Category Archives: Eczema

Published: June, 2020

Anyone who has ever sprained their ankle, cut themselves while chopping vegetables, or been stung by a bee has seen the effects of inflammation firsthand. The pain, redness, swelling, and heat that it produces is the body's defense mechanism to fight off infectious agents like bacteria and repair tissue damage. Less obvious, but similar in process, is the inflammation that results from an infection like a cold, the flu, or COVID-19.

Injuries and infections produce acute inflammation, the body's rapid response mechanism that aims to rid itself of the dangerous invader and return it to a state of balance. A release of warning chemicals sounds the alarm, which draws an army of white blood cells to the site of injury. Some of these cells neutralize the invaders, while others clean up the damage that results from the battle. Acute inflammation typically resolves quickly, within a period of hours to days.

Chronic inflammation can begin via the same process, with the body trying to rid itself of what the immune system interprets as foreign adversaries. But this can become a persistent state, even if the perceived threat isn't truly harmful to one's health. In autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, type 1 diabetes, ulcerative colitis, and multiple sclerosis, the body mistakenly reacts to its own tissues as if they were foreign, and produces damaging inflammation against them.

This chronic kind of low-grade inflammation may continually simmer under the surface. An unhealthy lifestyle that includes smoking, a poor diet, alcohol consumption, sedentary behavior, stress, and weight gain can cause this type of persistent inflammation.

Acute inflammation produces very obvious and immediate symptoms such as:

Chronic inflammation is a more gradual and subtle process. When symptoms do appear, they can include:

Unlike with acute inflammation, these symptoms continue long-term or come and go over time.

Inflammation and the harmful chemicals it produces can contribute to all of the following conditions:

Medical treatments for well-defined inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, work by dampening the overactive immune response either locally, or throughout the body. Examples include:

But for chronic low grade inflammation not caused by a defined illness, lifestyle changes are the mainstay of both prevention and treatment.

Here are a few strategies to combat inflammation and its many damaging effects on the body:

Image: NickyLord/Getty Images

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All about inflammation - Harvard Health - Harvard Health

Skin problems are majorly a result of our bad lifestyle and eating habits. What we consume is what shows on the face. If our body is not healthy, then the skin will also not look glowing and healthy. According to Swami Ramdev, the direct connection of skin problems like acne, pimples, dry skin, eczema, leucoderma, psoriasis etc. is caused when the digestion is not proper and the stomach is upset. Weak intestinal activity and kidney problems also lead to skin damage. In order to prevent this, yoga asanas and pranayamas are very important.

According to Swami Ramdev, we must exercise and sweat it out as through sweating, unwanted toxins get removed from the body.

Since skin problems are directly related to stomachand digestion, Swami Ramdev suggests doing mandukasana and matsyendra asanas. It suggests starting the day with Surya Namaskar as it helps to keep the body away from any diseases. It also helps to keep the mind away from stress and anxiety. Also, doing bhujangasana, vakrasana, shashakasana and uttan padasana are very effective in improving skin texture and keeping the diseases at bay.

According to Swami Ramdev, everyone should do five pranayamas daily in order to get glowing and healthy skin. He suggests doing kapalbhati for half an hour, then anulom vilom for an hour, followed by bhastrika, ujjai and bhramari pranayamas.

Due to psoriasis, the skin becomes dry and at the same time, it starts to crumble at the surface. It builds up bumpy red patches that look very bad. To get rid of this skin problem, add cactus in mustard oil and cook it well. After this, apply this oil on the skin 2 times a day. This improves the skin quality within 1 week or if the situation is extreme, it will take 1 month. Apart from this, patients of psoriasis should not consume salt and sweet with milk. Along with this, eat brinjal as it is very effective.

This skin problem causes it to become red, inflamed, itchy, cracked and rough. Apply aloe vera gel daily to soothe the skin and consume food which provides coolness to the body. The infected patient should take cow urine extract to get rid of the diseases instantly.

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"It's a really, really daring question and I would never assign anybody to ask that, because I think that people have to walk through their grief in their own way. But that's the challenge that I laid out to myself."

For Elizabeth, this was the answer:

"There are strengths that I'm discovering that I would have never discovered because I was so dependent on her. I was so emotionally dependent on her; she was my anchor, she was the ground under my feet, she was my first phone call in a moment of disaster... I've had to find that in myself."

"There's a level at which you could ask the question, 'Would you rather have this life or that that life?' But those questions are moot because you don't get that choice it's not available. Whenever I hear anybody say, 'I wouldn't trade my life for anything,' I was like, 'Was it offered?'

