The Murdoch Children’s Research Institute has carried out a study of 7600 Australians and have found that children living in the southern parts of the country were more likely to develop eczema and food allergies than those living further north.

These findings have been used in a UK study and analysed by scientists from the European Centre for Environment and Human Health at Treliske, Cornwall to determine how rates of food allergy, eczema and asthma varied throughout the country.
Findings indicate that children living in areas with lower levels of sunlight were at a greater risk of developing eczema and food allergies compared to children living in areas with higher levels of sunlight.  In fact southern children are twice as likely to develop the conditions than their northern counterparts.

Sun Exposure Plays A Role

This is not a new belief or finding but these studies rather build on existing evidence that suggests that sun exposure may play a role in tackling rising levels of food allergy and eczema.

Rather than the sunlight itself that plays a role in the development of these conditions it is the vitamin D that the sunlight enables us to make that is of benefit.  The closer to the equator we live the more sunlight we are typically exposed to.

The research in Cornwall was led by  Dr Nick Osborne who believed that the findings provided an important insight into the prevalence of food allergies and eczema, both of which appear to be on the increase.

Further studies now need to be carried out to consider local climate variations and behaviours which can alter exposure to sunlight.

Dr Osbourne went on to say “We’re hoping to study these effects at a much finer scale and examine which factors, such as temperature, infectious disease or vitamin D, are the main drivers of this relationship.”

“Obviously too much sunshine can be bad for you. But take it easy in the sun and it can provide a healthy option for your family. We are starting to get a body of evidence that will lead us to some conclusions about the importance vitamin D. In fact there are some trials starting up where people are getting capsules of vitamin D and hopefully that will provide even better evidence.”  He said.

Spas are widely renowned for exfoliating the skin, reducing inflammation, increasing skin barrier function, relaxing muscles, improving circulation and treating conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, arthritis and other joint and bone issues.

Popular Watering Spot

The term spa is a 1600 Belgium word meaning “popular watering spot”.  Over time the term has become more synonymous with natural, mineral-rich waters hence the word spa is often interchangeable with the term mineral springs.

My way of thinking is that if you are going to try a natural mineral spring to treat your eczema or psoriasis you should make a real holiday of it and travel to a far off exotic destination.  So I have done some research and picked out my favourite three holiday destinations.

Bath In England

Bath in England obviously has to be my number one choice.  Like I said I am a Jane Austen fan.

History indicates that the Romans constructed the first formal baths around the natural springs in the First Century AD.  The Thermae Bath Spa complex was opened in 2006 after over a decade of renovations in and around some of the most historic bath sites.

Baths rainwater passes through faults in the regions limestone and contains more than 42 minerals including sulphate, calcium, silica, iron, and chloride.  The Bath’s or spas are now mainly used for relaxation and relief of skin issues however in the past doctors have sent patients to the Baths to treat rheumatism, psoriasis, gout, infertility and rehabilitation for the wounded servicemen following WWII.

Blue Lagoon In Iceland

Blue Lagoon in Iceland.  When I was a teenager there was a very corny movie called Blue Lagoon released that I hate to admit I loved.  That is a very feeble basis for my second favourite spa location but what can I say – I’m corny.

Unlike the springs in Bath that have been around forever the Blue Lagoon is a much newer bathing complex.  The lagoon was formed in the late 1970’s by a heating company to explore geothermal heating methods.  People were bathing in the lagoon and noticing marked improvements in their skin conditions by 1981 and official public facilities opened in 1987 in response to how popular a tourist attraction the lagoon had become.  A full spa was opened in 1999.

The lagoon has the appearance of being dropped on earth from another planet as it sits amidst volcanic rocks, electric green moss, and steaming waters. High amounts of silica help exfoliate skin, strengthen skin barrier function, and heal inflammation, while minerals from the seawater revitalise skin. Microorganisms found here also help reduce signs of UV damage and stimulate collagen production.

Kusatsu in Japan

Kusatsu in Japan.  Who wouldn’t want to go to a hot spring in Japan.  It is what Japan is known for.

Located in Central Japan near an active volcano and two dormant volcanoes, Kusatsu is the site where Samurai are said to have come in the 1600’s to heal their wounds. In the 1700’s it is where doctors sent those suffering from “illnesses of the night” like syphilis to recuperate.

There are over 100 springs and baths called Onsen in the area full of sulfur and minerals from the volcanic earth.  Bathing in the water treats sprains, bruises, muscle stiffness, burns and chronic indigestion.

