Category Archives: Eczema

Recently, dermatologists and medical students from across the nation attended the 37th Annual Advances in Dermatology meeting held at New York University. Dr. Seth Orlow, chairman of the Department of Dermatology at New York University School of Medicine, presented on the connection between atopic dermatitis, more commonly known as eczema, and the skins complex microbiome. One key aspect of Orlows presentation involved the often misunderstood relationship between eczema and a specific strain of bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus. Numerous studies have found that people with eczema nearly always have a much higher concentration of S. aureus bacteria living on their skin than those without this common condition. In fact, the more severe the eczema, the greater the amount of S. aureus that seems to be present on the skin. These findings lead many to believe that this bacteria causes eczema but this can lead to overuse of irritating antibacterial soaps and overuse of antibiotics. Orlow tells Dermatology Times that focusing on S. aureus as the sole cause of atopic dermatitis is problematic, as the more likely scenario is that the underlying inflammation of this skin condition is what leads to an overabundance of S. aureus colonization on the skin. As a … Continue reading →

Now, experts have said routine prescribing of UV light treatment for severe skin conditions could significantly reduce the use of steroid creams and tablets, according to new research from the University of Dundee. Patients who experience the most severe forms of diseases such as psoriasis or eczema can find their lives affectged by their conditions. Steroid creams are frequently prescribed but these can cause quite serious side effects and can prove inadequate to bring the disease under control. In such instances patients may be referred to a dermatologist for more intensive treatment, which may take the forms of pills, injections or filtered UV light, known as phototherapy. Experts from Dundee Universitys School of Medicine, examined the outcomes of 1800 patients with severe psoriasis who received UV treatment over a six-year period. They found that three-quarters of patients experienced significant improvements in their condition and that the need for steroid creams was reduced by 25 per cent. Phototherapy involves safe, controlled delivery of narrow wavebands of ultraviolet radiation in specially constructed cabins. It has been known to help skin disease sufferers for decades but this study is the first to demonstrate that its use can reduce the need for steroids in … Continue reading →

If you suffer from eczema, then all that itching is making you scratch ALSO READ: The common activities done best on an EMPTY stomach - and having sex is one of them If you suffer from eczema, then all that itching is making you scratch. Here are a few tips on how to get rid of eczema and some treatments. According to statistics the number of eczema cases being reported has risen 40 per cent in the past four years. Whether you are unfortunate enough to be born with the skin condition or you develop it in later life, eczema can be painful, embarrassing and debilitating. What can be done to get your skin back on track? Here are our tips from the health experts What is eczema? Eczema close-up Eczema is red, flaky and itchy skin, which will often crack and weep. The most common type of eczema is atopic (caused by allergies), but people may suffer from contact eczema (flare-ups after touching allergens such as nickel or rubber), discoid (which occurs in coin-shaped patches), or seborrheic (eczema of the scalp). ALSO READ: 5 Easy Detox drinks to help with weight loss that you can easily fix at home … Continue reading →

Many people believe that eczema mainly occurs in childhood and is likely to clear up as a child grows older. However, this itchy skin condition sometimes takes a heavier toll on adults than children, an expert says. According to a Health24 article, eczema is a chronic skin disease caused by inflammation of the skin and its inability to retain adequate moisture. The result is a dry and very troublesome rash and intense itching, which may occur on almost any part of the body. 'It's not just eczema' "Adult eczema patients may have dealt with their symptoms for their entire lives, which can be draining, or they may experience symptoms for the first time as adults, which can be a difficult adjustment," said Dr Jonathan Silverberg, an assistant professor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago. "Either way, this condition can take a real toll on them," added Dr Silverberg, who is also a director of Northwestern's Multidisciplinary Eczema Center. Some people mistakenly regard eczema as a childhood disease and not a serious health problem for adults, he said. "People who aren't familiar with the disease might say, 'It's just eczema.' But for many patients, it's not 'just eczema'. … Continue reading →

By Robert Preidt HealthDay Reporter THURSDAY, July 27, 2017 (HealthDay News) -- The itchy, rashy skin condition eczema sometimes takes a heavier toll on adults than children, an expert says. "Adult eczema patients may have dealt with their symptoms for their entire lives, which can be draining, or they may experience symptoms for the first time as adults, which can be a difficult adjustment," said Dr. Jonathan Silverberg, an assistant professor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago. "Either way, this condition can take a real toll on them," added Silverberg, director of Northwestern's Multidisciplinary Eczema Center. Some people mistakenly regard eczema as a childhood disease and not a serious health problem for adults, he said. "People who aren't familiar with the disease might say, 'It's just eczema.' But for many patients, it's not 'just eczema.' It can be debilitating," Silverberg said in a news release from the American Academy of Dermatology. The intense itching and dry, red patches of skin can make daily tasks and physical activities difficult, he said. Some evidence suggests it leads to poorer job performance, disrupts sleep, and contributes to mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, he explained. Also, someone with … Continue reading →

