dyes, says Young.

Similarly, there is often the temptation to vigorously scrub the scalp and hair to remove the flakes and scales. But this can actually make dandruff worse by irritating the scalp, which can even lead to hair loss.

Although there is no cure yet for dandruff, several shampoo treatments are available, which can control the condition by removing the scale and reducing the redness and itching, Young says.

First, try an over-the-counter dandruff shampoo, and use it regularly for several continuous weeks. Young suggests choosing shampoos with ingredients such as zinc pyrithione, an antibacterial and antifungal medication that can be found in Head and Shoulders; selenium sulfide, which is an antifungal that slows the death of skin cells and can be found in Selsun Blue; the antifungal ketoconazole, which can be found in Nizoral; and coal tar, an antibiotic that can be found in Neutrogena T-Gel.

My favorite shampoos for dandruff are over-the-counter selenium sulfide and prescription strength ketoconazole 2%, says Young. It is often helpful to alternate or rotate these shampoos since the active ingredients work differently, he adds.

For more severe or stubborn cases of dandruff, ask your primary care provider for prescription medication for your scalp. This may include prescription fluocinolone solution, which is low in strength, and augmented betamethasone lotion, which is high in strength, or topical corticosteroid lotion.

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What Causes Dandruff And How To Get Rid Of It, According To A Dermatologist - Fatherly

Climate change has increased the incidence of skin and respiratory allergies, according to allergologists at a July 10 event organized by the Philippine Society of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (PSAAI).

Theres longer pollination as well as increasing humidity, leading to the proliferation of dust mites, molds, pollens, and fungi. This leads to an increasing incidence of skin and respiratory allergies, said Dr. Addah S. de Peralta, an allergologist at De La Salle University Medical Center.

Dust mites, molds, pollens, and fungi are among the most common allergens, or substances that cause allergic reactions.

A March 2022 study published in Nature Communications found that atmospheric conditions affect the release of pollen, and the timing and magnitude will be altered by climate change. Simultaneous exposure to allergens and toxic air pollutants can also worsen allergic responses, warned the US National Climate Assessment.

To decrease the effects of climate change, we need to practice solid waste management in our barangays [communities], said Dr. Glaiza M. Madulara, an allergologist affiliated with Pacific Global Medical Center.

Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a chronic skin condition that makes ones skin red and itchy. It tends to flare periodically, and may be accompanied by asthma or hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis).

Patients with this condition have a 50%75% risk of developing asthma and allergic rhinitis, Dr. Madulara said. Atopic dermatitis is usually the starting point for food allergies to develop later in life too.

While there is no cure for it, individuals can control atopic dermatitis by the avoidance of skin triggers and good skin care.

Shower with lukewarm water, use a gentle skin cleanser, and apply moisturizer after tapping dry your skin, said Dr. Madulara. Flareups can be treated with steroidal anti-inflammatory creams or ointments, per the supervision of each individuals doctor.

Avoiding triggers is also a good management strategy for allergic rhinitis, according to Dr. Jose Carlo Miguel M. Villanueva, an allergologist from Capitol Oral Rehabilitation Center Medical/Dental Clinic.

If you have a runny nose in the morning, sneeze when its dusty, and have itchy eyes especially at night, then you might have allergic rhinitis, he said. [Another telltale sign] is mouth breathing because of a clogged nose, which can result in dry lips, a change in the shape of your jawline, and crooked teeth, he added.

Symptoms worsen with weather changes, strong emotions, and air pollution. One of the most important things to find out is which allergens give you your symptoms, said Dr. Villanueva. One way to do it is through a skin allergy test.

A patients skin is exposed to suspected allergens in a skin prick test. The skin area is then observed for signs of an allergic reaction. Those with a family history of atopy or the genetic tendency to develop allergic rhinitis, asthma, and eczema are more predisposed to having allergies (a 20%40% risk among children with one atopic parent, and a 40-60% risk among children with parents who are both atopic).

As we go through the new normal and start to finally get our old lives again, lets not forget that there are people who struggle with diseases in everyday life, Dr. de Peralta said.

