Changes and damage linked to formaldehyde have made people wonder what role it plays in controlling diseases of the central nervous system (CNS), like neurodegenerative disease (NDD) and brain tumors (BT). When humans breathe in formaldehyde, it can damage neurons and cause problems with learning and memory. Several statistical studies have looked at the link between formaldehyde exposure and brain cancer in professional workers like anatomists, pathologists, embalmers, and funeral home workers, as well as in industrial workers. The skin also is vulnerable to formaldehyde penetration, which would be a concern in any shampoo or skincare product.

One major concern related to a specific type of cancer has now come to the surface, and the FDA must address it. As part of the Sister Study, it was found that teens and adults who used hair products were more likely to get breast cancer, and adults who used straighteners were more likely to get ovarian cancer.

So, there is an established empirical problem now with cosmetics. They do have guidelines on the FDA website. Cosmetics and their ingredients do not need FDA approval before they can be sold in the U.S., but color additives (other than those used in coal-tar hair dyes) do need to be approved for their use. Businesses that sell cosmetics are legally responsible for making sure their products are safe. But you will notice that certain types of hair dyes require no prior approval—until now. New FDA guidelines are anticipated.

For many decades, formaldehyde and DMDM hydantoin have been recognized as products that are dangerous to health. It was removed from popular brands of shampoo and any beauty product with it is withheld from distribution in many countries. Currently, lawsuits have alleged that this chemical remains in products, and is responsible for several health issues, including dermatitis and hair loss, and is a known carcinogen. Specifically, the FDA is now concentrating on regulations related to hair relaxers.

Because formaldehyde is linked to cancer and other long-term health problems, the Food and Drug Administration wants to stop its use as an ingredient in hair relaxers. The new rule would stop colorless and very harmful chemicals from being used in high-straightening and hair-smoothing products, which are also called relaxers.

Why are these dangerous materials still being used in any products? They act as stabilizers, and formaldehyde is often added to creams, lotions, and other goods to prolong their shelf life and make them last longer.

Some additives slowly release small amounts of formaldehyde into the air. Low levels of formaldehyde can be harmful to health, even at levels as low as 250 parts per million and even lower levels in people who are already sensitive to it. This is why even the slow release of small amounts of formaldehyde is a problem; it’s a health hazard.

A list of products to avoid is available online, but, as the site states, you may not see all the ingredients listed as such since some may have different names or be capable of releasing harmful materials. Do we have to be chemists to protect ourselves from dangerous products? We do expect the FDA to have taken on this task on our behalf.

The post Questions About FDA Protection From Dangerous Beauty Products appeared first on Medika Life.

The Environmental Working Group is a non-profit organization that aims to improve the environment and human health. Each year, the group gives us a “dirty dozen” list of fruits and vegetables. It also releases a “Clean 15” produce list.

First, I want to put a disclosure front and center. Several prominent organic marketers fund the Environmental Working Group.

The “dirty dozen” fruits and vegetables

The Environmental Working Group’s annual Dirty Dozen report exclaims strawberries, spinach, and nectarines have the most pesticide residues. Here is the complete 2022 rundown:

1. Strawberries
2. Spinach
3. Kale, collard, and mustard greens
4. Nectarines
5. Apples
6. Grapes
7. Bell and hot peppers
8. Cherries
9. Peaches
10. Pears
11. Celery
12. Tomatoes

The EWG notes that a small amount of papaya, summer squash, and sweet corn sold in the United States is made from genetically modified seeds. Consider buying organic varieties of these crops if you want to dodge genetically modified produce.

The “dirty dozen” fruits and vegetables — testing

The US Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do the testing. They found 245 different pesticides and pesticide breakdown products on over 70 percent of non-organic produce.

Before performing a test, the USDA washes, scrubs, and peels them as a typical consumer would. It seems clear from the report that simple washing is not enough to remove all pesticides.

The “dirty dozen” fruits and vegetables — Criticism

An industry group for growers of produce (both organic and non-organic) and some dieticians offer objections to the report, noting that the annual report raises an unnecessary alarm and may discourage folks from eating enough fruits and vegetables.

Listen to Teresa Thorne, Executive Director of the Alliance for Food and Farming:

“Ignore or discount the list.” Like others, she fears that if an organic fruit or vegetable costs more, as they often do, consumers will bypass produce altogether, especially low-income consumers. “Pick what’s best for you and your family,” she says.

Counters toxicologist Dr. Alexis Temkin of the Environmental Working Group: “All the residues found were within legal limits set by the Environmental Protection Agency. She adds that “although the levels are legal, that doesn’t necessarily mean they are safe.

