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October is National Eczema Awareness Month, a good time to review new information about treatment. Probiotic supplements such as Vidazorb Chewarble Probiotics, hold great promise for prevention and symptomatic relief of eczema.

Beltsville, MD (PRWEB) October 24, 2012

Eczema is not an allergy in itself, it is the bodys response to allergens such as food, fabric, grass, pollen and other environmental factors. These allergens trigger the skins response of incessant itching, hives and welts. Eczema flare-ups are sometimes the result of a specific irritant, but more often there is no obvious external cause for the rash. Intolerable itching can lead children to scratching themselves until their skin is red with sores, sometimes to the point of bleeding. Even though eczema is not contagious, the unsightly nature of the breakout can lead to alienation by other playmates and their parents.

The standard treatment for chronic eczema involves wearing soft cotton fabrics, taking lukewarm baths, using mild soap or non-soap cleansers and patting the skin gently to dry, applying moisturizer immediately after bathing, and avoiding extremes of weather and any personal triggers. Medical treatment often includes oral or topical steroids, which can be too harsh for a young child, and often, can actually worsen the situation.

Research has found that probotic supplements may relieve the itch of eczema. In clinical studies using bacterial strain, BB-12, found in Vidazorb probiotic supplements, infants that took probiotics developed less eczema, and if the infants already suffered from eczema, they had fewer incidents and greater improvement.(1) Another study in pregnant mothers of at-risk infants showed that those taking a mixture of probiotics beginning 2-4 weeks before delivery and continuing while breastfeeding saw significantly less eczema than would be expected in their infants.(2) The mechanisms by which probiotics work have to do with the way they change the bacterial composition and metabolic activity of the intestines. Friendly probiotic bacteria seem to crowd out harmful bacteria that produce inflammation and toxins making the gut more permeable to harmful allergens.

While it is still too early to conclude that probiotics can prevent and treat eczema, Registered Dietitian, Mary Hartley explains, the science is promising, and parents who try Vidazorb for their childrens eczema swear by it.

Each Vidazorb supplement is manufactured to the highest quality standards with the full spectrum of bellies in mind. Vidazorb probiotics are non-refrigerated, calorie-, gluten- and lactose-free in great tasting chewable tablet form. For samples or more information on Vidazorb, please contact Alana Cowan at ADinfinitum: Alana(at)adinfinitumny(dot)com or call 212 693 2150 Ext: 309.

V Kirjavainen, et al. (2002) Aberrant composition of gut microbiota of allergic infants: a target of bifidobacterial therapy at weaning? Gut 51: 5155.

KWickens, et al. (2008) A differential effect of 2 probiotics in the prevention of eczema and atopy: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. J Allergy Clin Immunol 122: 788-794

About Vidazorb

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Probiotics May Help Fight the Growing Eczema Epidemic

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Babies were less likely to get an itchy skin rash when their mothers took probiotics during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, in a new study from Finland.

Known as eczema, the rash is caused by an allergic reaction and hints at future problems with allergies and asthma.

Researchers said it's possible that probiotics - which are thought to help balance bacteria populations in the gut and prevent disease-causing strains from spreading - may influence babies' health through immune cells that cross the placenta and later are passed in breast milk.

Still, it's too early to send all pregnant women out to buy "good bacteria" supplements, some researchers said.

"While our results are promising, it is not yet possible to make recommendations for routine use of probiotics to reduce the risk of eczema," the study's lead author told Reuters Health in an email.

For the new study, Dr. Samuli Rautava of Turku University Central Hospital and his colleagues assigned 241 pregnant women to take one of two different probiotic combinations, given as a powder mixed with water once daily, or a bacteria-free placebo powder.

All of those mothers-to-be had a history of allergies, so their babies were at extra-high risk of eczema and other allergic reactions.

The women drank their assigned concoction for the last two months of pregnancy and their first two months of breastfeeding. Researchers then tracked their babies' health for two years to see how many developed rashes.

By the end of the study, 71 percent of babies in the placebo group had had eczema at least once, compared to 29 percent of babies whose mothers took either probiotic combination. Chronic eczema was diagnosed in 26 percent of placebo kids, compared to 10 percent and six percent, respectively, of those in the two probiotic groups.

However, by age two there was no difference in kids' sensitivities to a range of allergens, including milk, wheat, soy and dog and cat dander, based on whether their mothers had taken the supplements. About one-quarter of kids had a positive "skin prick" test for sensitivity to an allergen, the researchers reported last week in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

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"Good bacteria" during pregnancy may ward off eczema

(Reuters) - Babies were less likely to get the itchy skin rash eczema when their mothers took probiotics during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, according to a study from Finland.