The overall prevalence of allergic rhinitis in the Philippines based on the National Nutrition and Health Survey of 2008 is 20%.

July 8 is National Allergy Day. Patricia B. Mirasol

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Allergies on the rise due to climate change - BusinessWorld Online

Skepticism about potential cryotherapy benefits is beginning to thaw out as more people are discovering how it can improve their health. In fact, industry revenue is expected to increase as the benefits of cryotherapy treatment become more widely accepted.

What is cryotherapy exactly, and how can cryotherapy benefit your health and well-being? Keep reading to find out.

After reviewing this guide, you can determine if cryotherapy aligns with your wellness goals for the year. Read on to learn everything you need to know about the uses of cryotherapy today!

Before we discuss the potential cryotherapy benefits you can experience with treatment, lets cover the basics. What is cryotherapy, exactly?

The word cryotherapy literally translates to cold therapy. This technique involves exposing your skin to extremely cold temperatures for a few minutes.

You can choose cryotherapy treatment that focuses on a single area or your entire body.

For example, localized cryotherapy is often administered through:

You might want to consider whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) instead. This treatment option involves exposing your body to extremely cold air for a few minutes at a time. For example, you might step into an enclosed treatment chamber or lay down in an enclosure.

The chamber or pod will drop somewhere between negative 200300F. Remaining within the extremely cold space for two to four minutes will allow you to reap the benefits of cryotherapy treatment.

Youre more likely to experience benefits if you use cryotherapy regularly. In fact, some athletes choose this treatment option cryotherapy to ease muscle pain.

Cryotherapy treatment is a minimally invasive form of therapy. Some physicians recommend cryotherapy to remove damaged or diseased tissue from the body. You could develop damaged or diseased tissue due to a variety of medical conditions.

Remember, cryotherapy is minimally invasive. It doesnt require open surgery.

Most patients recover quickly from cryotherapy treatments.

Medical uses of cryotherapy include:

However, cryotherapy is also offered as a physical therapy treatment.

Remember, the global cryotherapy market is experiencing growth as more people recognize the benefits of cryotherapy treatment. In fact, the market reached $3.8 billion in 2020. It could grow by a CAGR of 10.3% between 2021 and 2028.

By 2028, the industry could reach $8.4 billion in revenue.

Consider consulting an experienced sports medicine professional to determine if certain types of cryotherapy can help benefit your goals. Otherwise, here are a few cryotherapy benefits you might experience with regular treatments.

One of the main reasons people turn to cryotherapy is to ease pain symptoms.

Treatment could help ease muscle pain. It might also benefit people with joint or muscle disorders like arthritis. Routine treatments might help promote faster healing if you have an athletic injury as well.

Many doctors already recommend that patients use ice packs to relieve swollen, injured muscles. Cold temperatures can also boost your blood circulation. Your blood carries oxygen and nutrients to injured tissues to promote healing and pain relief.

Cold temperatures might also reduce the damaging effects you can experience after intense exercise sessions. You could minimize your pain symptoms for more effective recovery.

Cryotherapy treatment might also ease your pain symptoms by reducing inflammation throughout your body.

Inflammation is the bodys process of fighting infection. Too much inflammation, however, can cause pain. It could also increase your risk of arthritis, dementia, depression, cancer, and diabetes.

Minimizing inflammation throughout your body could help reduce your risk of these ailments while improving your overall health.

Some people also turn to cryotherapy for weight loss. Note that cryotherapy on its own wont help you lose weight. Rather being cold will encourage your body to remain warm, boosting your metabolism.

A few minutes of cold temperatures each day could increase your metabolism all day. Youll stop feeling cold as your metabolism adjusts to the frigid temperatures.

Remember, treatment can also ease the muscle pain you experience after an intense workout. If an injury is keeping you from exercising, consider cryotherapy. Then, you can get back to the gym to accomplish your weight loss and training goals.