How Do The Hot Springs Help Psoriasis And Eczema

It is the high concentration of natural minerals in the water that treat and sooth the symptoms of eczema and psoriasis. Of course bathing in the springs will not cure your condition.  Your skin will still be prone to flare ups when exposed to trigger factors but the springs may just be able to get your symptoms under control.

It sounds like the elite way to pamper yourself but history shows that the springs do actually work.  And whilst there is usually a fee to enter the spring most are not that expensive (if you take away the cost of actually getting there).

I know that if I ever travel to one of these wonderful places I will definitely be giving a spa a try.

Unfortunately for some the summer months are a time of increased discomfort when their skin becomes extra prone to developing itchy rashes. These children have atopic eczema (also called atopic dermatitis).

One in five children have atopic eczema

Atopic eczema affects one in five young children and most commonly develops in the first year of life. An itchy rash usually appears on the face and scalp, spreading to the trunk and creases of the elbows, knees and wrists.

The skin becomes very inflamed and excessive scratching may lead to the skin becoming raw, crusted and weepy. Once broken, the skin is painful and is prone to infection.

Typically atopic eczema runs in families and is exacerbated by exposure to allergies. Flare-ups are individual according to what allergens each person is sensitive to. Many parents never determine a specific cause for their child’s eczema but will frequently notice similar features leading to a flare up in most cases.

Atopic eczema flare ups in summer

The summer months are one such feature. The air is warmer, children are more active and therefore more prone to sweating. These factors cause the skin to become hot and irritated leading to flare-ups.

Knowing that your child is prone to increased eczema flare-ups enables you to take steps to minimise the symptoms.

Simple steps to reduce atopic eczema

After your child has been outside running around getting hot and sweaty give them a cool/luke warm shower (never a hot shower) and immediately apply a moisturiser.

Remember some moisturisers can harm the skin. When selecting moisturisers, sunscreens and insect repellents to apply to your child ensure they are hypoallergenic without added perfumes and colorings.

Take steps to prevent against sun exposure by ensuring children wear sun hats, long sleeves and long pants. Discouraging outdoor play during the hottest part of the day (10 am to 3pm) is also advisable.

If playing in water immediately wash off salt or chlorine after play and apply a moisturiser.

Summer should be fun for everyone. Help your child with atopic eczema to have fun and be carefree this summer.

One hundred years ago the Europeans considered a pale complexion to be a social and fashion asset.  Large hats were worn and sunshades were carried to protect their skin from the sun.  The rich and fashionable avoided the sunlight.

A Suntan became desirable

It was in the 1930’s that attitudes began to change.  People started to enjoy outdoor activities such as walking, camping and cycling.  A suntan gradually became more acceptable and even desirable.

In the 1940’s, after World War II had ended, cheap holidays enabled people around the world to enjoy the pleasures of travel.  A most popular holiday destination was the beach.  And so the outdoor lifestyle was established, along with it, the suntan.  To have a good suntan was considered to have a healthy glow.

It was however, around this time that Australians were being informed of the potential dangers of the sun.  There was a high rate of skin cancer being reported amongst white-skinned people.  Public health campaigns were introduced to warn people of the dangers and to educate them about the use of sunscreen and the early detection of skin cancers.

The sun damages our skin

But still people persisted in sunbaking and not protecting their skin.  Repeated exposure to sunlight causes premature aging of the skin known as ‘photoageing’.  Here the skin becomes dry, wrinkly and saggy, with red and brown blotches.

There are more than 200,000 new cases of skin cancer reported each year in Australia alone.  About 8,000 of these are malignant melanomas which are responsible for about 1,600 deaths each year.  Doctors estimate that 90% are potentially preventable by taking care in the sun.

The sun has benefits too

The positive effects of sunlight are also considerable.  The warmth and light offered by the sun after a long, dark winter will hugely lift the spirits.  The aim is therefore to enjoy the psychological benefits of the sun without suffering from its hidden harmful effects.

What Happens When We Sun Bake?

When we sun bake the UV rays from the sun penetrate the skin.  This causes damage to the skins cell molecules, in particular the DNA in the cell nuclei.  By damaging the cells DNA, the function of the cell is impaired, and thus complications can begin to occur.

The body will largely repair the immediate DNA damage, but some can be inaccurately repaired.  Problems arise when the inaccurately repaired DNA is passed on to new cells when the cell divides. An accumulation of these cells may gradually lead to skin photoageing or eventually skin cancer.

