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Applying moisturizer to a newborn babys skin could help prevent eczema and even food allergies later in life, possibly offering an inexpensive and easy way to combat a growing global problem, according to a recent study by a Japanese institute.

The small-scale study carried out by researchers at the Tokyo-based National Center for Child Health and Development suggests that regular lotion in the first few weeks of life helps keep a babys immune system intact.

The scientists divided 118 newborns into two groups of 59 each, applying an emollient a glycerine-based over-the-counter moisturizer to one group of babies for 32 weeks and no treatment to the other group.

As a result, 19 in the intervention group developed atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, against 28 in the control group.

The study, which the researchers said was the first of its kind anywhere in the world, could show that moisturizing reduces the risk of developing eczema by 30 percent.

The institute said in a press release that emollient prevents skin from drying out and cracking, which exposes immune cells and allows irritants to get in.

This, in turn, boosts the bodys production of antibodies to combat the irritant, resulting in over-production.

It is this over-production of antibodies that produces the symptoms of an allergy.

The institute said babies suffering from eczema tend to display strong reactions to egg white, and thus can go on to be allergic to eggs in later life or develop other problems, such as asthma or sinus infections.

It was known before that dry skin would cause eczema. One of the achievements of this study is that we came up with clear figures for the probability of developing eczema, the centers spokesman, Toru Sato, said Friday.

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Moisturizing newborns may help to prevent allergies later in life: study

Albie was so itchy, he wasnt sleeping, says Milli. I spent each night lying beside him, holding his little arms by his sides to stop him scratching and waking himself up. I was awake most of the night. I was covered in his pus. I was physically and emotionally exhausted. The family my partner, George, our daughters Bess, six, and Ursula, four was suffering.

Respite came thanks to Dr Richard Aron, a 74-year-old consultant dermatologist who practises in north London and South Africa. His therapeutic approach differs only slightly from conventional eczema treatment yet appears dramatically effective. Hes hardly a maverick, but has received a cool reception from the medical establishment.

Milli, whose home is in the Somerset village of Kingsbury Episcopi, says: Most NHS professionals said Albie might grow out of it, and to apply for disability allowance. I didnt want money. I wanted someone to fix my son.

Her GP referred her to a paediatrician, but the oral antibiotics, steroid cream and moisturisers prescribed had little effect. Milli, who was breastfeeding, cut allergens such as wheat and dairy from her diet and household irritants such as laundry softeners. Nothing helped.

It was then she discovered a Facebook community, Dr Aron Eczema Treatment Discussion Group, where parents were comparing joyful notes. Dr Aron, she learnt, specialised in treating atopic eczema. Hed helped 4,000 sufferers. Many parents posted photographs of their children before and during therapy: it looks as if those children have emerged, fresh, smooth, silky and new.

Desperation overcame her initial scepticism. An online consultation cost 80 (the only fee charged, notes Milli). She sent Dr Aron photographs and information; he sent a treatment plan. She paid 35 to a London chemist to make up his prescription.

I remember the day the postman brought that tub of cream, she says. We put it on at lunchtime. Dr Aron advised five applications daily at first. By bedtime, you could see it getting better. On day two, Albies face looked glowing. Now, seven months later, hes pretty much eczema-free.

And yet, says Milli: Every single NHS professional Ive told about it has reacted either with disinterest or scorn.

One expects toads blood at least, but Dr Arons approach uses only components that are conventionally prescribed for childhood eczema steroids, antibiotics and moisturiser. But his method of delivery is different, with all three ingredients contained in one topical mixture, and with the ratio individually tailored, according to the patients age, body mass and the severity of their condition.

Antibiotics are normally prescribed as a short course of tablets by the NHS, for cases where eczema is infected. Even if prescribed topically, it will rarely be for long periods because of fears over antibiotic resistance.

Read more here:
Eczema expert defended by parents

Applying moisturizer to a newborn babys skin could help prevent eczema and even food allergies later in life, possibly offering an inexpensive and easy way to combat a growing global problem, according to a recent study by a Japanese institute.

The small-scale study carried out by researchers at the Tokyo-based National Center for Child Health and Development suggests that regular lotion in the first few weeks of life helps keep a babys immune system intact.

The scientists divided 118 newborns into two groups of 59 each, applying an emollient a glycerine-based over-the-counter moisturizer to one group of babies for 32 weeks and no treatment to the other group.

As a result, 19 in the intervention group developed atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, against 28 in the control group.

The study, which the researchers said was the first of its kind anywhere in the world, could show that moisturizing reduces the risk of developing eczema by 30 percent.

The institute said in a press release that emollient prevents skin from drying out and cracking, which exposes immune cells and allows irritants to get in.

This, in turn, boosts the bodys production of antibodies to combat the irritant, resulting in over-production.

It is this over-production of antibodies that produces the symptoms of an allergy.

The institute said babies suffering from eczema tend to display strong reactions to egg white, and thus can go on to be allergic to eggs in later life or develop other problems, such as asthma or sinus infections.

It was known before that dry skin would cause eczema. One of the achievements of this study is that we came up with clear figures for the probability of developing eczema, the centers spokesman, Toru Sato, said Friday.

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