Eczema or Atopic Dermatitis.

An inflammation of the skin, usually causing itching and sometimes accompanied by crusting, scaling or blisters. Affected areas usually appear very dry, thickened, or scaly. In fair-skinned people, these areas may initially appear reddish and then turn brown. Scratching the skin will make it worse. A type of eczema often made worse by allergen exposure is termed "atopic dermatitis. Dry skin is often susceptible to a type called "Dry Skin Dermatitis" W

The exact cause of eczema is unknown, but it's thought to be linked to an overactive response by the body's immune system to a perceived irritant. This can internal (a reaction to a food) or external ( a reaction to something on the skin).

What will help relieve Eczema depends to a large extent on what is triggering the problem. If for example, the Eczema is being triggered by a reaction to food, then any product applied to the skin will only relieve the symptoms temporarily.

If the trigger for the Eczema is a reaction to something being in contact with the skin, for example a washing product, then a change in what formulas can help prevent the problem.

Relieving the symptoms of Eczema is often a case of trial and error until the cause of the problem is found. It may be a food triggering the allergy, it may be an ingredient in a skin care product, it may be stress or something different again.

Click on our "We Got Mail" page to read some of the emails to MooGoo letting us know that a real change of formula has achieved. For these people, MooGoo eliminated whatever it was they were reacting to on their skin. However, different methods will work for different people.

 

 

ECZEMA IN CHILDREN

Eczema in children is a non-contagious skin condition. It usually appears in early childhood and disappears around six years of age. The skin becomes dry, cracked and itchy, and may weep. Eczema can vary in severity and alter on a daily basis. In some cases, eczema may continue into adulthood.

There are different types and triggers for Eczema. The most common is Atopic Dermatitis. This is where the body has an inappropriate immune response to something it feels is a irritant, or pathogen. Finding what is triggering the "immune response", or cause of the inflammation, is the best way to help. it can be a food or something on the skin. Practioners can help try and isolate what is causing the response.

There have been a number of recent studies done which indicate that taking pro-biotic supplements in pregnancy or early childhood can help. This is a recent excerpt from "New Scientist Magazine, April 2008.

"Exposing pregnant mothers and infants to probiotic bacteria could help stimulate the growth of the immune system and potentially play a role in preventing allergies, say researchers.

Probiotic bacteria are living micro-organisms that can be used to restore the ecosystem of the gut after a dose of antibiotics, or to help create a stable gut flora that is less prone to diseases like gastroenteritis...

Probiotic children were also 30% less likely than their untreated counterparts to develop an itchy skin condition known as atopic eczema, which is often an early manifestation of allergies..

 Full Report Here.

There are good and poor quality probiotics on the market. Ask your health shop for advice.

Another  recent study done by the University of Western Australia has found that toddlers with eczema who were given one to two doses of probiotics each day recovered. Probiotics are easily available and can even be purchased as a powder sachet and mixed with water. Ensure you check with your doctor before any treatments.

Aqueous Creams and Sorbolene Type Creams. Aqueous creams are sometimes prescribed by doctors as a substitute to soap or detergents. A soap using cheap ingredients can be drying and this is especially bad for Eczema. Detergent based liquid products are even worse. The skin of eczema sufferers needs to be kept moist and supple. However, aqueous creams may not be the answer. They usually contain paraffin oils and water. A survey of 100 British children treated with aqueous cream has found it irritated over half of them. Their symptoms ranged from redness and itchiness to burning and stinging, which risk making their condition worse. "Many children reportedly call it 'stingy' cream, and in one extreme case we heard about a child who screams when it is used." MooGoo does not use Paraffin Oil (Mineral Oil, Petrolatum) in any of its products. (Source : http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3244814.stm)

 

CORTISONE TREATMENT FOR ECZEMA

As eczema is an inflammatory condition, it responds well to topical steroids like cortisone which are anti-inflammatory. These anti-inflammatory creams come in various strengths and are available by prescription from your doctor.  Using high dose topical steroids for extended periods of time, especially on delicate areas like the face, can cause side effects including thinning of the skin. Discuss with your doctor. .

Although sometimes there is no alternative to using Cortisone for a short while, finding the cause of the Eczema is a preferable to drug based treatments for long term health, in our opinion.

You should always consult your dermatologist about any skin problem