Sunburn is where the damage begins

After we have experienced too much sun we feel the effects.  These common symptoms include pain, warmth, redness and swelling.  The sun causes the body to release chemicals, which are partly responsible for these symptoms.  Over exposure to the sun will cause the blood vessels to swell, which also contributes to the characteristic symptoms of sunburn.

Tanning is your skins response to UV light.  It is a protective reaction to prevent further injury to your skin from the sun.

Care In The Sun

The sun has so many benefits that we should not be avoiding it.  We should simply be taking care when exposed to it and being aware of its potentially damaging effects.

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 sunrays are at their harshest.
• 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 sunbaking.

Effects of the sun on Eczema

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.

Psoriasis and eczema are both chronic conditions, ones that persist 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.  Unfortunately there is no known cure for psoriasis and eczema, but they can be managed.

What is 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 is most commonly found on the face, neck and arm and leg folds.  It is usually the result of an allergic reaction, which may simply be outgrown or may extend to cover the entire body.

What is 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, and taking what steps you can to look after your skin and keep it healthy, you can take charge of your condition.

The answer is simple. There is only so much vitamin D the body can take in before it reaches its limit and can take no more.

The way around this is to encourage the body to produce its own vitamin D. Exposure to sunlight will cause your skin to manufacture its own natural vitamin D which is by far more effective than the synthetic vitamin D products.  As we know exposure to sunlight or UV rays also carries the risk of sunburn.

Sunlight produces three types of UV rays UVA, UVB and UVC.

UVA penetrate deep into the skin and contribute to the skin aging prematurely, wrinkles, and sunburn and skin cancer.  These rays are of a relatively consistent intensity all year round.

UVB rays are stronger than UVA and their intensity increases during the summer months, at higher altitudes and the closer you are to the equator.  Exposure to UVB rays can cause cataracts, premature skin aging and is the most common cause of sunburning. Skin cancer and  altered immune system may result from long-term exposure.

UVC are the strongest, most dangerous rays but of the least concern because the Ozone layer protects us from them by filtering them away from the earth’s surface.

UVB rays help psoriasis

The positive effects of UVB when treating psoriasis have been known for over 25 years. This makes it a safer form of treatment than many of the new medications simply because its side effects are known, whereas the side effects of new drugs are often not fully known for 10 – 15 years.

The only risk is over exposure to UVB (and natural sunlight) is the skin becoming burnt. If used in moderation and in accordance with an approved treatment program UVB is a very safe and highly effective form of treatment.

The World Health Organisation recommend the use of UVB in the treatment of psoriasis because it is so safe and effective.

Nail Psoriasis

It is believed that up to 50% of people affected with the inflammatory skin condition, psoriasis will experience a degree of psoriatic nail involvement.  This is a common chronic problem that usually affects the fingernails, however the toenails may also be involved.

The classical symptom of nail psoriasis is pitting of the nails.  The nails may develop small holes and become severely misshapen.  Nail discolouration is also a common feature, as the nails become yellowish brown in colour.

As the condition worsens the nail may crumble or separate from the nail bed.  This is the result of the psoriasis affecting the skin under the nail.  This condition is often not only unsightly but painful.  Pain may become so severe that it restricts daily activities.

Nail psoriasis responds slowly to treatment.  The condition is often difficult to treat, as there is no single treatment that will help everyone.  It is therefore important to prevent the condition from progressing.

We should all take care of our nails.  This is especially so for anyone suffering from psoriasis, whether their nails are affected or not.

How to care for your nails

• Do not use your nails as a tool.   They are not screwdrivers or scrapers.

• Do not clean the nails or under the nails too vigorously.

• Keep the nails at a sensible length to reduce the risk of trauma or injury.

• Avoid nail polishes containing formaldehyde or the solvent tolvene.

• Avoid nail polish removers containing acetone.

• Soak affected nails regularly and apply a moisturiser afterwards.

• Soak thickened nails before carefully filing them with an emery board.

• Wear well fitting, roomy shoes to minimise pressure and friction on the nails.

• Nail hardeners and artificial nails will improve the look of intact nails.

Can you imagine life without your feet?

Our feet are the most used part of our body but few of us take proper care of them as we should.  The feet are prone to many problems – not the least of these are skin conditions such as athletes foot, corns and eczema.

