Ceramides: A New Treatment?

I've recently tried a new product: CeraVe. It is a cream that contains ceramides. Ceramides are a type of lipid that are present in the top layer of the skin. People with eczema have less ceramides in their skin. They also have less cholesterol and free fatty acids. All three are essential to maintain the barrier function of the outermost layer of the skin by maintaining moisture.

I like CeraVe and I do think it has helped my skin a little, but not dramatically. That said, I have not used it consistently for an extended period of time. A study discussed on the American Academy of dermatology website found that use of creams with lipids twice daily for 4 weeks resulted in improvements in skin lesions, itching, and sleep.

Book Review: Tell Me more About Atopic Eczema

Tell Me More About Atopic Eczema
by John Berth-Jones and B. Roger Allen

Tell Me More About Atopic Eczema is a very user-friendly book. It can be read in one sitting. The text is easy to follow and there are helpful pictures and diagrams throughout. It is a great introduction to the subject but probably does not offer much new information to patients who have been reading about their condition for years. It does, however, provide a nice summary of information in one handy text.

The book begins with an overview of atopic eczema. The authors differentiate it from other types of eczema, discuss how it is diagnosed, and cover genetic and environmental causes/triggers. They then spend five sections on treatments, discussing emollients, steroids, tar, bandages, ultraviolet light, antihistamines, and systemic drugs for very severe cases. The authors address a few complications, including skin infections, and conclude with a section on "living with eczema." This section includes the traditional suggestions of not overheating your home in winter, avoiding triggers like dust mites, using soap substitutes, applying emollients after showering, and wearing light, cotton clothes.

Back to School Eczema Strategies

As the weather turns colder and kids head back to school, here are some tips for keeping eczema under control.

Cold Weather Troubles
The good news about cool weather is that itching is often less severe when it is cooler. But cold weather most often brings with it more troubles than relief for eczema patients. Moisture leaves the skin more rapidly, leading to dryness and irritation. Because of this, as fall approaches, be sure to moisturize often. Bring lotion and emollients to work and school and apply them regularly.

When the heaters kick on, this can be very drying to your skin. Running humidifiers through the winter can help or consider having one installed on your heater. Try bringing a small humidifier to the office if at all possible. Also, try not to overheat your home. An extra sweatshirt will be much nicer on your skin than another degree on your thermostat. And again, use lots of moisturizers!

Eczema-free Fashion
Winter clothing can also be trouble for eczema. Wool, for instance, causes flare-ups in many patients. It took me awhile to realize I was having this reaction to wool, but now that I have eliminated it from my wardrobe, it has reduced the number of flare-ups I get in the winter. Tighter, warm clothing can also lead to flare-ups. Try to wear loose cotton clothes whenever possible...even if this is just when you are at home!

Hair dryers can also be drying, not just for your scalp, but your hands and neck, as well. This can again irritate eczema. Try to minimize use and keep the heat away from your skin as much as possible. Certain shampoos and conditioners, such as Free & Clear are unlikely to have irritants. And DHS zinc shampoo has helped my itchy scalp before.

Sports and Your Skin
Back-to-school often means the start of fall sports. Sweat aggregates many eczema patients. Try to wipe of excess sweat and shower as soon as possible after work-outs. Immediately out of the shower, apply emollients. Drinking lots of water may also help hydrate your skin and reduce flare-ups. Try to exercise in cotton clothes that do not rub and irritate your skin anywhere. And if playing on a grassy field, try to avoid sitting stretches on the grass if the grass is a trigger for you, as it is for me.

More Strategies for Combatting Itching...Besides Scratching!

• Instead of scratching, press firmly on the itchy area for 30 seconds
• Lotions with menthol
• Wrap a washcloth around ice and hold on the itchy area
• Oatmeal baths
• Gold Bond Medicated Powder
• Apply a cool, damp cloth to the itchy area
• Lotion, lots of lotion
• Anti-histamines
• Calamine lotion
• Cortizone creams
• Lightly rub your fingertips over the itchy area - don't use your nails
• Vicks
• Watch TV - get your mind off it!
• Take a cool shower, pat yourself dry, apply moisturizers and emollients
• Sit in the sun