"It wasn't offered to me that Rayya would live. And the less I rebel against that and the more I flexibly lean into that, the better my life after Rayya becomes."

"In the empirical, non-mystical, post-Enlightenment West, there's an idea about grieving that says that you're not going to be well until you've 'let the person go'. That is so mean. And it's also something that literally no other culture believes...

"I think it makes people feel a lot of shame when they haven't and can't let go.

"I don't think you should have, that you're supposed to, that you were ever supposed to. I think the one thing in the world that you never ever, ever have to let go of is love. Everything else goes.

"They took [Rayya]; they took her body. She's never going to walk into this house again, and I'm never going to be able to put my arms around her again; there's no negotiating that. But I know exactly where she lives in the universe. She is embedded it in my heart and she's incredibly present in my consciousness.

"I meet Rayya a room in my consciousness called imagination... We used to say 'tuckled in' like 'come into my arms and tuckle in' and she lives tuckled, tuckled, tuckled very safely in my heart. There's that level at which I never will and never have to lose her."

Feature Image: Instagram.

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Elizabeth Gilbert had 18 months with the love of her life. Here's what she knows about grief. - Mamamia

The human microbiomethat vast collection of bacteria, fungi, and viruses occupying the human bodycomprises trillions of microorganisms, outnumbering our own cells by 10 to one, per some estimates. And if we look really, really closely, we can find at least one million of those microbes on each square centimeter of skin.

Not long ago, the logical response to such a foreign presence would have been obliteration: Scrub the gunk away. But the more we learn about our skins microbiome, the more friend than foe these organisms appear to be.

This isnt news to Paul Schulick, cofounder of For The Biome (Dummerston, VT), a skincare company that views the microbiome as the route to healthy skin. The general population is beginning to understand that the innate resilience of the skin lies in the skin-microbiome relationship, he says. As more consumers become educated on the skin-microbiome relationship, theyll naturally want to do a better job nourishing and protecting their skins microbial environment.

On the Surface

With the value of the U.S. probiotic cosmetics market set to hit $37.8 million by 2025, per market researcher Hexa Research last April, those consumers will have their pick of products promising to do just that.

Awareness of the skins microbiome is still in its infancy, Schulick says, but its being helped by the fairly well-established understanding of the gut microbiome. The concept of taking probiotics for a healthy gut is now shifting to, Okay, how do we do this for skin?

The conversation is already playing out on social media, notes Ccile Kalem, global marketing, active ingredients, BASF Beauty Creations (Pulnoy, France). Consumers are fully aware of the value of preserving their skin microbiome, she says, and a recent BASF analysis found females aged 13 to 24 leading the discussion on Instagram, in particular.

Hot topics include dry and sensitive skin, from redness and rashes to eczema and psoriasis; aging concerns like wrinkles, expression lines, and crows feet; and the consequences of oily skin: blackheads, pimples, scars, and their respective treatments.

Savvy brands are listening. As such, says Paula Simpson, beauty market expert and founder of Nutribloom Consulting, Theres been an influx of microbiome-friendly skincare products hitting the market. Research on the human microbiome has exploded in the last 10 years, and with new discoveries about how microbes affect our health, a diverse skin microbiome is now considered key to keeping skin healthy.

Frontline Defense

The reason is elementary. The skin is the bodys largest organits frontline barrier against the elements, infection, toxins, and the loss of water and nutrients.

At the very front of that frontline is whats known as the visual stratum corneum, which is the uppermost, nonliving layer of the epidermis and also the most active site where the skin microbiome resides, Simpson explains.

The microfloral component of the skins barrier is in constant contact with our environment, and works collectively to protect against invading pathogens, to influence or alter the immune response, to provide a source of nourishment to skin cells, and to break down natural metabolites on the skin.

Our Microbiomes, Ourselves

This symbiosis between our microflora, our environment, and ourselves is consistent with hologenome theory,1 which Schulick describes as an acknowledgment that the whole, or holo, of our microbial and human DNA, or genome, is a collective community: a hologenome.

The upshot: We dont evolve alone. Our microbiome acts as our copilot in this process and, in many ways, is as much a part of us as our human cells, he says. Were part of a vast, interdependent network of natures kingdoms and the environmentall connecting, communicating, competing, and cooperating with each other for resources, survival, longevity, and legacy.

In the Balance

Thats an intense relationship, and one that our modern world too often upsetswith the consequences plain to see.