On the other hand, the report provides information to help consumers make informed decisions about the produce they choose to purchase.

Before you turn away from buying that produce, remember that both organic and conventionally grown fruits and vegetables have pesticides of different sorts. There is a Pesticide Residue Calculator from toxicologists at the University of California, Riverside, that provides some comfort.

You can use the calculator to see that trace amounts of chemicals in conventionally grown produce don’t appear to be hazardous. One may consume 850 apples per day without suffering harm from pesticides. I am a bit sceptical about such claims, but the calculator provides another perspective.

I am a work in progress, trying to have about half of my plate filled with fruits and vegetables. That is the best move I’ve made in my diet in a long time. You too should think about getting those fruits and vegetables!

What is your approach?

The post The Best Diet Move I’ve Made appeared first on Medika Life.

The Environmental Working Group is a non-profit organization that aims to improve our environment-related health. The group recently analyzed 39,000 US Department of Agriculture tests of 47 fruits and vegetables.

The bad news? Nearly 70 percent of conventional produce contains pesticide residues. Particularly striking that virtually all apples, cherries, nectarines, and peaches contained at least one pesticide.

Rather than focus on the “dirty dozen” fruits and vegetables, today, we turn to the so-called Clean 15 produce list. First, a disclosure: The Environmental Working Group receives funding from several prominent organic marketers.

Fruits and vegetables — the clean 15

Nearly 70 percent of the Clean Fifteen fruit and vegetable samples contained no pesticide residues. Can you guess the cleanest? If you offered avocados and sweet corn, you are spot on; fewer than two percent of the samples had pesticides.

I recently wrote about some of the upsides of avocado consumption:

Are Avocados A Weapon to Dodge a Heart Attack?AVOCADOS APPEAR TO BE ONE MORE TOOL to reduce your heart attack risk. A new study suggests that this fruit — known for…medium.com Could Phytochemicals in Avocados Protect Against Cancer?I love indescribable things, like the taste of an avocado or the smell of a gardenia. — Barbra Streisand.medium.com

Let’s turn to the whole list of so-called clean fruits and vegetables.

1. Avocados

2. Sweet corn

3. Pineapple

4. Onions

5. Papaya

6. Sweet peas (frozen)

7. Asparagus

8. Honeydew melon

9. Kiwi

10. Cabbage

11. Mushrooms

12. Cantaloupe

13. Mangoes

14. Watermelon

15. Sweet potatoes

Fruits and vegetables — Study methods

The Environmental Working Group analyzed over 44,000 samples taken by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the US Drug Administration.

Before testing the produce for pesticides, the researchers prepared each fruit or vegetable like regular folks might do, including rinsing produce with edible peels and peeling those with inedible peels.

Whether the fruit or vegetable is on the clean or dirty list, I always wash produce before peeling, cutting, or eating it. Why? I am not as concerned about the pesticides as getting enough produce into my diet. My eagerness to wash is that produce can be covered in bacteria, leading to food poisoning.

Did you know that produce causes nearly half of all foodborne illnesses? By contrast, meat and poultry are responsible for 22 percent of cases in the United States.Fruits and vegetables poison more Americans than beef and chickenEvery year, millions of Americans get sick from what they eat and drink. But it’s not always the foods you’d…www.vox.com

What is your approach?

The post Don’t Be Fooled — Not all Fruits and Vegetables are “Dirty.” appeared first on Medika Life.

We are in winter here in the Northern hemisphere. Despite our often rainy days in Seattle, dry skin is still a problem for me. I have heard that shower or bath oils can be beneficial. If oils help, what is the optimal way to apply them?

Writing in Real Simple, dermatologist Marisa Garshick MD explains that

“The benefits of applying a shower oil is that it prevents moisture loss.” She continues, offering that oils serve as an occlusive — they create a barrier on the skin to keep moisture and water in and the bad stuff out.”

Writing in the same magazine issue, a second dermatologist concurs. Cosmetic dermatologist Robert Finney MD believes that shower oils are excellent for sensitive and dry skin.

The soaps most of us use have surfactants that strip our skin of natural oils. This removal can make you more likely to suffer from dry and flaky skin, especially if you have sensitive skin. Shower oils can help replace these oils and protect the skin from losing moisture, particularly if you use hot water.

Bath oils — Good for dry skin (xerosis cutis)

Researchers in Berlin (Germany) investigated the effectiveness of using bath oil to improve skin barrier function and alleviate dry skin compared to non-oil-containing skin cleansers for showering or bathing.

