Monthly Archives: October 2019

NewsScienceTests found it significantly reduced the severity of the disease in a matter of weeks

Wednesday, 23rd October 2019, 7:00 pm

Scientists have raised hopes of an effective new treatment for the most common form of eczema after tests found it significantly reduced the severity of the disease in a matter of weeks.

All 12 of the atopic dermatitis patients injected with the new drug saw a reduction in symptoms of 50 per cent of more - and in 83 per cent of cases the improvement took just 29 days.

But while the results show promise, the researchers cautioned that a much bigger study was needed to confirm the findings - and they are now working on a clinical trial involving 300 patients to do this.

"Patients with atopic dermatitis experienced significant improvement in their symptoms after a single dose," said Professor Graham Ogg, of the University of Oxford, who led the research.

About 1.5 million people in the UK are thought to have atopic dermatitis - a long-term condition where skin inflammation results in dry, cracked, red, itchy and painful skin.

More effective, less frequent

A range of treatments for atopic dermatitis are already available which can be of help to many patients. However, the researchers are hopeful that their new treatment will be more effective and longer-lasting, so it won't need to be administered as often.

Damaged skin cells release a substance called IL-33 which activates the body's immune cells to come and fight a possible infection. But sometimes the immune cells are over-activated - for example in people with atopic dermatatis - causing inflammation.

The new drug is based on an artificially created antibody called etokimab and is classed as a targeted therapy because it targets and effectively smothers the IL-33 molecules behind the condition.

This calms down the body's immune response and curbs the eczema.

Healthcare industry reaction

Emma Wedgeworth, consultant dermatologist at the British Skin Foundation, said: "There is no doubt in my mind that targeted therapies like this are the future of treatment for severe eczema.

For so long, we have relied on strong general immunosuppressants to treat severe cases.....The emergence of new therapies is hugely exciting for patients and clinicians alike."

Professor Patrick Chinnery, clinical director at the Medical Research Council, which part funded the trial, said the results were "exciting".

He hopes the new drug may potentially be adapted to treat other diseases relating to the immune system such as the skin diseases psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa - and maybe some immune diseases affecting other organs as well.

"The trial suggests that [the same mechanism] may have an important role in a number of immune-related disorders which will also lead to new avenues of research for other conditions," he said.

The study is published in the journal Science Translational Medicine.

The trial was funded by the antibody development company AnaptysBio.

See original here:
Eczema drug raises hopes of effective and long-lasting treatment - inews

Although emollients alone can help reduce the symptoms of eczema and prevent flares, most people will need to use anti-inflammatory treatments such as topical corticosteroids of an appropriate strength and duration as well

Effectiveness and acceptability of emollients varies according to disease severity, body site, climate, container, and patient or carer preferences and beliefs

Based on current evidence, the best emollient is the one that the individual prefers after a period of testing

Atopic eczema or dermatitis, commonly referred to as eczema, is characterised by dry, itchy skin. Although mainly a childhood condition, this disease commonly persists into or develops in adulthood.1 Patients are advised to use leave-on emollients or moisturisers, applied directly to the skin which add or help retain moisture.23 While evidence of their clinical effectiveness is limited, their use is ingrained in clinical practice and guidelines.2

Many different emollients can be prescribed or bought over the counter. Most are formulated as lotions, creams, gels, or ointments (see infographic). There is little evidence to recommend one type of emollient over another. Healthcare professional recommendation is the main source of advice when choosing a prescribed emollient.4 Preferences of the patient or carer are critical and may be influenced by the characteristics of the emollient, patient, and environment.5 The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends patients try different emollients in the clinic before choosing.2 This approach is not practical in most primary care settings, and even in specialist clinics the range of emollients available to try can be arbitrary and influenced by pharmaceutical companies and local formularies.

Older, cheaper emollients may be as effective as newer, more expensive ones,6 and the advantages of products that claim dermatologically tested, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic are dubious.7 Through a process of trial

The rest is here:
Which emollients are effective and acceptable for eczema in children? - The BMJ

Emollients are ingredients in moisturizers that soothe and soften the skin, making them ideal for inflammatory skin conditions. Finding one that works for you might take a little guess-and-test, says Dattner. "You never know what your trigger is going to be, so you might have to experiment," he says. "I usually recommend oils. Creams are obviously sensorily appealing, but you just want to make sure that you're not allergic to the preservatives in those. Again, most people aren't, but you needto know your own skin."

There are quite a few at-home, natural remedies that have received anecdotal praise, from honey face masks to oatmeal baths. These ingredients are emollients and have skin-soothing propertiesand even some smaller clinical studies pointing to their positive effects but no sweeping conclusions from the research community. But overall, the advice remains the same from Dattner: Spot-test first, and remember that everyone is different. Just because it was effective for someone you follow on Instagram doesn't mean it will work for you.