Researchers said it's possible that probiotics - which are thought to help balance bacteria populations in the gut and prevent disease-causing strains from spreading - may influence babies' health through immune cells that cross the placenta and later are passed in breast milk.

"Prevention regimen with specific probiotics administered to the pregnant and breast-feeding mother, that is, prenatally and postnatally, is safe and effective in reducing the risk of eczema in infants with allergic mothers," wrote lead author Samuli Rautava of Turku University Central Hospital, in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

For the study, Rautava and his colleagues assigned 241 pregnant women to take one of two different probiotic combinations, given as a powder mixed with water once daily, or a bacteria-free placebo powder.

All of the mothers-to-be had a history of allergies, so their babies were at extra-high risk of eczema and other allergic reactions.

The women drank their assigned concoction for the last two months of pregnancy and their first two months of breastfeeding. Researchers then tracked their babies' health for two years to see how many developed rashes.

By the end of the study, 71 percent of babies in the placebo group had had eczema at least once, compared to 29 percent of babies whose mother took either probiotic combination.

Chronic eczema was diagnosed in 26 percent of placebo kids, compared to 10 percent and six percent, respectively, of those in the two probiotic groups.

However, by age two there was no difference in kids' sensitivities to a range of allergens, including milk, wheat, soy and dog and cat dander, based on whether their mothers had taken the supplements. About one quarter of the children had a positive "skin prick" test for sensitivity to an allergen.

"(The study) really shows a reduction in eczema from probiotics, which is such a simple and easy intervention for mothers,' said Ruchi Gupta, an allergy an eczema researcher at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

Original post:
"Good bacteria" during pregnancy may ward off eczema: study

by Stacy D. Tompkins, M.D., North Coast Dermatology

Promising new research that targets the root cause of eczema and its potential treatment is welcome news to those who suffer from the condition. As researchers try to pinpoint the markers responsible for the skin disorder, eczema patients can in the meantime take steps to prepare their skin for the harsh winter months ahead. October is Eczema Awareness Month and with winter right around the corner, people who suffer from the condition are more likely to experience stronger flare ups. However, there are simple ways that eczema patients can prepare and treat their skin for the cold winter months.

Continued Research Brings New Hope

Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is a skin disorder related to a compromised, highly sensitive immune system. Although the disorder appears as patches of inflamed skin that can be very itchy and crusty, eczema can occur anywhere on the body. Areas where flare ups occur more frequently include the hands and feet, behind the knees and on the ankles, wrist, face, neck and upper chest even around the eyes and eyelids.

Although the root cause of eczema is still being investigated, researchers are getting closer to providing more effective treatments based on recent findings. Eczema patients suffer from an intense itching sensation caused by their T cells, resulting in an allergic response. According to the Huffington Post, researchers found that both T-cells and another kind of immune cell, neutrophils, also cause the itchy sensation. As neutrophils release chemicals such as leukotriene B4 during this response, it causes a chain reaction causing even more neutrophils to be released. Researchers found that when they blocked leukotriene B4, it prevented T cells from causing the inflammation linked to eczema. With continued research ahead to determine the best treatment options, what can eczema sufferers do in the meantime to beat winter skin?

Summer Behind, Winter Ahead

Eczema sufferers can expect the harsh winter elements to greatly affect their skin the brisk cold air, low humidity and dry winds all play a part in exacerbating eczema-prone skin. The key is keeping the skin moisturized using an oil based moisturizer and using it frequently throughout the day, according to the National Eczema Association. In order for skin to stay healthy and pliable, it has to contain and absorb essential oils. If not, an eczema patient is more prone to infection and flare ups. Hands, elbows, legs and feet are most susceptible to dryness and need extra attention and moisture during winter.

Five Tips to Managing Eczema During Winter

So what can eczema sufferers do to manage flare ups in winter? By taking simple precautions on a daily basis, patients can not only manage their condition but also prevent flare ups consistency is key!

If you suffer from eczema, its never been more important to speak to a dermatologist in La Jolla today. As a dermatologist committed to treating eczema, I can help relieve the irritating and painful symptoms associated with this disease. As winter quickly approaches, now is the best time to prepare your skin for the dry, cold months ahead with our expertise and available treatment options. For more information on treating your eczema, call our North Coast Dermatology at (858) 454-4300 or visit us at http://www.ncdermatology.com

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Winterize Your Skin: 5 Essential Skin Care Tips for Eczema Sufferers