Researchers randomized 60 healthy adults and children to use either a commercially available bath oil versus using their regular non-oil-containing skin cleansers every other day for 28 days. The scientists assessed dry skin severity at baseline and two follow-up visits, hoping to get a sense of water loss across the skin.

Here are the findings:

Regular use of bath oil effectively improves the skin barrier in children and adults with mildly dry skin, supporting its use as a fundamental element for managing a broad spectrum of dry skin conditions.

Bath oils — for all skin types?

While bath or shower oils may be helpful for those of us with dry or sensitive skin, those with acne-prone skin (for instance, on the back) may want to be cautious.

Those with acne-prone or oily skin may be better served with cleansers with acne-fighters such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. If you decide to use an oil, try a non-comedogenic (one that doesn’t clog skin pores) option.

For many of us with dry skin, shower oils can be helpful. Now you know — I moisturize! Thank you for joining me today.

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What is PPD?

Paraphenylenediamine—more commonly known as PPD—is a chemical substance that is commonly found in permanent hair color and other dyes. PPD in hair color is most often used in dark shades; hair color companies use PPD pervasively because it provides long-lasting hair color that has a natural look.

PPD hair dye is used in both salon and at-home color because it is an effective ingredient in coloring dark hair. PPD is also commonly used in temporary tattoos, dark colored cosmetics, and even in textile dyes and printing inks.

Is PPD harmful?

Yes. Despite its efficacy in coloring hair, PPD has a well established reputation for negative side effects. Most commonly, PPD can cause reactions ranging from mild skin irritation to more severe allergic contact dermatitis. Sensitive individuals may experience dermatitis—skin inflammation and irritation commonly referred to as eczema. Eczema may first be noticed on the upper eyelids or rims of the ears after application of the hair color.

These symptoms often calm down after the dye is fully oxidized, but any type of rash and swelling is uncomfortable, even for a short time. In more serious cases, there may be marked reddening and swelling on the scalp and the face. An allergy to PPD can result in widespread contact dermatitis, as well as hives and, in rare severe cases, anaphylaxis.

In addition to users experiencing skin irritations from having their hair colored with permanent color containing PPD, people who frequently work with PPD—such as hair colorists—often develop dermatitis on their hands. This can occasionally spread to the arms and even the chest. Anyone who is planning on coloring their hair should complete a patch test following recommended directions in the packaging to determine their sensitivity with the product to avoid potential allergic reactions, and hair dressers should always use gloves when working with hair color containing PPD.

An increase in exposure correlates to an increased likelihood of reaction, even in people who may not have experienced dermatitis before.

In a study referenced here by ScienceDirect, the following was discovered about the topical application of PPD and how it has now been shown to affect internal organs.

The results proved that sub chronic dermal exposure to PPD can induce hyperglycemia, disturbed hepatic, renal and cardiac functions. The histopathological findings showed that PPD cause mild, moderate, and severe chronic inflammation in the heart and liver. In the kidney and pancreas it causes moderate and severe chronic inflammation. In a conclusion, this study established the multivisceral toxic effects of sub chronic dermal exposure to paraphenylene-diamine.

If you’ve used these products in the past with no negative reactions, this is no guarantee that you will not develop a sudden reaction in the future. Being pregnant makes you body more reactive to anything it perceives as a threat. Whilst the contact dermatitis might sound like a risk worth taking to keep gray hair at bay, the images below will give you an indication of just how severe and in some instances, life threatening, PDD reactions can be and this is only what takes place on the skin. Damage to organs may not be immediately evident.

Are there alternatives to PPD?

Yes, there is another commercially created variant of PPD called PTDS (para-toulenediamene sulfates) that was developed because of the increasing number of allergic reactions to PPD. Its important to note though that PTDS also occasionally elicits an allergic response and is only marginally safer than products containing PPD.

Your safest and healthiest options during pregnancy and after are the PPD and PTDS free hair colors. There are numerous of these that are freely available and carry organic certification from the Soil Association (UK) or the BDIH (German) or an applicable certification company. This ensures the quality of the ingredients.

Never purchase ‘homemade’ options online as you’ve no idea what these products really contain.

Below are links to some of these certified brands and a Google search for retailers in your country will provide online purchase options. Note the brands listed below are certified as Organic and despite articles insisting certification of hair dye is impossible, these are poorly researched and flawed with no understanding of the chemical compositions of the certified brands.

