Improving The Baby Eczema Picture

Adding prebiotics to formula feed can help cut the risk of babies developing a form of eczema, research suggests.Milan's Center for Infant Nutrition found atopic dermatitis was less likely in babies given supplemented formula than those given the standard form.
Prebiotics encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. The study, published in Archives of Disease in Childhood, suggests they might prevent atopic dermatitis by giving a boost to the immune system. Lead researcher Professor Guido Moro said the risk of atopic dermatitis was reduced by over 50% in the prebiotic-fed infants. He said: "To our knowledge this is the first time that it has been shown that prebiotics can not only produce favourable changes in the gut flora, but that these changes can lead to a genuine clinical benefit. "It appears that prebiotics can strengthen the immune system and so reduce the risk of atopic dermatitis during the first months of life." The research focused on 192 healthy children considered to be at high risk of developing allergies. At least one parent of each child had been diagnosed with an allergic disease. Breastfeeding advice Parents of every child considered for the study were advised to breastfeed their children. However, none of the children who ended up taking part was breastfed. The children of those who, nevertheless, decided to start with formula feeding were assigned to one of two groups. Half the children received formula milk supplemented with a prebiotic mixture made up of two types of carbohydrates called galacto-oligosaccharides and long chain fructo-oligosaccharides. Previous research has suggested this mixture has a similar impact to breast milk on the bacteria living in the gut, boosting beneficial bugs, and inhibiting growth of bugs that can cause disease. After six months, 10.6% of the group given prebiotics showed signs of atopic dermatitis, compared with 22.4% of those given formula supplemented with a placebo. Analysis showed the proportion of "friendly" bifidobacteria was significantly higher in the stools of infants fed on the prebiotic. Muriel Symmons, of the charity UK Allergy, said: "This study adds to our knowledge of the role of prebiotics in helping to prevent the development of eczema in infants. "More work of this kind is needed to establish whether prebiotic supplements can help those babies whose mothers are unable or choose not to breast feed." Nina Goad, of the British Skin Foundation, said: "We know that atopic dermatitis is a condition in which many factors can influence its development and severity." Details of the study were presented at the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health Spring Meeting in York.

Skin Allergy or Eczema

The cause of eczema can be tough to figure out - even for dermatologists. Eczema, or dermatitis as it is sometimes called, is a group of skin conditions which can affect all age groups. In the United Kingdom, up to one fifth of all children of school age have eczema, along with about one in twelve of the adult population. "Patch testing of the skin can tell us if a rash is being caused or exacerbated by an allergy, and can help us to distinguish a skin allergy from other skin conditions, such as eczema, irritant dermatitis or psoriasis," says Joshua L. Fox, dermatologist and founder of the Center For Laser And Cosmetic Surgery.
The severity of eczema can vary. In mild forms the skin is dry, hot and itchy, whilst in more severe forms the skin can become broken, raw and bleeding. Although it can sometimes look unpleasant, eczema is not contagious. With treatment the inflammation of eczema can be reduced, though the skin will always be sensitive to flare-ups and need extra care. Atopic eczema is thought to be a hereditary condition, being genetically linked. It is proposed that people with atopic eczema are sensitive to allergens in the environment which are harmless to others. In atopy there is an excessive reaction by the immune system producing inflamed, irritated and sore skin. Other types of eczema are caused by irritants such as chemicals and detergents, allergens such as nickel, and yeast growths. In later years eczema can be caused by a blood circulatory problems in the legs. There are a number of ways to manage eczema, all of which begin with an effective skin care routine. Emollients are necessary to reduce water loss from the skin, preventing the dryness normally associated with eczema. When eczema is under control only emollients need to be used. However in flare-ups, when the skin becomes inflamed, a steroid cream may be needed. Steroids act by reducing inflammation and are used in most types of eczema. As long as steroids are used appropriately and as directed by your doctor, the likelihood of side effects is very rare.

Botox May Improve The Symptoms Of Hand Eczema

While botulinum toxin A, or BTXA, is widely known for its use in dermatology and aesthetic medicine, a review article in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology explores the drug's other successful applications. BTXA is popularly used to treat hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) or to diminish wrinkles, but it is also a highly effective natural substance that normalizes muscle activity and can be used to reduce pain and itch. Benefits of BTXA have been observed in treatment of hand eczema and is effective in blocking secretion of sweat, saliva and mucus in cases of Hailey-Hailey disease (a blistering disease usually treated by surgery or laser) among other ailments. In addition, "botulinum toxin A has important applications in proctology where it has become the most powerful non-surgical therapy for anal fissure," according to Uwe Wollina, author of the review. "The substance in the hands of the experienced doctor is safe, provides effective treatment of several complaints, and is capable of reducing the need for surgery in many cases." This article is published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.