Psoriasis

Psoriasis seems to effect just as many people as eczema does.

We have put together a great resource page on psoriasis and psoriasis treatment

So have a look and learn more about psoriasis and how to treat it.

Rick

There Is No Such Thing!

I got an email this week from someone looking to use XMA Skin Therapy, their question?

So tell me, why is your cream going to cure my eczema?

Well, to put it simply, it's not. If you are looking for a miracle eczema treatment, or "cure" then forget about it.

Quite simply there...

IS NO SUCH THING!

Managing your eczema is not about finding that one miracle cure, because you will never find it so stop wasting your time and money.

Eczema can be caused by a range of things, mainly

1. Environment
2. Genetics
3. Diet
4. Lifestyle

So it not about finding the next great thing from overseas to manage your eczema, it is about developing a management plan that works for you, using a combination of methods and treatments.

Over the next few posts I will explore these causes in more option and most importantly what you can do about them.

If you have any specific questions, feel free to email me at rick@xma.com.au

Rick

Interesting Eczema Research

I have just been surfing around the internet and have come across an interesting study. The article is from www.news.com.au and I thought you might find it interesting. I also found a link to the study on the Eczema Association Website Here

Defective skin barrier 'key to eczema'
By Katelyn John
October 17, 2006 12:11am

A DEFECTIVE skin barrier is the primary cause of eczema not environmental irritants, according to new research.

The research, to be presented today by the Eczema Association of Australasia to mark the start of Eczema Awareness Week, shows that instead of problems with allergies, tiny cracks in the skin barrier predispose some people to the atopic dermatitis.

Dr John Su from the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne says the findings will revolutionise scientists' understanding of the skin disease, previously thought to have been caused by an immune reaction to allergies.

"Until now, we believed most people with eczema were having an immune reaction to some external influence," Dr Su said.

"However, this new report showed that up to 66 per cent of children with mild to moderate eczema did not actually have raised allergic antibodies.

"Rather, a key factor in developing eczema is the structure of the skin barrier and the integrity of the cells' lipids and binders.

"So we now believe that tiny cracks in the skin barrier predispose some people to eczema."

The report, published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, finds that defective genes can affect normal functions of the skin, such as the shedding of dead skin and new skin replacement.

People with those defective genes shed the skin cells much faster than they should resulting in thinner skin barriers.

"People prone to eczema have a much thinner skin barrier than people with normal skin and this can be seen under a microscope, even if they do not have obvious eczema lesions," Dr Su said.

He said while thin skin barriers make people more susceptible to developing eczema, flares or lesions often first occur following the use of irritants such as soap.



The report found genetic predisposition to skin barrier breakdown combined with environmental irritants significantly increases the chance of eczema flares.

The new findings also confirm the importance of treating eczema much earlier in the cycle rather than waiting for a flare to occur, he said.

As always, the information presented from these other websites is not our opinion and we are not endorsing them in any way shape or form.

That Time of Year Again!

Myself and the whole team at XMA Skin Therapy would like to thank each and every one of you for your ongoing support and helping make 2007 the best year ever for us.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones the very best for Christmas and above all, stay safe.

We will be semi operational over the christmas/new year break. We will be in and out of the office so the phone might not always get answered but we will be returning messages and emails. Postage will go on the days Australia Post will take it. So you can still order.

And, good news. The 225g Jars are being picked up Thursday so all those waiting for orders, we will be shipping Friday/Saturday (we have a few to get through).

2008 promises to be even bigger for us with lots of changes happening. You will see a new look for XMA, some exciting new products including a shampoo and conditioner, and this is just the start.

We look forward to continuing to help you and your family manage your eczema.

Best Wishes and Merry Christmas

Rick & The XMA Team

Eczema and the Weather

Australia is currently undergoing wild weather, from heat waves and severe storms, to cold weather and rain. The only thing predictable about weather in Australia is its unpredictability!

Eczema can be difficult to manage at the best of times, let alone when you throw in weather challenges on top of that. So, what are some tips for eczema treatment in the different weather conditions?

In Warm Weather:

• Try and wear cool, light clothes made from natural fibres to avoid excess sweat and allow the skin to breath;
• Try not to cover up too much when you are sleeping, overheating causes sweat;
• Avoid strenuous exercise during hottest times or flare ups;
• Use a natural sunscreen, such as UV Natural or Soleo where possible;
• Keep the skin moisturised;
• Try an avoid soaking in water (I know this is a tough one!) but water drys the skin out;
• Some experts suggest a swim in the ocean or other natural salt water can be beneficial.

Hope that helps.

Rick