See the rest here:
Eczema On The Face: How To Care For Your Skin Naturally - mindbodygreen.com

Biopharmaceutical company, Aslan Pharmaceuticals, has made progress in their study on a novel therapeutic antibody that could potentially provide complete relief from eczema symptoms in the future.

The drug known as Aslan004 can inhibit proteins that are key to triggering eczema symptoms such as redness and itchiness.

Currently, available treatments for eczema mostly involve steroid creams or taking antihistamines. Which involves a lot of side effects.

Aslan004 however, according to The Straits Times, is a biologic.

Earlier in June 2019, Aslan completed the first part of the study where the dosage of drug increases for every new cohort.

The results showed that the drug was well tolerated at all doses.

There were no adverse events or discontinuations of the drug during the period.

Analysis of results also showed there was potential for the drug to be administered once every month.

Aslan announced on Oct. 22 that they will be doing the second part of the drug test on eczema patients in a randomised manner.

The drug test will also withhold any information that may influence the patients until the end of the test.

The test will also be placebo-controlled that means some people may receive sham placebo that poses no real effect on the skin conditions.

The test will be conducted at Singapores National Skin Centre and Changi General Hospital, led by Prof Steven Thng.

Each participant will receive multiple doses of the drug, this is known as a multiple ascending dose (MAD) study.

The MAD study will evaluate three doses of the drug, delivered subcutaneously, followed by an expansion of the cohort at the most effective dose.

The study will recruit up to 50 moderate to severe eczema patients.

According to ST, Thng noted that it was highly unlikely for a cure to eczema anytime soon, Aslan004 would make treatment for patients more convenient, especially since there are limited treatments for those with severe eczema.

Results are expected in the second half of 2020.

Top photo from Singhealth website

Read this article:
New drug developed in S'pore could provide full relief to eczema symptoms like redness & itching of skin - Mothership.sg

WITH Britain set to be hit with its coldest winter in 30 years - kids will be susceptible to picking up bugs such as norovirus, shigella and the dreaded flu.

And nobody wants their kids coughing and spluttering or off school poorly, especially with Christmas only 62 days way.

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However, there are some simple steps parents can take to protect their kids from some of the main winter bugs.

Here, Dr Sarah Jarvis, Clinical Director of Patient.info, and some other top experts, take The Sun Online through the best ways to ensure your child remains fit and well this winter.

Norovirus is one of the most common stomach bugs in the UK and is also referred to as "the winter vomiting bug".

In particular, the first wave of norovirus outbreaks have already closed schools and hospital wards across the country.

Dr Jarvis emphasises the need to make sure kids wash their hands thoroughly to stop them from catching this contagious and extremely unpleasant bug.

She tells The Sun Online: "Wash, wash and wash again!

"Norovirus is spread via the 'faecal oral route', which is just as disgusting as it sounds.

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"Germs passed out in an infected persons poo can be picked up on someone elses hands, and transferred into their mouths when they touch their mouths or via food.

"So wash your hands thoroughly after going to the loo, before you handle or eat food and after you empty a potty.

"Clean surfaces including toilet handles, taps and door handles regularly with disinfectant.

"And make sure you wash your hands if youve been in a public place like a bus or train, where lots of other people have touched surfaces.

"If children in your kids circle are affected, steer clear of them until they have been clear of diarrhoea or vomiting for at least 48 hours."

Shigella is a highly infectious vomiting bug known to spread quickly around schools and workplaces in the UK when there's an outbreak.

Shigellosis causes chronic diarrhoea and sickness and can leave people feeling very unwell.

Good hand hygiene is vital to stop the bacteria from spreading and Dr Jarvis also recommends the "boil it, peel it, cook it or forget it" principle for food and drink.

Follow the boil it, peel it, cook it or forget it principle for food and drink

She says: "This form of dystentery is not a big issue in the UK its far more likely to be a problem if youre travelling overseas.

"If youre travelling outside Western Europe, the USA, Australia or New Zealand, follow the boil it, peel it, cook it or forget it principle for food and drink."

Influenza, often abbreviated to flu, strikes millions of kids each year and it is almost impossible to avoid completely.

Dr Jarvis advises parents take their kids to get the free NHS flu vaccine.

She says: "Encouraging everyone around you who sneezes to use paper tissues, which they dispose of immediately in a bin (and then wash their hands) will help.

"All children from two years old to the end of primary school are now eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine.

"Kids are super spreaders of flu they pass it on far more efficiently than adults.

"And theyre far more prone to serious complications than healthy adults.

"The vaccine is given as a nasal spray rather than an injection in children via your GP surgery or through their school if theyre at primary school.

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"It really is the most effective way to protect them against flu."

