Sufferers of the inflammatory skin condition eczema are plagued by itchiness.  It is often the single most irritating aspect of the condition and the symptom that causes them the most grief.

Many different aspects of the environment aggravate the itchiness but one of the major problems is the fabric we put against our skin.  Many fabrics are course or scratchy and increase skin irritation which in turn increases itching.

A textile manufacturer in Japan has developed a new fiber that they claim will reduce the itchiness and irritation.  In a clinical study where 100 eczema sufferers wore underwear made of the fiber overnight, 80 of them reported decreased itchiness the next morning.

What makes this fiber so special?

The Osaka based textile maker Daiwabo Neu Co. drew on research conducted by Shinshu University and other institutions.  The end result was a fiber dyed with iron phthalocyanine which is an organic chemical that destroys the protein that accelerates itchiness by decomposing allergens such as dust mites and house dust.

This sounds like a huge breakthrough for the everyday lives of eczema sufferers and in deed any one with sensitive, easily irritated skin.  Unfortunately the report did not indicate how long it would be before the fiber makes it onto the market where we can all benefit from it.

Dust is the general name for minute solid particles of matter.  Dust occurs in two main forms, Atmospheric dust and Domestic dust.  Although it was the atmospheric dust I’ve been dealing with for the past two weeks, domestic dust is what commonly causes flare-ups for eczema sufferers.

It’s spring, so dust in the house and dust in the air (in the form of pollen) is very common.  It’s a common time for allergies to flare up and the scratching of eczema begins.

Where there’s dust, there’s dust mites

We have known of the dangers of dust mite for those who suffer from allergies for longer than the word allergies has been around.  And they are difficult to avoid.

Dust mites are everywhere

Dust mites live off organic debris and their preferred diet is skin cells.  Dust mite can therefore be found wherever humans are.  They are most abundant where dead human skin cells are most plentiful – bedding, rugs, upholstered furniture.  They thrive in warm moist environments.

Dust mites are resilient

Dust mites are also very resilient.  They can survive in warm soapy water and can withstand freezing temperatures for up to 5 hours.  Bedding and furnishings should therefore be laundered regularly in the hottest water possible and then put through the hottest cycle of a clothes dryer.

It is best to replace childrens soft plush covered toys with toys that have smooth plastic bodies and washable clothes.  If children have special toys they just can’t part with they should be washed 2 –3 times a week in very hot water to kill the dust mite or placed in a plastic bag and put in the freezer overnight.  The next morning they can be washed in warm water to remove the dead mites.

Although regular vacuuming will not totally rid a room of mites it will remove up to 70% of them.  However they will be back to their original numbers within a week.  Regular vacuuming is therefore essential.

The most effective way to keep your environment as dust mite free as possible is to vacuum regularly, launder in hot water regularly and replace what ever can’t be laundered with that which can be laundered easily in hot water.

Blisters are a result of a number of causes.  Blisters are small fluid-filled sacs that appear on the surface of the skin.  They may vary in size from pinpoint to 10mm in diameter.  Larger blisters are known as bulla, whilst the smaller ones commonly seen in eczema are called vesicles.

Blisters are caused by an allergic reaction, which causes an increase in fluid accumulation in the skin’s tissues.  Blisters usually break easily releasing their fluid onto the skin’s surface.  When the fluid dries yellow crusts like scabs may remain on the skin.

Although not commonly recognised as a main symptom of eczema, blisters can be present in most types of eczema.  They are however mainly associated with Dyshidrotic eczema. Nummular eczema and Atopic eczema may also have blisters but they are a less distinctive part of the conditions.

The eczema rash is one of the most distinctive features of eczema, despite the fact that its appearance will vary from person to person.  Everyone with eczema will have a rash … and an itch. The typical eczema rash is dry, red, scaly and itchy.  The skin is always inflamed.

Baby eczema oozes and crusts

Although born with a predisposition to develop eczema it is rare for the condition to develop before the age of 2 months.  The eczema rash, which usually appears on the skin of a baby developing eczema between the ages of 2 – 4 months, will typically be red and inflamed with oozing and crusting.

A child not developing eczema until the age of 2 years will generally find that the eczema rash is drier and more scaly.  Despite the differences in the presentation of the rash the eczema rash is still quite easy to identify and fortunately for most children their eczema and the rash will be outgrown by the time they start school.

The rash is dry, red and scaly

For some the eczema continues on into the teens and adulthood.  Eczema at this age is typically characterised by dry, red skin that is scaly and inflamed.  The itch is always present resulting in the presence of numerous scratch marks covering the rash and in some cases the skin over the eczema rash will become broken and possibly infected.

Eczema developing in adulthood is often quite different in appearance to that of the eczema rash found in children.  And the location of the rash is often more confined.  Whilst children will often find the eczema rash appears mainly on the face and behind the knees and elbows, adults will be more prone to develop eczema on the hands or sometimes in patches on the lower leg.

Of course this is a generalization and the eczema rash can cover any part of the body at any age and the severity of the rash will vary from person to person.

