Skin Allergy Best Treated Before It Flares Up

[peterb]

Skin Allergy Best Treated Before It Flares Up
Wed September 10, 2003 09:22 AM ET


Atopic eczema, an allergic skin condition, is best treated before it flares up, new research presented here Monday at the World Allergy Congress suggests.

"The traditional approach is reacting when the disease flares up and then dousing the fire. Now, we are talking about before the disease flares, at the very first sign of initiation. We are going to intervene at that stage to prevent it from getting out of hand," Dr. Vincent Ho, from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, said.

In the absence of a cure for atopic eczema, he said a proactive approach aimed at flare prevention can provide better long-term disease control and may be beneficial in modifying the natural history of the disease.

Traditionally, physicians have treated flare-ups with a short course of potent topical steroids, followed by either a lower potency steroids or an emollient as the condition improves. However, Ho said new studies now show that "this reactive approach" provides less than optimal disease control and leads to a vicious cycle of itching and scratching.

Several studies have now shown that the use of maintenance topical corticosteroids can reduce relapse in eczema. Ho cited one study of 68 adults in which 90 percent of patients had no relapse after 6 months on twice-weekly treatment with steroid cream. In three studies of a different steroid cream, there was an up to 8-fold reduction in relapse rates, he continued.

In other studies, topical non-steroid drugs have been shown to be an effective treatment for atopic eczema if given early on in the disease process, Ho said.

"I think the studies provide the evidence that if you use a proactive approach that you can maintain the disease in a controlled state for a longer period of time."

[Fishs]

 

 

Another good article   Peter  ..

Lot of great info  and good advice in that one .

Fish

[Gobe]

Ver reassuring - tha's what I've been doing lately - just using it once or twice a week on my really itch bits like my neck arms and back.  My legs are finally clear of inflammation and I have no scabby bits!!!!!!!!!!

[Monika]

I agree 1000% with that one! That's what I love about my GP over the stupid derm I saw (same stupid guy you saw Heather)... she really stressed keeping it under control, trying my best not to let it get to a flare up state.

[Gobe]

Just thought I'd add that since I've been shaving my legs with a fresh disposable razor once a week and ditched the bug ridden electric one that my legs have been infection free.  Coincidence?  I also put on witch hazel after I shave them.  Honestly it's the best my legs have been in years - I could even consider wearing shorts now!  Only place where I'm using the steroid is behind my knees twice a week.

[goldie]

peterb

Found that the same holds true for my lichen planus. If I treat any tiny spot before it itches a lot, it subsides sooner than if I wait until it itches like crazy. The old areas that I have, before I got treatment, keep coming back and will take much longer to go away. Told this to my derm. and she wrote it down. I've initiated the once or twice a week control treatment for my scalp; it's harder to not disturb my scalp...have to shampoo my hair. LP tends to break out for sure where skin is rubbed or injured from any cause...sunburn, ouch!

 :hi:Gobe,  Great that you've helped the shaving situation. Good idea for the guys, too. My father-in-law once got a terrible skin infection from a straight edge razor that a barbershop used on his face. If you must use an electric razor, it's a good idea to unplug it, remove the screen and blade inside and soak in rubbing alcohol after each use, rinsing and drying well before putting back, of course. Using rubbing alcohol to clean make up containers was recommended to me. I even soak a tissue with it and wipe the surface of cake type make up, lipsticks and inside the cases, brushes and pencils, air drying them well. Not often enough, probably! Mascara is one of those things I just have to replace often; I do whenever I feel the slightest itching from it, sometimes, even before the recommended time. Best to wash hands before applying make-up and avoid touching the openings in bottles and never share your make up. Sorry, used to teach this...it just rolls out!  


goldie

[Gobe]

 

Goldie

What you say makes a lot of sense.  It was only by chance a few weeks ago that I came across an article that described the bacteria and germs that lived on dirty razor heads and cosmetics.  I posted the info somewhere for the members of the forum.

I only use a little eye pencil and mascara and change the mascara about once every 2 months.  Is that enough?

[peterb]

Dont ask me ?

[Gobe]

I know!  I'll ask Goldie  

[Monika]

I think eye makeup is supposed to be changed every 3 months.

[goldie]

Hi Everyone!

Try this site and scroll down to Beauty on the Safe Side:

http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-safe.html


There's a lot of other information,too. Monika's right about the three month time period for mascara, but if you suspect that any irritation you develop may be from your mascara, stop using it. I have to look for a brand that doesn't contain fragrance. Of course, any serious reaction should be treated by a physician, whether allergic or germ caused, your eyesight is important.


Since I have had lichen planus, I very rarely use mascara...only for occasions. Some health conditions, including skin disorders, cause eye problems, too. Not worth taking chances, as I'm sure many of you are aware. Always remove any make-up before bedtime (or sleeping would be a better word?) If you do fall asleep and forget (done that!) probably a good idea to change your pillowcase before retiring again. Like the article says...preservatives in cosmetics should take care of the germs, but with my sensitive skin...don't like to take too many chances.

  Monika...remember you commenting about Clinique's expense. Have you tried Almay...doesn't contain fragrance either and much less expensive.

goldie

[Monika]

I just use Maybelline foundation and Cover Girl for everything else. I'm lucky in that the skin on my face isn't sensitive at all... I can even wash it with regular ol' soap (the dreaded S word, I know!)

I'll give Almay a try though.

[goldie]

Gobe...I think my mascara suggested every two months, too. Guess I threw the card away that it came on...couldn't find it! Sounds fine though.

goldie