Dr Daniel Atkinson, GP Clinical Lead atTreated.com, also advises making sure your child is having a healthy diet.

He adds: "So with more dangers around in the air we breathe, its best to keep yours and your kids immune systems fighting fit.

"This means eating a healthy and balanced diet, with plenty of fruit and veg, and making sure youre getting enough sleep."

Sore throats are common in kids in the winter winter and are almost always caused by viral infections.

Normally they're nothing to worry about but they can sometimes be a sign of tonsillitis, which is very common in children.

Dr Jarvis recommends keeping kids away from others who are poorly and, yep, more hand washing.

Keeping your child away from others with bad sore throats, and getting them to wash their hands regularly, will help

She says: "You cant prevent them but keeping your child away from others with bad sore throats, and getting them to wash their hands regularly, will help.

"Tonsillitis symptoms include fever, sore throat without a cough, swollen tender glands on the front of the neck and white spots on the tonsils at the back of the throat if you shine a torch into their mouths.

"If they have at least three of these symptoms, see your doctor."

For kids and adults, asthma is normally a lot harder to control during the winter months.

This is because the cold, dry air can irritate airwaves and cause the muscles inside to spasm.

Emma Rubach, Head of Health Advice at Asthma UK, advises parents to make sure their child carries their reliever inhaler and wears a simple scarf during the cold weather.

She says: "Winter can bea dangerous time for the 1.1 million children with asthma in the UK as chilly weather, colds and flu, chest infections and mould are more common and can trigger life-threatening asthma attacks.

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"They cause children's airways to become inflamed, causing symptoms such ascoughing, wheezing and struggling to breathe.

"Make sure your child carries their reliever inhaler (usually blue) with them at all times and keep taking their regular preventer inhaler (usually brown) as prescribed.

"The simple scarf could also save your child's life.

"Do a 'scarfie - wrapping a scarf loosely over your childs nose and mouth to help warm up the air before they breathe it in, as cold air is another asthma attack trigger.

"It could also be helpful to stick to indoor activities when the weather is particularly cold."

The cold chill and central heating systems often cause eczema to flare up during the winter season.

Dermatologist Dr Daniel Glass at The Dermatology Clinic London recommends dressing kids in cotton rather than woollies and keeping their skin moisturised.

He says: "Eczema in the winter is incredibly common, with many people finding that their skin will flare up more frequently or get worse during the colder months, as the cold biting winds and central heating systems continuously dry out their skin.

"Their eczema may be further irritated by taking hot baths or showers, which will in turn strip the skin of its natural oils.

Top tips for parents for protecting kids from winter bugs

1. Make sure kids wash their hands properly

This prevents the spread of bugs like Norovirus and Shigella, as well as the common cold.

2. Keep kids away from other poorly children

Colds and coughs are almost unavoidable so this is one solution to protect them.

3. Get kids the free NHS flu vaccine

All children from two years old to the end of primary school are now eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine

4. Wrap asthma sufferers up in a scarf

By wrapping a scarf loosely over your childs now and mouth this helps prevent airways from becoming inflamed

5. Keep kids' skin moisturised

This prevents eczema flare ups

6. Avoid woollen clothes

Opt for cotton clothes in the winter as wool can trigger eczema

"Bundling up in woollies to ward off the cold may also irritate the skin and exacerbate symptoms, so try to layer your children up in cotton clothing which is often kinder and softer on the skin.

"Keeping the skin well moisturised is one of the most important things you can do to prevent the eczema flaring up.

"This is because eczema is often caused by a problem with your skin barrier function, which can be helped by using a paraffin based moisturiser regularly.

"Try applying a fragrance-free moisturiser at least twice a day, especially after washing, such as Epaderm ointment which can also be used as a soap substitute, or Oilatum cream which is lighter and more easily absorbed."

Hand, food and mouth disease is a common infection that causes spots on the hands and feet.

Though children aged 10 and under are more likely to catch it, it can affect older children and adults as well.

Dr Jarvis said: "This virus infection can occur at any time of year and often starts with a fever, followed by a sore throat and then spots in the mouth which develop into ulcers.

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"Many children also get spots on their hands and feet (and occasionally buttocks and genitals) a day or two later.

"Hand foot and mouth usually settles within a few days with no complications. Once theyve had it once, they should be immune for life.

"Hand, foot and mouth is very infectious usually passed on by coughing or sneezing, as well as by touching someone who has been infected.

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"Its hard to avoid as you can pass it on before you develop any spots."

Dr Jarvis' advice comes after it was revealed snow could hit areas of the UK today as sub-zero polar air blasts Britain.

The Met Office said there could be snow on the hills in the northwest later today and other areas will see cold weather and a touch of frost.

Temperatures could dip as low as 2C overnight in Scotland as the UK is plunged into a cold snap.

