Sorbolene is a popular, inexpensive moisturizer consisting mainly of purified water, parafin and glycerin.  It is manufactured by many different companies so there are a variety of brands available.  However regardless of the brand the basic product is the same.

Sorbolene – a non-irritating, odorless, all-purpose cream.  It is suitable for use on the hands, face and body.  It is a popular alternative to soap and makes an ideal make up remover.  Being a pure moisturizer that is lipid free and non-alkaline makes sorbolene ideal for the most sensitive of skin.

Long lasting moisture

Sorbolene is high in glycerin, which is one of the best natural moisturizers found in living systems for faster more effective relief of dry skin.  It creates an effective barrier on the skin therefore minimizing transedermal moisture loss.

Free from thickeners, colorings, fragrances, parabens, lanolin and excessive preservatives, sorbolene is less likely to irritate sensitive skin, trigger allergies or clog the skin pores.

For the best result sorbolene can be massaged into the skin several times a day, especially after the skin has been exposed to water or environmental elements that are prone to strip the skin of its natural elements.

A good moisturizer at an affordable price!

Sorbolene should not replace your treatment cream for outbreaks, but be used in conjunction as part of your daily skin care routine.

Other common spellings of sorbolene – sorbelen, sorbelene, sorbaline.

A study carried out a while ago by Jenny Murase and colleagues at the University of California has revealed that there may be a correlation between an improvement of psoriasis in pregnant women and the levels of estrogen in the body at this time.

The study looked at 47 pregnant women and a control group of 27 non-pregnant premenopausal women over a period of one year.  The women were assessed several times during pregnancy and then at 6 and 24 weeks after pregnancy.

The study revealed that 55% of the pregnant women experienced an improvement in their psoriasis whilst pregnant.  Only 9% of women reported an improvement post partum.

“High levels of estrogen correlated with improvement in psoriasis, whereas progesterone levels did not correlate with psoriatic change,” Writes Jenny Murase and her colleagues.  “We believe that further examination of how estrogen may improve psoriasis is warranted. …Whether estriol (a form of estrogen) can improve psoriasis or can prevent worsening of psoriasis in menopause should be explored.”

As we know the search for a psoriasis cure has not yet been found.  It is the smaller scale studies like this one by Jenny Murase that lead to the larger companies carrying out studies on a much larger scale that may ultimately lead to the cure we are all striving for.

Eczema of the scalp or seborrhoeic eczema is a skin disorder that tends to begin with itching and scaliness on the scalp, causing severe dandruff.  Sufferers of eczema of the scalp will often find that it may spread down to the face, in particular the oily zones such as the sides of the nose, eyebrows, ears etc.

In babies, eczema of the scalp often goes by the well known name of cradle cap.  It will usually strike during the child’s first year, and the child may develop red scaly patches in areas where the skin rubs together ie. elbows or under the armpits.

Sensitive to Chemicals

Most sufferers of eczema of the scalp will be especially sensitive to chemicals in products such as soaps, bubble baths, some shampoos and cosmetics.  These can dry out the scalp even more, and thus creating an increasingly embarrassing dandruff problem.

Take a look at Grahams Natural Shampoo and Conditioner products to help relieve scalp eczema symptoms.

The classic eczema symptoms are itchiness, redness, dryness and scaling of the skin.  However, there are also many other eczema symptoms that are not obviously related to the skin.  Symptoms such as thirst caused by loss of fluid from the skins tissues, over sensitivity to cold and heat, and the prevalence of other allergic conditions such as asthma and hay fever, are all types of eczema symptoms that many people experience.

Following is a brief list of the most common eczema symptoms you may experience.

• Skin inflammation – swelling of the skins surface and the underlying tissues of the skin.
• Redness – caused by widening of the blood vessels in the skin and associated increase in blood flow to the affected area.
• Itching – can vary in intensity and leads to scratching – inflammation and worst case – infection.
• Dry, scaly skin – depends on the individuals skin type, but dry skin can often predispose a person to the development of eczema.
• Pale skin and loss of pigmentation – due to reduced blood flow caused by eczema’s disruptive effect on the skin’s circulation.
• Thick leathery skin – overtime the skin can become thicker due to the constant scratching.  The skin tries to protect itself from this by producing more keratin ( the tough protective protein found in skin cells).