Clinical studies associate skin conditions ranging from accelerated aging and skin sensitivity to atopic dermatitis and even dandruff with some level of what Simpson calls microbial dysbiosis. That could mean an over- or under-population of the bacterial genera or subspecies normally present on healthy skin, or a flourishing of transient or pathogenic bacteria that perturb otherwise balanced skin microflora.

For example, evidence hints that eczema could reflect a depleted skin microbiome, Schulick notes, which, in turn, affects the skins ability to retain hydration, while increasing reactivity. Meanwhile, acne may signal a diet- or stressed-induced imbalance of what he calls commensal bacterial strains. The point, he says, is that all of this is connected: the skin, the microbiome, and the way we live our lives.

Thus, he views such conditions less as problems than as messages from our skin. Whats interesting, he says, is that when someones experiencing chronic stress, eating a nutrient-deficient diet, or struggling with mental health, they most likely have an unbalanced microbiome.

Down and Dirty

Another habit wreaking havoc on a healthy skin microbiome is our societal obsession with cleanliness and lack of awareness as to what harsh skincare ingredients do to our microbiomes health, Schulick continues. Our microbiomes are part of us, yet we constantly stress and strip them.

Simpson agrees: Part of the problem is over-cleansing, over-treating, and using too many products that congest, strip, or break down a healthy, balanced skin microbiome. Yes, exfoliation and peels decongest and reveal new skin cells, but they also eradicate the oils and microbes that moisturize, balance, and guard against skin damage.

So, a case of dermal dryness may not be a call to moisturize. The issue, Schulick says, could be the trans-epidermal water loss that can occur in skin whose microbiome is continuously stressed or wiped out with harsh products.

What to do? Repopulating a rich and biodiverse microbiome is a great place to start, he suggests, and typically shows rewarding cosmetic results while helping skin adapt gracefully as it ages. Giving the skin a breather allows the microbiome to recalibrate and flourish. Eliminating harsh ingredients is one of the best things to do for microbiome health, and one of the easiest to enact. Formulators: take note.

From Science to Skincare

We know that certain ingredients disrupt the skins natural processes, Schulick continues. So, the obvious approach is to exclude these ingredients from product formulations and focus on the nutrients that feed the skins microbiome.

Prime among those are probiotics. As science and research advance, Simpson says, skincare and nutraceutical formulations will become more specialized and targeted. Clinical studies already correlate and target specific bacterial genera, subspecies, and strains to specific skin-health conditions, and integrated approaches via nutrition, supplementation, and skincare will continue to evolve.

Shes particularly bullish on the nutrition arm, as evidence suggests that probiotics effects on skinto say nothing of systemic healthare superior through diet and supplementation over topical skincare alone, she says.

In the gut, for example, probiotics influence skin through the immune system, regulating inflammation and supporting the skins metabolism and barrier function to promote a balanced skin microbiome, she explains. Probiotics also detoxify and rid the body of pathogens or bad bacteria in the gut before theyre absorbed into the bloodstream. This communicative process between the gut and skin depends upon the trillions of microbes in the gut that trigger immune-communicative receptors that then influence skinthe gut-skin axis.

That said, a role for topical application remains. Applied topically, probiotics can complement nutrition by helping rebalance the skins ecosystem while controlling or destroying harmful bacteria that aggravate the skin, she says. They calm and nourish skin cells, and encourage water retention and skin moisture by strengthening the skin barrierthe primary active site of the skin microbiomeand provide extra support and protection against environmental and chemical pollutants and the harmful pathogens we expose or apply to our skin each day.

Adds Shaheen Majeed, president worldwide, Sabinsa (East Windsor, NJ), Because products in topical format are comparably less complex to develop and face less rigorous regulations, they can be developed more quickly than most other delivery systems. Another advantage: most skincare formulations are applied topicallyso they have the familiarity factorand yield results rapidly since theyre used directly at the affected site.

In both topical and ingested formats, the species, subspecies, or strain makes or breaks the product. Unfortunately, current topicals usually mount what Schulick calls a spray-and-pray approach: spraying yourself or ingesting strains that may not be compatible with your skin or guts commensal bacteria. You dont know for sure which strains will take root or if theyll encourage a healthy microbiome.

The lesson, says Simpson, is that not all probiotics are created equal. Its imperative to use the correct bacterium according to the mechanism of action on the skin. For example, S. thermophilus has been found to promote skin hydration and ceramide production; other strains may help calm inflamed or blemished skin. To be effective, a product must provide a formulation with appropriate, viable strains.

Preposterous

Probiotics are hardly the only game in town for formulating microbiome-based skincare. As Schulick says, Were seeing that the most effective way to nourish the skins microbiome is with prebiotic and postbiotic nutrients.