“Feet are often neglected but are extremely good indicators to what is going on in the rest of the body,” says podiatric surgeon Michael O’Neill.  Ailments such as circulatory problems, diabetes and skin problems can all be determined by just looking at the feet.

Care For Your Feet And Avoid Problems

Not looking after our feet can cause both short and long-term problems.  Not drying our feet properly after washing, wearing synthetic socks and closed shoes on a hot day and allowing our feet to remain sweaty will all potentially lead to the skin becoming fragile and unhealthy with eczema and dermatitis often the end result.

Psoriasis can also be evident in the feet as the toenails may often become ridged or pitted.   Joint pain or distortion, or collapse of the foot arch may also be an early indication that psoriatic arthritis is developing especially if the person already suffers from psoriasis.

Extra Care For Eczema Sufferers

We need to care for our feet especially if we are allergy prone or suffer from a skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis.

•    Wear shoes that will allow the skin to breathe.  Open shoes are best.
•    Wear cotton socks in preference to wool or synthetic, as they are less likely to irritate the skin.
•    Wash sweat off as soon as possible and ensure the feet are dried thoroughly.
•    Apply a moisturiser regularly to prevent the skin from drying out and becoming rough.
•    Try alternating shoes each day so that wet or moist shoes do not need to be worn.

Treating Foot Eczema and Psoriasis – Mel’s Recommendations

If you suffer from eczema or psoriasis of the feet it is very uncomfortable and often restricts your daily activities.  Regular and effective treatment is therefore important.

I recommend that the feet be soaked in a tub of warm water (not hot) at the end of each day.  Add a few drops of Grahams Bath Oil to the water and allow the feet to soak for 10 -15 minutes.  Gently pat the feet dry and then apply Calendulis Plus Cream to the feet.  Applying the cream after the soaking is the most effective as this is when the skin is at its softest and is most receptive to the effects of the cream.

If possible apply a moisturiser during the day and if the itching or irritation persists during the day apply the Calendulis plus Cream up to 4 times a day.

The difficulty comes in their individuality.  Eczema is a familial condition that is usually triggered by allergy.  It causes the skin to become dry, red, flaky, inflamed and very itchy.

Psoriasis on the other hand is the result of an overproduction of skin cells causing patches of thick, silvery scales that flake off revealing sore, red, raw skin that bleeds easily.

Whilst both eczema and psoriasis are different conditions they are similar in that their treatments are often the same and they are both difficult to control.

Eczema and Psoriasis Are Very Individual

Both eczema and psoriasis are very individual conditions where everyone experiences slightly different symptoms that are triggered by any number of factors.  Similarly they are difficult to treat because there is no single treatment for either that will help everyone.  It is a matter of trial and error finding the best cream to help each individual.

It can be a long, frustrating and expensive process searching for the treatment that best suits the individual.  This process can be made easier by following some simple rules.

So How Do You Know What Cream To Buy?

• Always look at the ingredients. All ingredients should be listed.  Ensure the ingredients are ones you are familiar with and can use.

• Check there is a preservative listed.  Natural eczema and psoriasis creams made from herbs need a preservative to enable them to have a shelf life.  Avoid products that do not list their preservative as you do not know what they have used.

•  Avoid products that claim to cure your condition.  There is no cure for eczema or psoriasis.  Products that claim to cure eczema or psoriasis are misleading you with false representations.

• Avoid products with artificial colourings or perfumes as they are more likely to cause a reaction.

• Be aware that products containing essential oils and alcohol may be more prone to irritate the skin.

Other Things To Consider

• Treating eczema or psoriasis is a matter of trial and error.  If you find a natural product that you want to trial buy the smallest container available first to see if it suits your skin.

• Always patch test a product being used for the first time on an unaffected area of skin before using it on the affected areas.

• When using a cream for the first time it is a good idea to use it on one area (ie one arm) for a week or two.  This way you can compare its effects on your skin and your eczema/psoriasis by comparing that area to the rest of your body.  Also if a cream does not suit your skin and causes your skin to worsen it is better to find out on a small area rather than on the whole body.

• There is no cure for eczema or psoriasis.  If the cream you are using stops working when you stop using it, it does not mean that the cream does not work it simply means that it needs to be reapplied.  Its effect is wearing off.  (Similar to how panadol controls pain for a short period of time but not permanently unless used repeatedly).

