Constant Moisture To Heal Defective Epidermal Barrier of Eczema Skin

Filed Under Eczema Treatment, Care for Eczema Skin, Eczema News, Baby Eczema, Eczema Allergy, Eczema Causes | Leave a Comment

New studies examining the genetic basis of eczema continue to give credence to the theory that atopic dermatitis might be caused by a defect in the skin’s protective outer layer - known as the epidermal barrier. A defective epidermal barrier allows irritants, microbes and allergens to penetrate the skin and cause adverse reactions.

“Overuse and prolonged treatment with antibiotics are real concerns for dermatologists who treat patients with eczema, as they are at risk for developing antibiotic resistance,” said Dr Hanifin. “The new research realm directed at the epidermal barrier and the important immune factors carries the hope that new therapeutic approaches will lead to reduced infections in eczema patients.” Dr Jon M. Hanifin, MD, FAAD, professor of dermatology at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, Ore., spoke at the 66th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Dr Hanifin also pointed out to a common observation that there are numerous cases of babies with severe eczema everywhere on their bodies except in the diaper area, which stays surprisingly smooth. This goes to imply that constant moisture keeps the skin from cracking. Hence, he concludes that eczema patients should continually moisturise the skin. He recommends that skin maintenance of a baby inflicted with eczema should be made as early as possible and that harmful products be avoided.

Dr Hanifin also dispelled the myth that food allergies cause eczema. Rather, the food allergies are secondary to the broken skin barrier caused by eczema. Hence, those with a defective epidermal barrier also have an allergy and increased sensitivity to dust mites, pollen or pet dander.

I must say that his recommendation goes to support the basis of my ebook Eczema Diet Secrets. Often, eczema sufferers focus on topical applications with the neglect of what internal healing can do. I have personally benefitted from a combination of both approaches. Although I may not be able to cure a genetic defect in my epidermal skin, assuming that the study is true, at least I can do much by alleviating the symptoms caused by it.

Source: American Academy Of Dermatology

Jan

15

Breastfeed To Lower High Risk Infants To Eczema

Filed Under Eczema Treatment, Eczema Prevention, Eczema News, Baby Eczema | 1 Comment

I’ve known about the benefits to breast feeding but here is more convincing information on why you should consider breastfeeding your baby, especially if you are an [tag-tec]eczema[/tag-tec] sufferer or come from a family who suffers from allergies.

In the January issue of Pediatrics, published by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), it is concluded that atopic diseases which include [tag-dtec]eczema[/tag-dtec] and food allergies may be delayed or even prevented in high-risk infants if they are exclusively breast-fed for at least four months or fed infant formula without cow milk protein.

Dr. Frank Greer, an author of the report, professor of pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin and chairman of the AAP Committee on Nutrition, proposed that the best prevention for atopic [allergic] disease is exclusive breast-feeding for four months. He also advised that if “your infant comes from a family with significant atopic disease, then weaning from breast milk to a partially or extensively hydrolyzed [hypoallergenic] formula [without cow milk protein] may delay or prevent the onset of atopic disease, especially atopic dermatitis [eczema].”

The incidence of allergies are on the rise. In children 4 years of age and younger, the incidence of asthma has risen 160 percent, while the incidence of atopic dermatitis has almost tripled. Sufferers of peanut allergy has also doubled just during the past decade, according to the report.

Clearly, if you have a family history of allergies, consider breast feeding to help reduce the risk. While there is no evidence that what a mother eats during pregnancy or breast-feeding plays a major part in preventing atopic disease in infants, there is some evidence, however, that avoiding certain foods during breast-feeding may help prevent atopic [tag-ice]eczema[/tag-ice]. Exclusive breast-feeding for at least three months also helps to protect an infant against wheezing in early life. There is no convincing evidence to suggest that any dietary intervention will prevent atopic disease after 4 to 6 months of age.

Some of my girlfriends had preferred not to breastfeed their babies, citing reasons such as “inconvenient”. However, this latest conclusion should lend further support to the case for breastfeeding.

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