He describes the former as like a fertilizer for your microbiome, while the latter are invaluable nutrients created during fermentation. Fermenting whole ingredients with strains like L. reuteri, L. rhamnosus, and L. plantarum produces remarkable results for the skin, he notes, adding that the postbiotic nutrients they create truly ignite communication between the skin and its microbiome, helping to nourish the connection between the skin and all its response systems.

BASFs Kalem notes that the cosmetic use of fermented postbiotic ingredients first took root in Asia but is expanding as options and awareness grow. For its part, BASF produces its Phytofirm Biotic ingredient by fermenting non-GMO, traceable European soybeans with a specific strain of L. plantarum. In vitro and in vivo tests show that the peptide- and lactic acidrich extract increases production of the dermiss key architectural proteins collagen and elastin, promoting a more youthful appearance, she says.

As for prebiotics, Sabrina Leoty-Okombi, R&D project leader at BASF Beauty Creations, notes, Oligosaccharides are the first molecules we think aboutboth for the benefits of their film-forming action, which improves the skin barrier and maintains good hydrationand for their sensorial properties, which are interesting for formulas.

Majeed notes that xylitol, rhamnose, fructooligosaccharides, and inulin are the most widely used prebiotics for nourishing probiotics. Obviously, its important to choose a prebiotic that can enhance the growth of the specific microorganism of interest, so that only a selective microbiome is propagated.

Prebiotics also promote scalp health. Our researchers studied the specific microbiotic composition of an oily scalp versus a normal scalp and highlighted the existence of six bacterial species more abundant on a healthy scalp, Kalem explains. The result is Scalposine, a BASF ingredient that she says rebalances the scalps unique microbiome. An internal clinical study showed that it acts prebiotically to allow the recolonization of oily scalps with the beneficial strains, with in vivo results showing increased scalp comfort and longer time to hair re-greasing between washes.

Rabbit Holes and Roads Ahead

So, whats next for microbiome skincare? A mix of opportunities and challenges, say the experts.

In other fields, notes Aurlie Courtois, scientific communication at BASF, living bacteria have proven their effectiveness in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications, but little data currently exists on the ingredients incorporated into cosmetic formulas. Thats now the most challenging goal of the cosmetics industry: the introduction of live bacteria into cosmetic formulations.

Simpson is optimistic. Higher grades of efficacy and formulations tailored to specific skin conditions will improve and expand as science and formulation stability evolve, she believes.

Nevertheless, the science supporting microbiome-based skincare is complex stuff, not to mention a shift from how weve normally cared for our skin, she says. So, when it comes to consumer demand, Theres still a lot of work to do.

No wonder Schulick considers education the biggest challenge. This concept requires an acceptance of the interconnectedness of whole-body and mental wellness and how this impacts the health of the microbiome and, in turn, the skin.

It may be something of a rabbit hole, he says, but its one that most will be glad they jumped into. I know I am, and its what continues driving my motivation to grow public awareness.

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Skincare science and the microbiome - Nutritional Outlook

Jun 14, 2020 | Johannesburg, South Africa | Bangwato Sikwa, Health Ministries Director, Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division

Nowadays, everywhere one turns, many signs are encouraging various strategies to prevent Corona Virus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19). But we all need to appreciate that like everything else in life, these initiatives have good and not so good effects. Let us analyze the most common strategies, namely: washing of hands regularly with soap or sanitizer; using a mask to cover the nose and mouth whenever in public; and social distancing.

Regular hand-washing with clean water and soap or sanitizer

The good:Cleaning our hands regularly gets rid of most gems, including coronavirus if we happened to contact it.

The bad:The recommended sanitizer, which is effective against coronavirus is one with an alcohol content of more than 70%, or chlorine content of 0.05%. Frequent use of chlorine at this concentration can cause skin inflammation called dermatitis, where the skin may begin to peel off. Using alcohol-based hand sanitizer frequently can lead to skin dryness, dermatitis, eczema, and general skin irritation that can introduce other infections to the skin when it is cracked. To minimize these negative effects, create opportunities to wash hands thoroughly with soap and clean water, and have a moisturizer, ideally petroleum-based, handy to use and keep the skin moist.

The other:The introduction of readily available alcohol-based hand sanitizer has brought temptation and curiosity to those who ingest alcohol. Train the children and youth not to consume hand sanitizer as the alcohol content is poisonous if ingested.

Sanitizers are for surface cleaning and external use only. They will cause severe organ damage if taken into the body in any other form like ingesting, injecting, or putting in through anybody opening.