Adult eczema often affects the hands – look out for the rash

The most common form of eczema experienced by children is atopic eczema.  Whilst adults can also develop atopic eczema contact dermatitis of the hands is more common.  Here the eczema rash will appear in response to the hands coming in contact with something they are sensitive to.

Another form of eczema common amongst older adults is nummular eczema.  Here the eczema rash presents as small, red, coin shaped lesions usually on the legs.  As the rash heals it develops an appearance not unlike ringworm.

Regardless of the appearance of the eczema rash or the type of eczema experienced it is important to take care of the affected skin and remember to keep it well moisturized at all times.  Consult your doctor if your eczema rash takes on a different appearance of if you are having difficulty controlling it.

Over the past couple of decades Western society has started exploring what the eastern world has known for centuries.

Green tea has therapeutic properties

Green tea and black tea both come from the same plant, camellia sinensis, which is native to the rainy forests of South East Asia.  The difference is in the processing.  Green tea is less processed so it still contains much of its original plant substances.

Green tea possesses many therapeutic properties, due to the high levels of polyphenols that it contains.  Polyphenols are naturally occurring substances that neutralise the damaging effects of the free radicals in the body.  Free radicals disrupt normal cellular function causing damage to many cells in the body.  The polyphenols, which are abundant in green tea, help to prevent this cellular damage.

Studies into the benefits of green tea are continuing and reports are promising.  Green tea contains anti-carcinogenic, anti-allergenic, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Green tea is believed to reduce inflammation and itching

Drinking green tea on a regular basis is believed to be beneficial in controlling the symptoms of eczema.  It is believed to reduce inflammation and itching and to calm the overactive immune response.  It is only effective whilst being taken regularly and is by no means considered a cure for the condition.  Studies indicate that the eczema symptoms will reappear if the green tea is not taken regularly.

The amount of green tea required to control the symptoms of eczema is disputable.  Some reports claim 3 cups per day will control the symptoms of eczema whilst other reports indicate that up to 10 cups per day are required.

If you suffer from eczema why not try drinking green tea?  You never know the benefits you might discover.

Over recent years we have seen a trend towards natural products.  It is often thought that if it is natural it must be safe.  It is true that natural products do not contain the harmful man-made chemicals known to be harsh on the skin.  It is however fallacy that natural ingredients will not cause an allergic reaction.

Whilst it is true that natural ingredients are less likely to cause an allergic reaction, some people are just more prone to allergy.  This is especially so for the eczema sufferer.

Unfortunately unless you are already aware of certain ingredients that will cause a reaction there is no way of knowing how your skin will react to a product until you have tried it.  It is for this reason that any new topical application should be patch tested before being applied to the affected area.

If your skin does react to a substance it will become red, itchy and burn.  Severe reactions will result in small papules sometimes filled with a watery fluid to develop.

Sensitive skin can be aggravated by environmental influences like wind, sun and heat.  Perfumes, some essential oils and products containing alcohol will also aggravate sensitive skin.  Stress, changed diet, illness or medication may make you prone to an allergic reaction.

Sometimes it may take several applications of a preparation before a reaction occurs.  If an allergic reaction occurs immediately wash the substance off your skin.  A cold compress will soothe any resulting stinging or redness.

Despite the possibility of a natural product still causing an allergic reaction it is less likely than a product containing perfumes, chemicals or sulfates to cause irritation.  I believe it is still a good choice for your skin – a more friendly, gentle choice for your skin.  You just need to remember to take the required precautions.

In a survey of 1000 consumers looking for an over the counter remedy to treat a medical problem indicated that the pharmacist exerts considerable influence.

The study carried out in the UK showed that over half the UK population has asked a pharmacist for advice on a cough or cold remedy.  20% have asked the pharmacist for advice regarding an eye problem and 19% regarding a headache or migraine.  14% of people have asked for advice from the pharmacist regarding a skin complaint such as eczema.

Findings show that women are more likely to ask for a pharmacist’s advice than men.  Haemorrhoids (3%) and weight loss (2%) are the least likely ailments for people to seek a pharmacist’s advice about.  Almost 70% of pharmacists were said to not only give advice but to suggest a brand of product to use.

This shows that the pharmacist is a key influencer in consumers determining treatment when seeking an over the counter remedy for medical ailments.

Eczema is one of the most common conditions affecting children in the western world yet it is rarely associated with adults.

This belief leads to many cases of eczema in adults going undiagnosed.  Whilst the eczema often presents in different forms in adults it is still eczema with many of the same symptoms seen in childhood eczema – dry skin, itching, red scaly rash.

The most common forms of eczema seen in adults include Atopic eczema, Dyshidrotic eczema, Nummular eczema and Contact Dermatitis.

Atopic eczema

Atopic eczema is most commonly seen in adults who as a child suffered from the same condition.  Whilst most Atopic eczema resolves in childhood some continues on into adulthood.

In these cases a rash appears anywhere on the body and is accompanied by dry skin and an unbearable itch.  The flare-ups are triggered by allergy and the condition has a familial tendency.