(Reuters Health) - Many people with eczema, a common skin disease, may avoid creams and ointments that can help ease symptoms like itching and inflammation because theyre afraid to try topical corticosteroids, a recent study suggests. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, usually develops in early childhood and often runs in families. Scaly, itchy rashes are the main symptoms. The condition can be treated using moisturizers, avoiding certain soaps and other irritants and with prescription creams and ointments containing corticosteroids to relieve itching. For the study, researchers examined results from 16 previously published studies and found as many as four in five people were afraid to use corticosteroids for eczema. Between one third and one half of people who were prescribed steroid creams but also expressed concerns about them did not adhere to the treatment - meaning they didnt use the creams and missed out on their benefits. Steroids have developed a bad reputation because of the potential side effects that come with improper or chronic use of high-potency steroids, said senior study author Dr. Richard Antaya, director of pediatric dermatology at Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut. Common side effects of corticosteroids can include stretch marks as … Continue reading →

Many people with eczema, a common skin disease, may avoid creams and ointments that can help ease symptoms like itching and inflammation because theyre afraid to try topical corticosteroids, a recent study suggests. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, usually develops in early childhood and often runs in families. Scaly, itchy rashes are the main symptoms. The condition can be treated using moisturizers, avoiding certain soaps and other irritants and with prescription creams and ointments containing corticosteroids to relieve itching. For the study, researchers examined results from 16 previously published studies and found as many as four in five people were afraid to use corticosteroids for eczema. Between one third and one half of people who were prescribed steroid creams but also expressed concerns about them did not adhere to the treatment - meaning they didnt use the creams and missed out on their benefits. Steroids have developed a bad reputation because of the potential side effects that come with improper or chronic use of high-potency steroids, said senior study author Dr. Richard Antaya, director of pediatric dermatology at Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut. Common side effects of corticosteroids can include stretch marks as well as thinning, … Continue reading →

People say that pregnancy is supposed to be a happy time. Well, Im pretty sure those people don'thave eczema. For mea woman with a severe case of the skin condition, which causes itchy, red rashes on the skinthose nine months were the most miserable days of my life. Up until I got pregnant at age 17, my eczema was manageable. I was diagnosed when I was four years old, and used the same topical steroid for years. Whenever I had a flare, I put on the cream and my skin would calm down. When I was eight, I moved to Tampa, Florida, and, despite the occasional rash, I still wore shorts and tank tops. Besides, the air felt good on my skin. But by the time I entered middle school, things started to get worse. The patches were spreadingto my wrists, the back of my legs, and eventually to my face. Then I got pregnant, and my skin just went crazy. RELATED: 5 Things You Should Never Say to Someone With Eczema I was two months pregnant when the left side of my face started to itch uncontrollably. I felt it before I went to bed one night, and by … Continue reading →

With the summer heat, many Canadians no doubt will be replacing those long pants, shirts, and sweaters with shorts, tees, and swimwear. However, for up to one-sixth of our population, this choice may not come as easy as we think. It's because they suffer from a disease known officially as atopic dermatitis although most of us call it eczema. Eczema is a difficult disease to pin down. The symptoms range from itchy rashes to cracked, oozing skin. This condition can be a mere annoyance but in severe cases, it can impact one's ability to function in society. The same difficulties can be said for treatment. Some can manage the condition with hygiene while others may require prescription medications. When it comes to the cause, eczema has proven to be an enigma. Researchers have known for years the ailment arises due to a change in one's immunity. For some reason, the body tends to overreact in certain areas of the body leading to the symptoms. This explanation is the basis for numerous pharmacological treatments known to calm the immune response and reduce or eliminate the ailment. While therapeutic options may be helpful for those suffering, for public health officials, there is … Continue reading →

Eczema is the term for a group of medical conditions that cause the skin to become irritated and inflamed. Atopic dermatitis, a type of eczema, is known as the itch that rashes. It usually appears on the face, hands, and limbs, and is accompanied by an intense itch. Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema. It affects approximately 15% of infants and children and 3% of adults in the U.S. Many people outgrow the condition during childhood, although some suffer with it throughout life. Atopic dermatitis affects the skins barrier functionits ability to keep moisture in and irritants out. It also disturbs the formation of natural skin oils and reduces sweat secretion. As a result, skin loses moisture and can eventually become so dry that it cracks and fissures develop, allowing bacteria and irritants to penetrate the skin and possibly cause infection. While the exact cause of the disease is unknown, the good news is that it can be managed and treated with a good daily skincare regimen. Eczema is a condition that can be managed with a physicians assistance. Your dermatologist or pediatrician may prescribe medications to help you manage your eczema or atopic dermatitis, but he … Continue reading →