Use of masks to cover the nose and mouth

The good:Coronavirus is spread through droplets of mucus or saliva coming from an infected person. Covering your mouth and nose with a mask minimizes the risk of the droplet going to another person.

The bad:Masks effectiveness depends on the material used to make it. Ordinary cloth masks do not protect the entrance of the virus if one is exposed to droplets of saliva/mucus from an infected person at a close enough range to go through your mask. The effectiveness is improved when everyone wears a mask and keeps 1-2meters apart.

Masks moisten up after being worn for a long time. A mask that is not washed keeps the virus and can infect the next wearer; therefore, it should not be shared or reused without washing( if made of cloth) Masks worn in airtight areas can make breathing difficult. Steam from the breath through the mask often moistens spectacles which makes reading or driving difficult for those who wear them regularly.

The other:Cloth masks should not be given to children under the age of 2 years. Wash the cloth mask daily with water and soap to kill germs

Social Distancing

The good:Coronavirus, which is carried through droplets, can only travel a maximum of 2 meters (when sneezing). Staying 1-2 meters apart from people in a public area reduces the chances of contracting the virus. Minimizing the number of people you come in contact with by staying home also reduces the risk of contracting the virus.

The bad:We all crave physical human contact, and extreme social distancing can lead to loneliness and depression. Try and keep in touch with people in other ways. Another factor to consider is that people view each other suspiciously, and those with flu-like symptoms get stigmatized. Stay away from other people if not feeling well.

The other:More than 80% of people with COVID-19 recover without much complications and recovery is complete with no further infectiousness, so those who have had COVID- 19 should not be stigmatized. Coronavirus will be part of society for a long time, accept the new normal of social distancing. Social distancing avoids the spreading of other diseases beyond COVID 19.

This articlewas originally published on thesite of the Adventist Echo.

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COVID 19 Prevention: The Good, The Bad and The Other. - Adventist News Network

Multi-moisturizing is starting to become beautys new buzzword, but its far from a new trend, especially for estheticians like myself whos been implementing this technique into my practice for years. So what is it? Well, you mightve heard or even delved into multi-maskingwhere one applies different masks to different areas of the face, according to specific skin concerns. For multi-moisturizing, same rules apply, but using different moisturizers. For years, weve lived comfortably with the notion that one moisturizer will aid in keeping our skin healthy and hydrated despite experiencing multiple skin concerns, but thats not entirely true.

For most of us different areas of the face experience different conditions and irritations, such as dehydration, thinness around the eyes, dermatitis, eczema, excess oil, and a propensity towards acne. These ailments require a different approach to healing, making multi-moisturizing a boon, and something to try. Our skin goes through so many changes due to uncontrollable elements like environmental stress, allergies, hormones, and aging, which all have the potential to compromise our moisture levels and can cause inflammation and overactive sebaceous glands. So that begs the question: are there other products that you should cater to certain areas of your face? If you can check any box of the following scenarios below, I would say absolutely. But before I get to that, lets begin with the basics.

Moisturizers are an external source of formulated products that contain varying combinations of ceramides, emollients, occlusives, and humectants that protect, lubricate, and act as a barrier against environmental stress. According to a 2017 study published by Clinical Medicine & Research, moisturizer application smooths skin surface by filling spaces between skin flakes and restores the ability of the lipid bilayers to absorb, retain, and redistribute water content. Additionally, they safely alter the skins natural balance of oil, lipids, and protein. The study also cites the types of hydration broken down by molecular function.

Theres so much confusion surrounding dry skin, as folks mistake this skin type for dehydrated skinwhich is a skin condition. Dry skin lacks oil whereas dehydrated skin lacks water. Folks can have dry skin while experiencing skin inflammatory conditions such as dermatitis. In the 2017 Clinical Medicine & Research study, it states moisturizers are the most important basic skin treatment for optimal atopic dermatitis recovery regardless of severity as it penetrates and helps reorganize skin layers structure. Therefore, its recommended as a key step for dermatitis treatment together with avoidance of triggers and therapeutic measures to control symptoms and inflammation. If you have dry skin and experience some form of inflammatory ailment, then multi-moisturizing could lead your skin down a faster road to healing as a lot of products that treat dry skin contain antioxidants such as Vitamin-A, which can trigger dermatitis.

The Formula:

The most common skin type yet the hardest to strike a balance. Combination skin is the perfect candidate for multi-moisturizing as skin tends to be more oily on the forehead, nose, and chin area while dry around the cheeks. This skin type is difficult to treat as hydrating products can leave the cheeks moisturized but cause even more oil in the T-zone, resulting in breakouts. Oil-control products aimed to clear up your T-zone can leave the cheeks feeling parched, dry, and lackluster. If this sounds like your skin, here you go.

