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

The Eczema Bookstore

One of the great new features of the XMA Skin Therapy website is the eczema bookstore.

We have always got great feedback every time we let our newsletter readers know about eczema and psoriasis books that we have found, so we decided to set up a bookstore on the XMA website.

We have a selection of ebooks on eczema and psoriasis, hang on, what is an ebook you ask?

Simply an ebook is a downloadable book, usually in a pdf format that you get immediately instead of having to wait for it to arrive. Ebooks have really taken off in the last few years with the benefit being people with huge knowledge on a whole multitude of subjects are now publishing books that might not have otherwise.

So, why not have a look at the eczema bookstore and read about some of the books we have on offer. If you have any questions feel free to drop me an email or call one of the team.

Have a great weekend

Rick

Dry, Itchy and Flaky Scalp

One thing we get asked regularly here at XMA Skin Therapy is what can you do for my dry scalp.

Dry and itchy scalp comes under many names including eczema, dandruff, seborrhoeic dermatitis and many more. Bust basically they are all names for what appears as reddening of the skin, irritation and scaling that appears as below.

Dandruff affects approximately 50% of the population in some mild to severe form. Dandruff Seborrheic dermatitis, a more severe form of dandruff is a chronic skin condition that affects the scalp. Dandruff manifests itself as dry skin, flakiness, itchiness and oily skin. Shedding of the skin is natural. Most people shed a layer of skin per month. People who suffer from dandruff shed their skin much faster and the result is a noticeable amount of flakiness.

Eczema Scalp can be painful, irritating and downright embarrassing. So what can you do about it?

Avoiding chemicals is a great start, so try a shampoo and conditioner that is natural and most importantly, SLS Free. Try not to cover your head as sweat and moisture can also exaggerate the condition. XMA Skin Therapy can also be rubbed straight into the scalp and left overnight to soak in. You can also check out a book on dry scalp by clicking here

If you have any questions feel free to contact us on phone or email.

Rick