• Logona Herbal Hair Colors
• It’s Pure Organic Hair Color
• Sante Herbal Hair Colors

The following product is not certified but is free of PPD or PTSD

• Tints of Nature

Note, most sites will show a full list of ingredients for their product and you can scan these for the following ingredients you should avoid, even more so if you are pregnant.

• PPD (paraphenylenediamine)
• PTSD (para-toulenediamene sulfates)
• Toulene
• Ammonia
• Parabens
• Phthalates

Most of the organic products rely on Henna for the dying process and although there is no guarantee that you will not react to one of the natural ingredients, the risks are hugely reduced. Always do a skin sensitivity test on your inner arm with a bit of the dye before using any product.

Apply some of the mixed product to the inside of a plaster and leave it in place on your inner arm for 30 minutes. Remove and inspect the skin for any signs of irritation. If the skin appears red and irritated, try an alternative product.

.

The post PPD’s and The Risk of Hair Dye during Pregnancy appeared first on Medika Life.

 Patch Testing

This is used to evaluate for an underlying trigger/agent in individuals who develop contact dermatitis. Examples of contact dermatitis is the development of a rash after wearing certain metal jewelry or using a certain skin care product. The suspected agents are placed in the form of patches on the back. The patches are removed 48 hours later. The results are read 2 to 5 days after the patches are removed, and sometimes up to 10 days after removal. 

 Allergy Skin Testing

This is used to evaluate for suspected environmental or seasonal allergies, food allergy, stinging insect allergy, and certain drug/medication allergies. During skin testing the suspected allergen is placed on the skin and the test results are read after 15 minutes. An allergen is a substance that can cause an allergic reaction. There are 2 methods for skin testing: prick skin testing and intradermal skin testing.

Prick skin testing: Individual solutions containing the suspected allergens are placed on the skin using a prick device. The test results are available 15 minutes later.

Intradermal skin testing: Individual solutions containing the suspected allergens are placed just underneath the surface of the skin using a small needle. The test results are available 15 minutes later.

Your doctor will determine which specific type of skin test is required and will interpret the results of the tests.

The skin scratch test, another testing modality, is not recommended as a test for inhalant or food allergens since results are more difficult to interpret and standardize. Scratch testing may result in varying quantities of allergen absorbed, mechanical irritation of the skin , bleeding at the test site, and carries a higher risk of inducing a systemic allergic reaction.

 The Procedure for Patch Testing

A patch test is a skin test used to find the cause of a possible allergic reaction on the skin. This reaction is called allergic contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis is a reaction to something that came into contact with the skin. This kind of allergic reaction usually causes inflammation (redness, itching). 

It is important to follow your doctors guidelines to get accurate results. Patch testing evaluates a slow, delayed skin reaction so it is important that the patches stay in place. The test site must also be protected throughout the entire test week. 

Preparation for the Test 

Getting the skin ready for your patch test is important. Following these instructions will help you to get more accurate, reliable results. 

• Avoid sun exposure for 1 to 2 weeks before patch testing. 
• Do not use topical medicines (creams and ointments) on the back and any other area where patches may be placed for at least 1 week before patch testing. You can continue to use these medicines on areas of the body where patches will not be placed. 
• You may use moisturizers on the skin until the day before patch testing. 
• You may continue to take any prescribed antihistamines as usual before and during the testing.

 During the Test Week 

• The patches and test area marked with ink must be kept dry throughout the entire test. 
• Do not apply anything to the test area. This includes all soaps, creams, ointments and moisturizers. 
• Do not scratch, rub, loosen or remove the patches. 
• Avoid physical activities that will loosen the tape. 
• Do not expose the test area to sunlight. 
• Avoid hot areas and activities that cause excessive sweating. 

Continue to take your prescribed antihistamines. 

The patches must be kept dry. You should not take a shower or bath. Wash areas of the body where there are no patches with a washcloth or bath sponge. Be careful not to get the patches wet. 

The First Visit: 

The patches are usually placed on your back and left in place for 2 days. 

• You should wear loose, comfortable clothing. 
• You should wear old, dark-colored clothes to avoid stains from the marker. 

Small sheets, or patches, holding different substances are placed on the skin. The nurses will use a marker to outline the edges of the sheets. Then the sheets will be secured with tape or another sticky bandage (dressing). 

The Second Visit: 

The second visit is usually 2 days after the patches were put on. Typically you will come to the clinic to have the patches removed. The nurses will carefully remove the tape and patches. They will re-mark the skin where the patches were. The nurses will check the area to see if the skin shows any signs of a reaction. In many cases a reaction may not have shown up yet. It is still important to come back to the clinic to have the area checked one more time. 