The Formula:

The biggest mistake those with oily/acne-prone skin can do is skip moisturizing altogether. People who have oily skin experience overactive sebaceous glands due to over-exfoliating, not cleansing properly, environmental stress, diet, and more. This leads to common acne conditions such as acne vulgaris. Acne Vulgaris is a common, chronic, inflammatory, facial skin disorder that can affect individuals from any race, ethnicity, or cultural background. Ceramide and humectant products best suit this skin type as the humectant will flush out the pores nicely breaking up excess oilwithout compromising the skin barrierwhile the ceramide will allow your skins lipid layer to lock in moisture, while also acting as a barrier against environmental pollution and bacteria. A 2018 study by The Journal of Clinical Aesthetic Dermatology conducted a study over four weeks for those with oily skin and mild acne vulgaris. Patients were given a topical retinoid to treat acne. When applied to the entire face, patients experienced contact dermatitis on other areas of the skin.

The Formula:

Not to be confused with sensitized skin. Sensitive skin is generally dry by nature, begins at a young age, could run in the family, and has thinner skin which makes blood vessels closer to the surface and redness more apparent. Sensitized skin is a condition that can develop over time and is triggered by many things from using too many active ingredients, stress, pollution, diet, and hormones. Sensitive skin typically lacks water content and needs an immense amount of hydration to remain balanced, but if you also suffer from eczema, flaky, tight skin in certain areas, using a couple of moisturizers can reduce redness and treat flakiness at the same time. Sensitive skin is highly reactive so using claiming ingredients is vital.

The Formula:

Folks with normal skin types have mastered the art of balancing the oil production, water content, and protein in their skin, which is ideal. Multi-moisturizing is more of an option for this skin type rather than a necessity. A nice gentle way to multi-moisturize with normal skin would be to multi-layer and add more hydration or aging preventatives with active ingredients or lightweight serums.

The Formula:

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Is Multi-Moisturizing the New Multi-Masking? All Signs Point to Yes - Well+Good

Eczema is a condition that can cause patches of your skin to become red, itchy, and sometimes blistered. Approximately 1 in 10 people will experience eczema at some point in their life, and for most people symptoms start before the age of 6.

Though there is no cure for eczema, there are treatments you can use to relieve your symptoms and keep the condition from getting worse.

Eczema tends to be chronic, meaning that it comes and goes over a long period of time. Some of the most common symptoms of eczema include:

Symptoms of eczema can be difficult to live with and can limit your ability to work or interrupt your sleep with itching. However, there are several treatments you can use to help improve your symptoms.

Keeping your skin moisturized is a key step to help control your eczema symptoms.

This is because many people with eczema have a weak skin barrier, which makes it hard for the skin to retain water.

"This means more dry skin and easily damaged skin," says Brian Kim, MD, a dermatology professor at the Washington University School of Medicine.

Putting oil-based moisturizers on your skin creates a barrier that keeps water from leaving the skin and helps prevent severe dryness from eczema.

Kim recommends looking for moisturizers or ointments that come in jars rather than lotions that come out of a pump, as these are more likely to contain heavier, oil-based ingredients. You can also look for ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, or petroleum jelly.

Experts recommend that Vaseline and Aquaphor are both good options for treating eczema. If these ointments feel too greasy to wear throughout the day, you can also apply them at bedtime.

Topical steroids are medications that you apply directly to your skin to help relieve inflammation.

Steroids work by blocking the chemicals that set off your immune system's response to skin irritation, which causes inflammatory symptoms like redness and itching.

People with eczema have immune systems that overreact to any damage of the skin barrier, Kim says. This means that when irritants like pollution or bacteria pass through a weak skin barrier, your immune system will go into overdrive, causing painful and irritating eczema symptoms.

Kim says that eczema patients should use topical steroids as soon as inflammation symptoms start to appear. "This will prevent the inflammation from getting worse over time and harder to control."

Topical steroids like hydrocortisone are available over the counter or your doctor may prescribe them. You can put topical antibiotics on your skin once or twice per day but you should never use them on infected skin unless your doctor approves it.

Coal tar is another eczema remedy that is especially useful because it can be applied to the entire body, including your scalp.

Coal tar works to treat eczema by slowing the growth of new skin cells and softening the top layer of your skin. This allows your skin to more easily shed scales and keep in moisture.

