Caregivers

Allergic Response Switch Identified

A new study in human cells has singled out a molecule that specifically directs immune cells to develop the capability to produce an allergic response. The signaling molecule, called thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), is key to the development of allergic diseases such as asthma, atopic dermatitis (eczema), and food allergy.

Latex or Rubber Against Skin

One of the main things I have found for me is that it's important to avoid anything next to my skin made of latex or rubber of any sort.

Free e-Book on Mind/Body Solutions for Skin Issues

Dr. Ted Grossbart, a well-known psychologist and Harvard Medical School professor, has made his book Skin Deep: A Mind-Body Program for Healthy Skin available as a free e-book for download.

Neuron Path for Itch Revealed

Chronic itch is an often difficult and sometimes debilitating symptom of many skin diseases and other disorders. Researchers have been trying to determine for decades if there are separate neuronal pathways for pain and itch.

Daily Quercetin

My eczema condition, with which I have been dealing for over twenty years, has improved rather significantly over the past three months. In addition to the occasional use of topical medications and daily use of Eucerin Moisturizer Creme, I started a daily regimen of quercetin (1,000 mg per day), a flavonoid which is a natural antihistamine.

Tomato & Chocolate Allergies

I have found food to influence my eczema. No tomato sauces, ketchup. Little to no chocolates.

Chlorinated Swimming Pool Helped

During my youth I had a severe problem and the ointments prescribed drove me crazy. After I went into a chlorinated swimming pool on several occasions did the problem finally go away.

Bathing Daily with Avon Skin So Soft Replenishing Body Bar Original

I sure hope you do spread the word of how wonderful this soap works (at least for me) as bathing daily with Avon, Skin So Soft Replenishing Body Bar Original seems to prevent outbreaks of the itch/rash. I was only 3 days old when I broke out with this malady.

Discovered Compound

I'm a registered nurse. After much trial and error, I have discovered a compound which has worked wonders to control our outbreaks. We've used the treatment for several years and are still very pleased with the results.

Blood Thiners & Quitting Smoking

I wanted to share my experience with eczema; I have had it for years on my left ear. I have been treated with many steroid creams, ear drops, lotions there was nothing left to do but live with it, I kept peeling the dry skin off, 10 days ago I had a stroke they found that I did not get enough blood to the left back part of my brain, so now I take blood thinners and I also quit smoking 10 days ago and my blood supply has improved to that area, within 3 days off being treated with blood thinners and stopped smoking my eczema has disappeared my skin feels completely normal, no more itching, red flaking skin.

Azathioprine

I receive your NEA Advocate magazine and just wanted to offer a suggestion. I was an eczema sufferer to the very extreme. I had it from head to toe for over 8 years, and just like everyone else I went through about 10 dermatologists until I hit on Dr. Ken Greer of the University of Virginia School of Medicine in Charlottesville, Virginia. He put me on azathioprine (Imuran). I took two 50 milligram pills twice a day.

Less Medication Resulted in No Eczema

I have had a continuing case of eczema for well over 20 years, from very severe in the early years to moderate and livable during recent years. I was also being treated for atrial fibrillation with digoxin (0.25 mg daily) and flecainide. About six months ago I was hospitalized for dehydration. My cardiologist stopped digoxin entirely and reduced my flecainide by a third. Within one day my eczema disappeared entirely and has not returned.

Arnold Katz
Torrance, California

Mathylisothiazolinone - in Shampoo - Allergy

I had it bad, and my mother did too. It flared up even worse with stress. Then a good friend of mine got it. He is a paramedic and is dogged with problems like this. He tracked it down to an allergic reaction to methylisothiazolinone in shampoo.

Milk Allergies

I was born with eczema and have had it all my life. I had all the allergy tests, different salves, soaks, etc. None of the doctors I went to over the years could help me. When I was in my fifties I read an article in Redbook magazine about allergies and it said milk could be the culprit.

New Medicines?

Q: What are some of the new medicines that can be used for eczema? I have been using MimyX and/or clobetasol propionate ointment when flare-ups happen. Is there anything else that would help? The clobetasol is thinning my skin. What would be as good to treat the areas?

Topical Steroids for 5 Year Old?

Q: My son is 5 years old and has been on a variety of eczema treatments, such as Elidel and Derma-Smoothe. What are the recommendations for Derma-Smoothe? His skin improved initially after using this for four weeks, then he went right back to breaking out. I also have tried over-the-counter hydrocortisone (1 percent) and hydrocortisone oil (.5 percent). Any other suggestions?

Itch more at night?

Q: Do people really itch more at night or are they just letting down after a stressful day?

Ambien (zolpidem) or Lunesta (eszpiclone) to sleep?

Q: I’m kind of curious why I’ve never had anyone here mention that they take Ambien (zolpidem) or Lunesta (eszpiclone) to sleep as opposed to an Atarax (hydroxyzine)?

A: The problem with some of these sleeping drugs is that they have their own side-effect issues. Particularly in children, the chronic use of Ambien, Lunesta, etc., is clearly not approved. When I do have kids with really significant eczema, I do call a sleep expert in. I like to document what’s happening at night, and I use some of these experts’ advice regarding how can we help the child get good sleep.

Prolonged Cellcept usage?

Q: Are there any long-term studies of the affects of prolonged CellCept usage?

CellCept and Protopic Together?

Q: What about CellCept (mycophenolate mofetil) and Protopic—is it safe to use them together?

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