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

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

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