Increased thirst is a much less common symptom of eczema and is only prevalent in severe eczema where there is significant weeping from the skin.  In many cases it may not even be identified that the increased thirst and eczema are associated.  Drinking extra fluids will help to overcome this problem.

Eczema or Psoriasis

Psoriasis and eczema are both inflammatory skin conditions which result in considerable discomfort and can prove difficult to treat.  Psoriasis and Eczema are both very common and the exact cause of these conditions are not known.  Although psoriasis and eczema are not life threatening, they can cause severe misery and disruption to the sufferers everyday life and that of their family.

Chronic Conditions

Psoriasis and eczema are both chronic conditions, one that persists for a long period of time, and as with any chronic condition it is important to look at your lifestyle and understand how various aspects of it may affect your skin.

Eczema

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that is characterised by excruciating itching.  The skin often becomes very dry and red, with a scaly type of appearance.  Eczema appears as a rash and most commonly affects the face and neck as well as the arm and leg folds. The eczema may become more extensive and cover the entire body.  In most cases young children grow out of the condition by the age of 7 years.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis on the other hand, is the result of an over production of skin cells.  It typically features discrete bright red patches covered with silvery scales.    Serious cases of psoriasis may lead to painful cracking, or fissuring, of the skin.  Psoriasis usually affects the scalp, knees, trunk and elbows.  Unlike eczema, it is rare in children, and will most commonly develop in early adulthood.

Both psoriasis and eczema cannot be cured, but they can be managed.  By using the appropriate medical treatment and by looking at your lifestyle and diet, you can take charge of your condition.  However, you must look after you’re skin on a daily basis to keep it healthy.

The itch at the top

The head may only take up a small proportion of the body but if there is a problem at the top end it can affect everything.  Eczema of the scalp is a very common problem, and the associated itchiness can drive you mad.

There are two basic forms – that which affects adults known as Adult Seborrheic Eczema  and that which affects children known as Infantile Seborrheic Eczema.

Adult seborrheic eczema

This eczema usually affects adults between the ages of 20 and 40.  Seborrheic eczema tends to develop gradually and begins with itching and scaliness of the scalp which becomes red and inflamed.  It is similar to dandruff except the scale is more marked and the scalp becomes inflamed.

Sufferers of eczema of the scalp will often find that it may spread down to the face, in particular the oily zones such as the sides of the nose, eyebrows and ears.  It may even extend to the central chest area.

Seborrheic eczema affects areas with large amounts of oil glands.  The body reacts to a yeast on the scalp resulting in the inflammation.

Most sufferers of seborrheic eczema will be especially sensitive to chemicals in products such as soaps, bubble baths and some shampoos and cosmetics.  These can dry out the scalp even more and thus create an increasingly embarrassing dandruff problem.

Infantile seborrheic eczema (Cradle Cap)

A common eczema condition affecting babies usually less than 12 months of age.
Cradle cap usually starts on the scalp or the nappy area and spreads to areas where the skin rubs together like the elbows or under the armpits. This type of eczema features red, scaly patches and looks unpleasant, but it usually is not sore or itchy.  Most cradle cap clears by the time the baby is 12 months old.

In many cases it looks so bad that a lot of people think it must be contagious or so the old wives tale goes.

Like many wives tales though, it is fallacy rather than fact.

Regardless of how severe the eczema is, it is not contagious.  It can not be passed from person to person by direct contact or by droplet infection.  You can not catch eczema by kissing, sneezing, looking or even touching someone who has eczema.  In fact you can’t catch eczema at all.

Whilst it is true that the tendency to develop the condition can be passed down a family from generation to generation, this has no bearing on the condition being contagious.

Although it is often unsettling to touch the rash of an eczema sufferer, you are in no way at risk of contracting the condition yourself.

This does not however eliminate the need for washing ones hands before and after coming in contact with the eczema rash.  This is just good hygiene practice and aids in minimising the risk of any cross infection.

Skin that is dry will often be sore and irritated.  Therefore, the first line of treatment for eczema tends to be to lubricate and moisten the skin.  This will replace water and oils that have been lost due to the skin condition.

One of the most effective ways of doing this is a daily bath.  For many this will be surprising as water alone can have a drying effect on the skin.  However, a bath containing an emollient or lubricant will lock the water into the skin with a covering of oil.