Continue to keep the skin dry where the patches were. Do not take a shower or bathe where the patches were. Do not apply creams, ointments, or moisturizers where the patches were. Do not scratch the skin where the patches were. You should avoid hot areas and activities that cause excessive sweating. 

Removing patches: Normally you should not remove patches yourself. Usually the nurses in the dermatology clinic remove them. Occasionally the doctor will ask a family to remove the patches at home. If you have been given this instruction you will remove the tape and clear bandage carefully. You will re-mark the borders of the patch testing sheets with the marker you were given before you take them off the skin. 

Sometimes a patch may fall off or pull away so that it is not actually touching the skin. If this happens it is important to let your doctor know at your next appointment. 

The Third Visit: 

The third visit is usually 4 to 5 days after the patches were put on. You will come to the clinic to have the skin checked. It is important to check the skin again to look for skin reactions. The nurses and doctor will look at your skin and tell you if there are any substances that you should avoid. 

Which Allergens are tested

This will broadly be determined by where you live. Different countries have different plants and environmental allergens that will be included in the test. The top allergens from 2005–06 in the US were: 

• nickel sulfate (19.0%), 
• Myroxylon pereirae (Balsam of Peru, 11.9%), 
• fragrance mix I (11.5%), 
• quaternium-15 (10.3%), 
• neomycin (10.0%), 
• bacitracin (9.2%), 
• formaldehyde (9.0%), 
• cobalt chloride (8.4%), 
• methyldibromoglutaronitrile/phenoxyethanol (5.8%), 
• p-phenylenediamine (5.0%), 
• potassium dichromate (4.8%),
• carba mix (3.9%), 
• thiuram mix (3.9%), 
• diazolidinyl urea (3.7%),
• 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (3.4%).

The most frequent allergen recorded in many research studies around the world is nickel. Nickel allergy is more prevalent in young women, and is especially associated with ear piercing or any nickel-containing watch, belt, zipper, or jewelry. Other common allergens are surveyed in North America by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group (NACDG).

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The two most commonly used methods of confirming allergen sensitization are skin testing and allergy blood testing. Both methods offer similar diagnostic value in terms of sensitivity and specificity.

Advantages of the allergy blood test range from:

• excellent reproducibility across the full measuring range of the calibration curve,
• it has very high specificity as it binds to allergen specific IgE, and extremely sensitive too, when compared with skin prick testing.
• In general, this method of blood testing (in-vitro, out of body) vs skin-prick testing (in-vivo, in body) has a major advantage: it is not always necessary to remove the patient from an antihistamine medication regimen, and if the skin conditions (such as eczema) are so widespread that allergy skin testing cannot be done.
• Allergy blood tests, such as ImmunoCAP, are performed without procedure variations, and the results are of excellent standardization.

Adults and children of any age can take an allergy blood test. For babies and very young children, a single needle stick for allergy blood testing is often more gentle than several skin tests. However, skin testing techniques have improved. Most skin testing does not involve needles and typically skin testing results in minimal patient discomfort.

Drawbacks to RAST and ImmunoCAP techniques do exist. Compared to skin testing, ImmunoCAP and other RAST techniques take longer to perform and are less cost effective. Several studies have also found these tests to be less sensitive than skin testing for the detection of clinically relevant allergies. False positive results may be obtained due to cross-reactivity of homologous proteins or by cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCDs).

With over 4000 scientific articles using ImmunoCAP and showing its clinical value, ImmunoCAP is perceived as “Gold standard” for in vitro IgE testing^.

How a RAST works

The RAST is a radioimmunoassay test to detect specific IgE antibodies to suspected or known allergens for the purpose of guiding a diagnosis about allergy. IgE is the antibody associated with Type I allergic response: for example, if a person exhibits a high level of IgE directed against pollen, the test may indicate the person is allergic to pollen (or pollen-like) proteins. A person who has outgrown an allergy may still have a positive IgE years after exposure.

The suspected allergen is bound to an insoluble material and the patient’s serum is added. If the serum contains antibodies to the allergen, those antibodies will bind to the allergen. Radiolabeled anti-human IgE antibody is added where it binds to those IgE antibodies already bound to the insoluble material. The unbound anti-human IgE antibodies are washed away. The amount of radioactivity is proportional to the serum IgE for the allergen.

RASTs are often used to test for allergies when:

• a physician advises against the discontinuation of medications that can interfere with test results or cause medical complications;
• a patient suffers from severe skin conditions such as widespread eczema or
• a patient has such a high sensitivity level to suspected allergens that any administration of those allergens in the form of patch or skin prick testing might result in potentially serious side effects.