Coal tar comes as a gel, cream, or shampoo and you can find it over the counter at most pharmacies. Shampoo brands include Neutrogena T/Gel and Denorex and skin gels include Betatar and Fototar.

You can apply coal tar gel once or twice per day, while creams can be used up to 4 times a day. When using coal tar shampoo, it's best to consult with your doctor about how often you should use it.

Do not use coal tar on infected or blistered areas of skin and make sure to remove it before going out into the sun, as this can cause a negative skin reaction.

Because eczema patients have a weak skin barrier, they are at greater risk for skin infections like staph or the herpes simplex virus.

"Bacteria like to live on eczema-prone skin like a parasite," Kim says, adding that one sign of infection is when skin becomes oozy and crusted.

One remedy to treat infections is an antibiotic ointment like bacitracin or Neosporin, which you can find in most pharmacies. These ointments are able to kill bacteria like staph and allow skin to begin healing.

If topical antibiotics aren't helping, your doctor may also prescribe oral antibiotics, Kim says. When using topical or oral antibiotics, you should always consult with your doctor to determine how often and how long you should take them.

Eczema is an uncomfortable condition that can affect you over a long period of time, but there are many treatments available to soothe your symptoms. It's important to be proactive to keep your flare-ups at bay and to talk with your doctor about the best form of treatment for you.

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3 ways to get rid of eczema and prevent flare ups - Insider - INSIDER

By Chris Kocher

June 05, 2020

An estimated 35 million Americans suffer from eczema, a chronic skin condition also known as atopic dermatitis. Worldwide, 2 to 5% of adults and about 15% of children suffer from symptoms such as dry, inflamed and very itchy skin with open sores.

Although there are myriad treatments for eczema, such as medical creams and natural remedies, the exact causes of the condition remain elusive.

A new study from Binghamton University researchers published in the journal Tissue Barriers may help to peel back the layers of unhealthy skin at least metaphorically speaking and get closer to a cure.

In a new paper, the team Associate Professor Guy German and PhD student Zachary W. Lipsky from the Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Department of Biomedical Engineering, and Associate Professor Claudia N.H. Marques of the Harpur College of Arts and Sciences Department of Biological Sciences connects two aspects of eczema research that are rarely studied together.

A new study from Binghamton University's Watson School shows that bacteria associated with eczema dont grow around skin cells but actually through them.

One result of atopic dermatitis is a decreased level of skin oils known as lipids, particularly one group called ceramides. Lipids on the surface of the skin function to regulate hydration and also help defend the skin from foreign invaders either indirectly through immune signaling or directly through their inherent antimicrobial activity.

Another result of eczema is an increase in staph bacteria in the skin, which can cause irritation and infection.

German said that genetics can play a part in whether someone has eczema, but people in certain occupations have also been shown to be more likely to get the skin condition, such as healthcare professionals, metalworkers, hairdressers and food processing workers. The connection? An increased amount of handwashing or regular contact with detergents for your job.

What happens if, either through a mutation or through occupational risks, theres a decreased presence of lipids on the skin? he asked. The essence of this study is that in normal, healthy conditions, bacteria do not penetrate the skin barrier. In atopic dermatitis conditions or lipid levels consistent with AD, it does and it consistently takes nine days.

Because the staph bacteria are immobile, they need to multiply in number to grow through the protective outer skin layer known as the stratum corneum. The Watson researchers believe the bacteria dont grow around the skin cells but actually through them. With lipid depletion either through genetics or occupational risks the skin appears to become more vulnerable to bacterial invasion and infection of underlying skin tissue.

When we usually think about the oils in our skin, we think about water retention and moisturizing things like that, Lipsky said. Now were looking at how these lipids are important for protection against these microorganisms that can come in and cause diseases.

Guy German is an associate professor at Binghamton University's biomedical engineering department. Image Credit: Jonathan Cohen.

While this study has not unlocked all the secrets of atopic dermatitis, showing that the bacteria could be the cause rather than the result of the disease is a major step forward. Further research is required, and thats where the Watson team will investigate next.

Now that we know that bacteria can permeate through lipid depleted skin, how does it affect the skin mechanically? Lipsky asked. Does it make the skin weaker and more likely to crack? Can we figure out how bacteria are moving through different skin layers?

German added: In scientific research, you get one answer and three additional questions pop up, so were never stuck for things to do.

German, Marques and Lipskys research, titled Lipid depletion enables permeation of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria through human stratum corneum, is funded through Germans NSF CAREER Award from the National Science Foundation.

Read more from the original source:
Binghamton biomedical researchers get closer to why eczema happens - Binghamton University

Young children are most at risk of developing eczema symptoms, but it could also develop in later life.