Dyshidrotic eczema

Dyshidrotic eczema appears as clear fluid filled blisters (vesicles) on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.  This recurrent skin condition runs in families and is usually the result of an allergy.

Common allergens causing an outbreak of Dyshidrotic eczema include prolonged contact with water, deodorant soaps, strong detergents, solvents, stressful situations and rubber / latex gloves.

Although there is no known quick cure, Dyshidrotic eczema usually resolves without problems. Excessive scratching can however result in thickening of the skin, which is easily irritated.

Nummular eczema

Nummular eczema also known as Discoid eczema has no known cause or cure.  It most frequently occurs in adults with extremely dry skin.  Occurrence is increased during times of cold weather, low humidity, stressful situations and overly frequent bathing.

It appears as coin shaped, inflamed, scaly lesions, which are very itchy.  As the condition clears the lesions heal from the inside out creating a red ring similar in appearance to ring worm.  This appearance frequently results in misdiagnosis.  Accurate diagnosis requires a doctor consultation.

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis usually occurs on the hands and is very common in adulthood.  As in Atopic eczema contact dermatitis is often the result of an allergy (allergic contact dermatitis) but usually the result of the skin coming in contact with an irritant (Irritant contact dermatitis).

Contact dermatitis causes the skin on the hands to become dry, red and inflamed.  As avoidance of the irritant is often difficult the hands frequently become cracked and painful.

Treatment of adult eczema

Regardless of the type of eczema the treatment is the same.  As the skin is always excessively dry regular moisturizers are essential.  A cream to reduce the rash and itch is also required.

Traditionally steroid creams were used however today the preferred treatment creams are natural over the counter creams.  Avoiding known allergens or irritating substances will also reduce flare-ups.

Eczema is more than skin deep.  Just ask anyone who suffers from the condition.

People who suffer form eczema have dry, red blotches on their skin.  They look different, and they feel different.  But it is not necessary for them to be treated differently.

It is however an unfortunate way of our society that people who look different are treated differently and are often made to feel alienated.

They are bullied.

A recent international survey backed by the National Eczema society of the UK and global patient support groups has looked at the emotional effects of eczema.   Any one who has suffered from eczema or lived with someone who does knows of the emotional pain the condition causes.

In the study ISOLATE (International Study Of Life with ATopic Eczema) interviewed 2000 people from eight countries (France, Germany, Spain, Mexico, the Netherlands, Poland, UK and US) who suffered from moderate to severe eczema.  It is the largest and most comprehensive study of its kind ever conducted and supported by international patient associations and physicians.

The survey revealed that people with eczema generally experience isolation, depression, segregation and bullying as a direct result of their eczema.  In fact no less than 27% of eczema sufferers have experienced bullying as a result of their unsightly skin.  10% of eczema sufferers also feel they have suffered discrimination at work due to their condition.

More than a minor inconvenience

Most people think of eczema as a minor inconvenience but for those with the condition it is far more than this.  Over half of the people surveyed said they experienced bouts of depression as a result of their eczema.

Surprisingly only 26% of those surveyed had experienced any form of advice from their physician regarding the emotional aspects of the disease despite it obviously being a major concern for those with the condition.

75% of those surveyed said that the single most important improvement to their life would be to be able to control their eczema effectively.  This in itself indicates the desperation of many eczema sufferers yet it is an area which is regarded with little importance.

Margaret Cox, Chief Executive of the National Eczema Society in the UK said: “Eczema is sometimes dismissed as a minor irritation, but this survey clearly demonstrates the suffering experienced by millions of people in all aspects of their everyday lives.  It is hard to appreciate the misery that eczema can cause unless you, or a member of your family, have the disease.  Even doctors may not fully appreciate the psychological and emotional burden faced by patients who have to live with this distressing condition.”

Bullying can affect any one at any age, and in any environment.  It is a behaviour that is definitely not acceptable yet we see it occurring regularly and repeatedly.  Greater public awareness of eczema is required to help bring this problem under control.  More emotional and psychological support is also a must to help the sufferers of eczema make the most of their day and improve the quality of their lives.

Eczema is caused by stress? No

This is just another eczema fallacy.  Stress often acts as a trigger to eczema flare ups but is not the cause of eczema.

Eczema itself may cause stress, which leads to a vicious circle.  An increase in eczema leads to an increase in stress, which further worsens the eczema.

People look upon foods, dusts and climate changes as the major causes of eczema flare ups.  But one major factor – stress – is often overlooked.

Stress is often easier to identify and possible to control.

Our lives in general are far more stressful than in past generations.  Stressful jobs, fast non-stop social lives, unstable world situations and deadlines to meet.  All add stresses to our lives that will easily trigger an eczema flare up or make the overall condition difficult to control.

Take time to smell the roses

It is simple; we need to reduce the stress in our daily lives.  Take time out of our hectic day to relax – take time to smell the roses as the saying goes.

By spending half an hour each day doing something purely for yourself that you enjoy will significantly reduce the level of stress bottled up inside of you.  This may be simply reading a magazine, walking on the beach or having a massage.

Reduce you stress levels and your eczema will be much easier to control.