View original post here:
Norovirus to shigella and eczema the ultimate guide to protect your kids from winter bugs - The Sun

Fragrances and preservatives commonly found in baby wipes, cosmetics, skincare products and toy "slime" are among the most common causes of eczema in Australian children, according to a new study, published in the Australasian Journal of Dermatology. Children suffering from suspected skin allergies should be patch-tested for 30 of the most common allergens and potential allergens identified in their research.

Allergic contact dermatitis is a red, itchy rash that develops as an immune response in the days after exposure to an allergen. The condition is diagnosed by patch-testing the skin on the back.

Historically it was thought it rarely affected children due to their immature immune systems and limited exposure. In fact, the researchers, from the Occupational Dermatology Research and Education Centre at Melbourne's Skin Health Institute, found it was not uncommon for children to suffer from allergic contact dermatitis and rates appeared to be increasing.

Allergic contact dermatitis is a red, itchy rash that develops as an immune response in the days after exposure to an allergen. The condition is diagnosed by patch-testing the skin on the back.

Historically it was thought it rarely affected children due to their immature immune systems and limited exposure. In fact, the researchers, from the Occupational Dermatology Research and Education Centre at Melbourne's Skin Health Institute, found it was not uncommon for children to suffer from allergic contact dermatitis and rates appeared to be increasing.

While the study found very few children under five had been patch-tested, among the six-10 age group, fragrance and colophonium were the most common allergens. Fragrance and nickel sulphate were the most common allergens in the 1117 age group.

Nickel sulphate allergies were more common among girls, which the authors said was consistent with existing literature and most likely due to the "increased use of jewellery in females", particularly ear piercings.

Armed with evidence of the most common allergens affecting children, the researchers have proposed the first Australian Paediatric Baseline Series comprising 30 common allergens and potential allergens for patch-testing.

While patch-testing is "the gold standard" for diagnosing allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), it "appears to be performed infrequently in children, and consequently, ACD is likely underdiagnosed", the authors said. "This is unfortunate because ACD can have a significant impact on a child's quality of life, and early, correct, identification of allergens and subsequent avoidance can lead to substantial improvement in symptoms, preventing progression to a chronic disease state."

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Baby Wipe Ingredient Linked To Eczema - Nonwovens Industry Magazine - News, Markets - Nonwovens Industry Magazine

The Aldi cream that shoppers claim cures ezcema is back on shelves - and sending customers wild once again.

The must-have product, sold at branches of the budget supermarket, costs just 3.99.

Aldi opened its first store in Britain right here in Birmingham some 20-plus years ago.

The store was a huge success, opening back in the 1990s, and the German supermarket has gone from strength to strength since.

Obviously, a large part of Aldi's success is its fantastic prices, with families on budgets routinely flocking to stores to pick up low-priced items.

Aldi's special items - known as its SpecialBuys - are also massively popular with customers.

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The product is now available once again on Aldis website , alongside more than 100 reviews from happy customers, reports the Liverpool Echo .

Many shoppers have pointed out that the product soothes eczema.

One review on Aldis website said she has suffered with eczema for 30 years, but after using the Lacura Miracle Cream it has completely gone, while others have taken to Twitter to praise the cream.

One woman said: I had bad eczema on my ankle which Ive had for a long time. I bought Lacura Miracle Cream from Aldi [and] it has completely cleared up, Im amazed, thank you Aldi. Please stock it forever.

The Lacura Miracle Cream is currently available online and in store.

See original here:
Aldi brings back 'miracle' cream which parents swear cures children's eczema - and it costs 3.99 - Birmingham Live

Emma doesnt look so great.

Her legs are puffy and covered in varicose veins. Her eyes are flat and dead, and her backlooks like she spends her days ringing the bell at Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Its harsh but true. Emma is a life-sized doll depicting what the average office worker in the United Kingdom could look like in 20 years if changes arent made to the workplace environment.

For a new report titled The Work Colleague of The Future, a team of health experts led by behavioral futurist William Higham looked at survey data submitted by more than 3,000 office workers in France, Germany, and the U.K.

The percentages of U.K. office workers who said they already suffered from sore eyes (50 percent), sore backs (48 percent), and headaches (48 percent) as a direct result of their work environment informed the design of the sickly Emma, who also suffers from stress-related eczema, excess weight, and swollen limbs.

If we dont majorly shake-up the standard office environment, according to Higham, were headed toward a future rife with Emmas.

Unless we make radical changes to our working lives, such as moving more, addressing our posture at our desks, taking regular walking breaks, or considering improving our workstation setup, our offices are going to make us very sick, he said, according to The Independent.

Originally posted here:
Here's How 20 Years of Office Work Will Disfigure the Human Body - Futurism