If you have eczema, your symptoms can vary between small patches of dry skin, to widespread, inflamed areas of cracked skin.

You could lower your risk of dry skin at home by using certain natural moisturisers.

One of the best natural treatments for eczema is coconut oil, it's been revealed.

READ MORE: Eczema treatment - the sweet treat to relieve dry and itchy skin

"Some medications can irritate sensitive skin, prompting many people with eczema to search for effective natural treatments, such as coconut oil," said medical website Medical News Today.

"While coconut oil cannot cure eczema, it can soothe the skin, reduce irritation and itching, and lower the risk of infection.

"Coconut oil is solid at room temperature, but exposure to heat turns it into a liquid. A person can use solid or liquid coconut oil on the skin. If it is solid, rub a small scoop between the fingertips until it softens.

"To reduce symptoms of eczema, apply coconut oil to the skin twice a day, or more often if necessary. A person can use it like any other lotion or moisturiser."

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Eczema treatment - the 1 natural oil to protect against dry and itchy skin at home - Express

Acuwellness Center offers acupuncture for infertility. Research suggests that acupuncture, along with traditional Chinese medicine, can serve as an effective treatment for infertility and other reproductive disorders.

According to announcements released by Acuwellness Center, and Sharareh (Sherry) Daghighi DAOM, LAc, FABORM, the wellness center offers acupuncture for fertility. Research-backed evidence suggests that fertility acupuncture can be a useful treatment procedure to complement IVF and ART treatments. Combined with other TCM protocols, acupuncture can enhance physiological processes essential for fertility. Acupuncture as a treatment modality for infertility can assist in preparation for IVF, IUI, and other ART protocols. Fertility acupuncture helps control unwanted side effects associated with IVF and ART treatments. It improves implantation and pregnancy rates. The wellness clinic will coordinate with a subject's reproductive endocrinologist to prepare a custom infertility treatment plan to optimize her chances at conception.

Sources reveal that alternative treatment procedures that use acupuncture and herbs can improve the symptoms of many health conditions, including polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which is not an uncommon condition among women in the United States. PCOS can result in diabetes, hirsutism, infertility, and obesity. Acuwellness Center is also an established Encino dermatology clinic where eczema, psoriasis, acne, rosacea, fungal infections, etc. are treated using herbal formulations, dietary supplements, and acupuncture. The wellness clinic prescribes herbs for acne, and it has delivered excellent results in treating this condition. TCM eschews the use of topical ointments that may contain harsh chemicals. Acuwellness Center treats acne by recommending dietary and lifestyle changes, acupuncture, and herbal medicines. It prescribes Chinese herbs for eczema.

Sharareh (Sherry) Daghighi DAOM, LAc, FABORM, of Acuwellness Center said, At Acuwellness Center, we offer services such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and nutritional consultation in a friendly, relaxing environment. Our areas of expertise are woman's health, fertility, internal medicine, and TCM dermatology. Our mission is to provide a tranquil, healing environment where your mind, body, and spirit can relax and recover from the stress of everyday living.

On acupuncture and herbs for premature ovarian failure, Daghighi said, Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) is defined as a cessation of ovarian function in women younger than 40 years of age. It is characterized by the occurrence of irregular and light menstruation (oligomenorrhea), primary or secondary amenorrhea (no menstruation) with elevated levels of gonadotrophins like follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and low estrogen levels. Women with POF will also have menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and decreased sexual desire.

She continued to say, Studies have shown that Acupuncture and herbal medicine can treat premature ovarian failure. Acupuncture can induce ovulation and regulate the menstrual cycle, other studies have shown some herbal formulas such as Zuo Gui Wan or a modification of this formula can induce ovulation, lower FSH levels, and regulate menstrual cycle for certain POF patients. At Acuwellness Center, we offer Acupuncture and herbal medicine services for infertility, including premature ovarian failure, we can help achieve your fertility goals or just reduce menopausal symptoms.

For more information, go to https://www.acuandherbs.com/infertility-acupuncture.html

Media ContactCompany Name: Acuwellness CenterContact Person: Sharareh (Sherry) DaghighiEmail: Send EmailPhone: (818) 642-3512Address:16260 Ventura Blvd, Ste LL16 City: EncinoState: CA 91436Country: United StatesWebsite: https://www.acuandherbs.com/infertility-acupuncture.html

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Acupuncture For Fertility And TCM Improve Chances Of Conception And Pregnancy And Mitigates Side Effects Of IVF Treatment - Press Release - Digital...