Mar
13
Study On TCM Herbal Medicine Indicates Reduced Eczema Symptoms
Filed Under Eczema Treatment, Natural Eczema Treatment, Herbal Remedy For Eczema, Eczema News | 2 Comments
A combination of TCM herbs may hold the secret to reducing your need for steroid creams. A study by the Chinese University of Hong Kong was recently done on the effects of a traditional herbal formulation on 85 patients aged between five and 21 with atopic eczema. The results indicated that quality of life improved by a third in the group taking the herbs, with a reduced need for topical steroids. This was compared to no improvement in the placebo-treated group.
The formulation capsules contain extracts of five raw herbs – Japanese honeysuckle, peppermint, root bark of peony tree, underground stem of the atractylodes herb and Amur cork-tree bark. Don’t ask me what these are, other than the peppermint, or how the combination of herbs is supposed to work. In fact, only someone trained in TCM and herbal medicine would. Then again, I’m not sure if any TCM practitioner out there will be prescribing the same formulation. The results from the study appear promising but may just be too prelimnary or too small a scale, for any definitive conclusion.
In any case, if you are considering going herbal for your eczema symptoms, it is important that you should never self medicate but to always check with someone who is skilled and knowledgeable about them. While herbs are natural, some of them can bring about certain side effects and can be dangerous, especially if you take them at the same time as your western medication. Hence, do your necessary consultation with a healthcare practitioner before attempting anything new and let him or her know about the drugs that you are currently taking.
Source of News: Nursingtimes.net/news/breakingnews/2008/03/
Mar
2
7 Tips For Preventing An Eczema Flareup From An Exposure To Dust Mites and Roaches
Filed Under Eczema Triggers, Care for Eczema Skin, Eczema News, Non-toxic Living, Eczema Causes | Leave a Comment
Eczema sufferers need to pay heed to their immediate environment. A study from South Korea has revealed that dust mites and cockroach allergens can weaken the skin’s defense mechanism. Cockroach allergens are particles of feces, saliva and other matter found on the bodies of these insects. The study was reported in an article in the latest issue of the Journal of Investigative Dermatology.
In the study, a group of volunteers had their skin barrier function disrupted by repeatedly stripping off a cellophane tape that they have stuck on their forearm. They then exposed themselves to dust mites and roach allergens. It was found that the skin repair process of the skin got delayed due to the exposures.
Just the talk of microscopic bugs and fifth is enough to make the hairs on my skin stand. Here are my 7 tips for prevention and clearing out of dust mites and roaches:
1. Be sure to always clear out dust from any hidden corners.
2. Clear out debris or any food particles quickly, to prevent insects and cockroaches from making its way to your home.
3. Never take off your shoes or slippers if you are stepping into an environment that is not cleaned regularly.
4. Spring clean often.
5. Plug any holes on the walls.
6. Always eat in restaurants that practice good hygiene.
7. Avoid going too close to drains or alleys that are filthy. Never let your kids, who are prone to eczema outbreaks, play near the drains.