The RAST is scored on a scale from 0 to 6:

How is a RAST performed?

RAST is performed on blood taken as a simple blood test. Blood is drawn from a vein (venepuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic, and a tourniquet is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and restrict blood flow through the vein. This causes veins below the tourniquet to fill with blood. A sterile needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the tourniquet is removed to restore circulation. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding. Some people will experience bruising around the site.

Results are generally not available for a few days to a week and it is necessary to make another appointment with your doctor to discuss the results.

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If you have a severe peanut allergy, then you would carry an Epinen® everywhere with you. If you accidentally ingest peanuts and develop breathing problems (Anaphylaxis), the Epipen® can save your life.

What is Epinephrine and how does it work?

You’ve probably heard of epinephrine under it’s non-technical name—adrenaline. When you ride a roller coaster or give a presentation, you may feel your heart beat a little faster, your breath intake increase and a sudden burst of energy. That’s adrenaline at work, a substance your body naturally releases under stress. And the medicine inside EpiPen^® and EpiPen Jr^® (epinephrine injection, USP) Auto-Injectors and Mylan’s authorized generics happens to be a synthetic version of adrenaline—epinephrine.

Epinephrine and adrenaline are the same thing. However, the preferred name of the substance inside your EpiPen^® Auto-Injector or its authorized generic varies by where you live. In Europe, the term “adrenaline” is more common, while in the United States the term “epinephrine” is used.

During a life threatening event, Epinephrine (Adrenaline) constricts blood vessels to increase blood pressure, relaxes smooth muscles in the lungs to reduce wheezing and improve breathing, stimulates the heart (increases heart rate) and works to reduce hives and swelling that may occur around the face and lips.

According to national food allergy guidelines, epinephrine is the only recommended first-line treatment for anaphylaxis. Not antihistamines, which do not relieve shortness of breath, wheezing, gastrointestinal symptoms or shock. Therefore, antihistamines should not be a substitute for epinephrine, particularly in severe re-actions where rapid medication is required to ease breathing. As Epipen® delivers the epinephrine directly into the muscle, it is almost instantly available to the body.

Who should carry an Epipen®?

Everyone who suffers from any of the following conditions should encourage their doctors to prescribe an Epipen®

• Allergies to foods such as peanuts, shellfish, etc, particularly if you’ve experienced trouble breathing in the past.
• Bee Sting Allergy
• Certain types of medication
• Eczema sufferers may also consider carrying an Epipen® as there is conclusive evidence that a large number of eczema sufferers also experience reactions to certain allergens.

My child requires/uses an Epipen®

If your child experiences severe reactions to certain allergens, ensure the following;

• If the child is old enough, ensure they know how to use the Epipen® themselves. Frequently go over the directions for administering the injection and the site (upper thigh) to be injected. Allow them to use expired Epipen’s® to practice on an orange or other suitable surface.
• Ensure the child’s teachers, coaches and any other caregivers are well versed in the use of the Epipen®
• Request at least four Epipen’s® from your doctor. One should be carried by the child in their backpack to ensure it is always close to hand.
• Keep one in the family car, away from heat and direct sunlight.
• Ensure the school/daycare/creche has an Epipen® on site with specific instructions.
• Keep an Epipen® in the house, in a clearly marked container and within reach of everyone.
• Epipen’s® expire quickly. Set an alarm on your phone for a date two weeks prior to the expiration. Ensure you change all the packs at the same time to simplify keeping track of the dates.

If you, as the adult, require the Epipen®, then obviously many of the above points are not applicable, but many are. Remember the car, the home and the briefcase or office. One of these is usually close at hand.

You can also purchase a sling for around your neck that will hold the Epipen®, these can prove convenient from time to time if your hiking, running or cycling.

Safety and can I use my Epipen on someone else?

If you know the person uses an Epipen®, then absolutely. However you need to be cautious with an Epipen® in case the person has an underlying health condition or if they are old, as an Epipen® can have dangerous side effects for some people. Epinephrine can affect your heart and interact with certain medications. If you’re on the line with 9-1-1 tell them you have the Epipen® and allow them to advise you.

There are also a few safety precautions you should observe with an Epipen®

• Only a healthcare professional should give additional doses of epinephrine if you need more than two injections for a single anaphylactic episode.
• EpiPen^® or EpiPen Jr^® should only be injected into the middle of your outer thigh (upper leg), through clothing if necessary. Do not inject into your veins, buttocks, fingers, toes, hands or feet.
• Hold the leg of young children firmly in place before and during injection to prevent injuries
• If you accidentally inject yourself in the finger or elsewhere, seek immediate medical attention.
• Dispose safely and responsibly of the unit after use.