The water should not be too hot.  Although hot water may cause some short-term relief, it can lead to itchiness and discomfort later.

Immediately after the bath, whilst the skin is at its softest and moistest, gently massage an emulsifying cream or ointment into the skin.  This will help to keep up the moisture content and combat any dryness or cracking.  It will also aid in the healing process of the damaged skin.

Regularly apply the cream or ointment throughout the day.  A good idea is to take a small amount in a handy jar with you when you are out and about.  This will ensure that your skin stays fully moisturised all day.

Below are some simple tips for all of us to follow to help reduce the risks and increase the pleasures of the sun.

• Avoid the midday sun.  During summer time or in sunny climates it is between the hours of 11 am and 2 pm that the suns rays are at their most damaging.
• When exposed to the sun, cover as much of the skin as possible.  Long sleeves and a hat will significantly reduce the chances of sunburn.
• Wear a sunscreen that offers a high SPF protection (15 or more) and has broad-spectrum protection.
• Remember to reapply the sunscreen regularly whilst exposed to the sun.  You will need to reapply hourly and immediately after swimming or excessive perspiring.
• It is worth applying a sunscreen routinely as part of your daily moisturising program.  Especially to the face, which is exposed to the sun even when we are not sun baking.

Take extra care of your eczema

It is hard to deny ourselves the pleasures of the sun and indeed we shouldn’t have to.  It is simply a matter of taking the time to minimise the risk of sun induced skin damage.

We all need to take care but for those with inflammatory skin conditions, like eczema, need to be extra careful.  Eczema may be helped temporarily by sunlight, however the sun tends to aggravate the condition as it will increase the skin itch and worsen the overall skin condition.  The sun will take the natural moisture from the skin and cause perspiration, which irritates the skin, all leading to a flare up of the condition.

People suffering from eczema can still enjoy the outdoors, however they need to take extra care when venturing out in the sun.

Unlike most eczema’s Stasis Eczema is rarely found in children.  It occurs on the lower legs of older adults and is the result of a venous return problem.  Also known as venous eczema or gravitational eczema, stasis eczema presents as dry, red, scaly patches on the legs that are itchy and irritated.

Who is most at risk

As a person gets older the veins in their legs often become less efficient resulting in sluggish return of blood to the heart.  This causes excess fluid to pool in the lower limbs causing edema and a rash.

People with varicose veins, blood clots in the leg (DVT) or heart failure are most at risk of developing stasis eczema.  It is most common in people over the age of 50 and occurs in both men and women.

What it looks like

Typically a rash will develop on the lower leg, usually the inner aspect and will appear as discreet patches or may cover the whole area. Localized swelling becomes worse after prolonged standing and during hot weather.

The rash itself is red and scaly.  The surrounding skin becomes dry and the whole area will be itchy.  The rash may ooze, weep and crust if scratched or picked at and excessive scratching will cause the skin to thicken and break.

The risks

One of the main risks of stasis eczema is the development of a stasis ulcer if the area becomes damaged or traumatized. In some instances the eczema spreads to affect other areas of the body.

A secondary infection may also develop if the skin becomes broken and cellulitis is not uncommon due to the venous problems.  Any infection will be painful with increased heat and redness in the localized area. A doctor will need to treat the stasis eczema infection.

What to do

The eczema rash can be treated similarly to any other eczema rash.  The skin needs to be kept well moisturized and a cream to control the redness and itch needs to be used.  Traditionally doctors have prescribed steroid creams but some natural over the counter creams have also proved effective and are becoming increasingly popular.

The condition involves more than just treating the eczema rash.  The swelling in the legs needs also to be kept at a minimum.  This can be done by:

• elevating the legs as much as possible,
• sleeping with a pillow under the feet,
• taking regular walks,
• avoiding standing for long periods
• wearing compression stockings once the swelling has subsided

If an infection develops or there is a break in the skin due to trauma a doctor needs to be contacted immediately so the complication can be treated promptly.  It is much easier to void an ulcer than it is to treat one so all care must be taken to protect the leg from trauma.

Once the eczema has been successfully treated a doctor needs to be consulted in order to enable the venous problems to be treated.  This is the only way to ensure the stasis eczema will not reappear.