By cooling and numbing nerves around your neck, cryotherapy might also help ease the migraine headaches youre experiencing. The cold temperatures could cool the blood thats passing through your intracranial vessels. Your carotid arteries are near the skins surface and therefore accessible.

However, treatment might only reduce (not eliminate) your pain.

Some athletes choose cryotherapy to numb irritated nerves in order to ease pain associated with sports injuries.

In addition to numbing nerve irritation, treatment could also help if you have pinched nerves or acute injuries.

If you choose whole-body cryotherapy, the super-cold temperatures could trigger a physiological hormonal response. The response can trigger the release of endorphins, noradrenaline, and adrenaline. Together, these hormones could have a beneficial effect on patients with anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders.

One study found that WBC could effectively provide a form of short-term treatment for both anxiety and depression. According to the study, cryotherapy reduced symptoms by at least 50%.

This was a far greater reduction than in patients who didnt elect to undergo cryotherapy treatment.

Consider localized cryotherapy treatment if youre struggling with a condition like arthritis. Whole-body cryotherapy might help reduce pain symptoms in arthritis patients.

Treatment was also well-tolerated by these patients.

Beginning with cryotherapy also allowed patients to begin more aggressive physiotherapy and occupational therapy. As a result, their overall rehabilitation programs proved more effective.

Localized, targeted cryotherapy is also used as a cancer treatment. For tumor patients, this form of treatment is called cryosurgery. The procedure works by first freezing cancer cells before surrounding the cells with ice crystals.

Today, cryosurgery is used to treat some low-risk tumors, including tumors associated with prostate cancer.

However, theres no research that indicates cryotherapy can treat cancer after the disease has developed over time. A doctor might use cryotherapy to freeze cancer cells off of the skin or cervix. Its also occasionally used to remove other cancers.

Whole-body cryotherapy might prevent Alzheimers disease and other types of dementia.

Its possible that the treatments anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects might combat inflammatory and oxidative stress that occurs in Alzheimers patients. Treatment could also reduce mild cognitive impairment and other age-related forms of cognitive decline.

However, we still need more research to determine the effectiveness of this treatment strategy.

You might want to consider cryotherapy treatment if youre worried about the state of your skin, too.

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. Symptoms include itchy and dry skin.

Cryotherapy could help improve your bloods antioxidant levels. As a result, treatment is able to reduce inflammation, which might help treat your atopic dermatitis.

In one study, patients with eczema stopped using their eczema medications before trying cryotherapy for the first time. Many patients saw a reduction in their eczema symptoms.

Make sure to find a licensed, experienced provider before scheduling cryotherapy for the first time.

Most forms of treatment involve sitting in a booth or pod for three to five minutes.

You might also find providers who offer cryotherapy facials as a form of treatment. These treatments involve applying cold temperatures to the face only.

Other providers apply treatment using a wand to target injured areas, like a joint. However, you might want to find a provider that offers whole-body cryotherapy instead.

You can find cryotherapy as a treatment option at sports medicine facilities or local medspas.

You might find the cold temperatures unpleasant at first. It can take a moment before your body is able to adjust to the low temperature.

Cryotherapy is generally safe. However, pregnant women and children should avoid treatment. Patients with severely high blood pressure and heart conditions arent ideal candidates, either.

Some side effects include tingling, irritation, redness, and numbing. Make sure to talk to your provider if you experience symptoms for over 24 hours. Side effects are almost always temporary.

Make sure you dont use cryotherapy for longer than the recommended treatment duration. If you choose whole-body cryotherapy, treatment shouldnt extend beyond four or five minutes.

Choosing an experienced, licensed provider will help you avoid side effects.

If you want to ease your muscle pain, boost your recovery times, and ease sports injury symptoms, consider cryotherapy treatment. With regular treatments, you can accomplish your fitness goals with ease. Experience these cryotherapy benefits firsthand by developing your treatment plan today.

Remember to choose a licensed, experienced provider before scheduling your first appointment.

Eager to give cryotherapy a try? Were happy to help.

Contact us today to get started.

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Cryotherapy Treatment: Uses and Benefits - newschannelnebraska.com