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Eczema is not contagious. You can’t “catch it” from someone else. While the exact cause of eczema is unknown, researchers do know that people who develop eczema do so because of a combination of genes and environmental triggers. When an irritant or an allergen from outside or inside the body “switches on” the immune system, it produces inflammation. It is this inflammation that causes the symptoms common to most types of eczema.

There are several different types of eczema that you should know about:

• Atopic dermatitis
• Contact dermatitis
• Dyshidrotic eczema
• Nummular eczema
• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Stasis dermatitis

Though there are several distinct types of eczema, it is possible to have more than one type at a time. All types of eczema cause itching and redness, but some may also cause your skin to blister, “weep,” or peel.

It’s important to understand which type you or your child may have and also your symptoms and triggers, so that you can best treat and manage your eczema. But the only way to be sure that you or your child has eczema and which type, is to make an appointment with your doctor.

1. Atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a type eczema that is chronic and inflammatory. Though the exact cause of atopic is unknown, it happens when the immune system goes into overdrive in response to an allergen or irritant inside or outside the body. AD usually begins in childhood, often in the first six months of the life. When you or your child have AD, it might improve at times or it may get worse (when you may experience what’s called a “flare”).

Atopic dermatitis is part of what’s called the atopic triad, which includes two other allergic conditions (asthma and hay fever, which is also known as allergic rhinitis). Researchers believe that people who come from families with a history of atopic dermatitis, asthma and/or hay fever are more likely to develop atopic dermatitis themselves.

Some common symptoms of atopic dermatitis:

• Dry, scaly skin
• Redness (erythema)
• Itching
• Cracks behind the ears
• A rash on the cheeks, arms and legs
• Open, crusted or “weepy” sores (usually during flare-ups)

Read more about atopic dermatitis symptoms, triggers and types of treatment.

2. Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis happens when the skin touches irritating substances or allergens. These make the skin inflamed, causing it to burn, itch and become red. There are several kinds of contact dermatitis but irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis are the most common. Contact dermatitis usually appears on the hands, or parts of the body that touched the irritant/allergen.

The  most common irritants include:

• Solvents
• Industrial chemicals
• Detergents
• Fumes
• Tobacco smoke
• Paints
• Bleach
• Wool
• Acidic Foods
• Astringents
• Skin care products that content alcohol (but not cetyl alcohol)
• Some soaps and fragrances
• Allergens (usually animal dander or pollens)

Symptoms of contact dermatitis include:

• Redness and rash
• Burning or swelling
• Blisters that may weep or crust over

Read more about dyshidrotic eczema symptoms, triggers and types of treatment.

3. Dyshidrotic eczema

Dyshidrotic eczema is a condition that produces small, itchy blisters on the edges of the fingers, toes, palms, and soles of the feet. Stress, allergies (such as hay fever), moist hands and feet, or exposure to nickel (in metal-plated jewelry), cobalt (found in metal-plated objects, and in pigments used in paints and enamels), or chromium salts (used in the manufacturing of cement, mortar, leather, paints, and anticorrosives) may be “triggers” of dyshidrotic eczema. This type of eczema is twice as common in women as it is in men.

Symptoms of dyshidrotic eczema include:

• Small fluid-filled blisters (vesicles) on the fingers, hands, and feet
• Itching
• Redness
• Flaking
• Scaly, cracked skin
• Pain

Read more about dyshidrotic eczema symptoms, triggers and types of treatment.

4. Nummular eczema – nummular dermatitis

Nummular (numb-mu-LUR) eczema, also known as discoid eczema and nummular dermatitis, is a common type of eczema that can occur at any age. It looks very different than the usual eczema and can be much more difficult to treat. People with nummular eczema develop coin-shaped spots on their skin, which may be very itchy. It is thought to be “triggered” by things like insect bites, reactions to skin inflammation, or dry skin in the winter.

Some symptoms of nummular eczema include:

• Round, coin-shaped spots
• Itching
• Dry, scaly skin
• Wet, open sores

Read more about nummular eczema symptoms, triggers and types of treatment.

5. Seborrheic dermatitis

Considered a chronic form of eczema, seborrheic dermatitis appears on the body where there are a lot of oil-producing (sebaceous) glands like the upper back, nose and scalp.

Seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp is called dandruff.