• Eczema and psoriasis require constant attention to be kept under control.  Whilst choosing the right creams for your skin are important adhering to your treatment regime is equally as important. Success of a treatment will often depend on how compliant the patient is with following the instructions.  Dr Steven Feldman, M.D., from Wake Forest University School of Medicine wrote in an issue of Archives of Dermatology “non-compliance can explain why some skin conditions may seem resistant to treatment.”

• The time frame for when a new treatment will be effective will vary from person to person and product to product. Treatments need to be used for several days before they can safely be ruled out as ineffective.

• A person’s lifestyle needs to be considered.  Some people find applying creams several times a day difficult but are able to take oral medication without any trouble.  Others find that treatments applied only at bath time or bedtime are easiest to comply with.

Finding an eczema or psoriasis treatment that suits you is a matter of trial and error.  Don’t be discouraged if the first cream you try doesn’t give you the results you are looking for.

This has been one of the major guidelines for determining if a rash is eczema or not for many years.  Eczema is a chronic skin condition characterised by dry skin, a red rash and itchiness.  Just like the dryness and the rash the level of itchiness will vary from person to person, but it will always be there.

The trick is how to control the itch so it doesn’t take over your life.  There is no cure and there is no set treatment to control eczema.  Everyone will experience slightly different symptoms.  Everyone will have their eczema triggered by different stimuli.  Everyone will respond differently to treatments. And everyone will perceive the severity of their itch differently.

All of this is of little consequence to the person with the itch.  All they want is a way to control the itch.

Itchy foods

For some, foods are a major trigger of eczema.  Being able to determine the culprits and removing them from your diet is a good way of reducing eczema flare ups.  The most common foods to aggravate eczema are eggs, nuts, wheat, dairy, seafood, soy, and fruit. However it is not advisable that you just remove these foods from your diet without first determining if they are causing you a problem.

A food diary can help determine what foods, if any are causing your itch.  Elimination diets are best undertaken under the guidance of your doctor or dietician and should never be carried out without professional supervision on a child.

Stressful Itch

Our lives are often full of stressful situations.  This is a common trigger factor for eczema.  Trying to avoid stress and anxiety will help to reduce your itch.  Getting a good night sleep and trying relaxation techniques may help.  And remember laughter not only reduces stress it also boosts the immune system.

Itchy clothes

This is a big one.  Many fabrics and styles of clothes itch and irritate the skin.  Cotton and silk are best while wool itches, synthetics cause sweating and denim and leather are too heavy and rough.

Cut tags off clothing and turn inner garments inside out so the seams do not rub.  Also opt for looser fitting clothes that allow airflow and won’t cling to the skin.

Household Itches

There are many factors in your home that may be causing you to itch ranging from dust mite, pet fur, toiletries and cleaning chemicals.
Try to avoid over cleaning as a too clean environment becomes sterile and prevents a growing immune system from developing properly.  Avoid carpets in the house and vacuum regularly.  Wear latex-free rubber gloves when handling chemicals and select personal products that are un-perfumed and suitable for sensitive skin.

Double rinse your clothes after washing as it is the detergent residue that will irritate the skin rather than the detergent brand you choose.

A seasonal itch

Changing seasons and changing weather can often cause flare ups in eczema.  Typically the summer is the best time for eczema sufferers with the sun having a soothing effect on the skin (so long as you don’t overdo it),  and winter, autumn and spring all have their own problems ranging from air conditioners drying out the skin, extra pollen in the air and warm but itchy clothing being worn against the skin.

An oily itch

Eczema skin is always dry.  Keeping the skin moist will help to reduce the eczema and the control the itch.  Oils are often the best form of moisturiser as they lock in the moisture and protect the skin from external irritants.  Remember it is not always the expensive moisturisers that are most effective.  What makes a moisturiser effective is regular use.

Have the itch checked

Not all itching is caused by eczema and not all rashes are eczema.  It is important to have a rash diagnosed by a medical professional.  Your GP will be able to give you advise on treating eczema and controlling the itch.

Natural itch solutions

Traditionally steroids have been used to treat the eczema rash and itch.  Steroids are a short term treatment for easing the discomforts of eczema.  Similarly there are many natural products available to treat eczema.  None will cure the condition but they will ease the symptoms.

There is no single treatment that will help everyone’s eczema.  Finding the right treatment that best suits your skin and eases your rash and itch comes from trial and error.

Simple techniques to reduce eczema combined with moisturising oils and natural treatments will help to keep you itch free.