The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is unknown, although genes and hormones play a role. Microorganisms such as yeast, that live on the skin naturally can also contribute to seborrheic dermatitis. Unlike many other forms of eczema, seborrheic dermatitis is not the result of an allergy.

People of any age can develop seborrheic dermatitis including infants (known as “cradle cap”). It is slightly more common in men than women.

People with certain diseases that affect the immune system, such as HIV or AIDS, and the nervous system, such as Parkinson’s disease, are believed to be at an increased risk of developing seborrheic dermatitis.

Seborrheic dermatitis often appears on the scalp, where symptoms may range from dry flakes (dandruff) to yellow, greasy scales with reddened skin. Patients can also develop seborrheic dermatitis on other oily areas of their body, such as the face, upper chest and back.

Common symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis include:

• Redness
• Greasy, swollen skin
• White or yellowish crusty flakes

Read more about seborrheic dermatitis.

6. Stasis dermatitis

Stasis dermatitis is also called gravitational dermatitis, venous eczema and venous stasis dermatitis. It happens when there is a problem with blood flow in the veins and pressure develops (usually in the lower legs). This pressure can cause fluid to leak out of the veins and into the skin, resulting in stasis dermatitis.

Symptoms of stasis dermatitis include:

• Swelling around the ankles
• Redness
• Scaling
• Itching
• Pain

And in more severe cases:

• Oozing
• Open areas (cracking or larger ulcers)
• Infection

Read more about stasis dermatitis symptoms, triggers and types of treatment.

The post The Different Types of Eczema appeared first on Medika Life.

Nummular eczema (also known as discoid eczema and nummular dermatitis) is a form of eczema that can occur at any age. It looks different than other types of eczema and can be difficult to treat because it seems to affect people differently.

The word “nummular” comes from the Latin word for “coin,” as the spots can look coin-shaped on the skin. The spots may be very itchy or not itchy at all. They can be very dry and scaly or can become wet and open.

The cause of nummular eczema (nummular dermatitis) is unknown, but it does not seem to run in families.

Known triggers for nummular eczema include:

• Damage to the skin such as through an insect bite, scrapes and scratches, chemical “burns”
• A reaction to inflammation (as with atopic dermatitis and/or statis dermatitis) elsewhere on the body
• Dry skin especially in the winter
• Metals like nickel
• Poor blood flow or swelling in the lower legs
• Medications like topical antibiotic creams, isotretinoin and interferon

Because nummular eczema (nummular dermatitis) can look like ringworm, it is important to make sure that it is not a fungal infection, especially if it is not responding to treatment. This can usually be done by your health care provider with a skin scraping or a fungal culture.

Like atopic dermatitis, nummular eczema (nummular dermatitis) can get infected by bacteria — usually staph. Make an appointment with your doctor if you think you have an infection on your skin where the nummular eczema appears.

Nummular eczema appears more frequently in men, usually between the ages of 55-65. Women usually get their first flare of nummular eczema between the ages of 13-25. It can also affect children.What does nummular eczema – nummular dermatitis look like?

Symptoms of nummular eczema (nummular dermatitis) include:

• Coin-shaped lesions on arms, legs, torso and/or hands
• Itching and burning
• Lesions that are oozing liquid or have crusted over
• Red, pinkish or brown, scaly and inflamed skin around the lesions

Nummular dermatitis treatment

Like atopic dermatitis, nummular eczema (nummular dermatitis) benefits from moisturizers to calm and protect the damaged skin barrier.

In many cases, you may receive a prescription for a steroid medication to calm the inflammation as well. For some reason, the milder and moderate-potency steroid creams may not be of much help with nummular eczema (nummular dermatitis). More powerful steroid creams are frequently required. Fortunately, nummular eczema (nummular dermatitis) tends to disappear completely after the right treatment.

In cases where steroids are not appropriate, or when you have used them for a long time, your doctor may prescribe phototherapy, coal-tar creams, or a non-corticosteroid topical medication such as tacrolimus (Protopic) or pimecrolimus (Elidel). These medications are called topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs) are approved for use by adults and children two years of age or older.

Topical or oral antibiotics may be used when there is a bacterial infection on the skin. In very severe cases, systemic steroids (taken by mouth or given by injection) may be used for a short time to calm symptoms, though they are not recommended.

Atopic dermatitis may look like nummular eczema, especially on people of African-American or Asian descent.

Will nummular eczema ever go away?

Many people, even those who have a severe nummular eczema, seem to clear up completely and do not appear to have the long-term issues like other forms of eczema.

The post Nummular Dermatitis (discoid eczema) appeared first on Medika Life.