A recent study* published in the British Journal of Dermatology has tried to answer this important question. The authors sought to identify which environmental factors might worsen eczema.
They studied sixty children with eczema aged between 0 and 15 years for up to nine months. The severity of eczema for each child was measured using questionnaires and a proven system called the Patient-Orientated Eczema Measure (POEM). The environmental factors they monitored included temperature, relative humidity, sun exposure, sweating, clothing, cleansing products/washing, outdoor pollen level, extent and nature of exposure to household pets, dusty environments and swimming.
Each patient (or parent) completed a daily questionnaire which included questions on the state of the eczema, clothing worn next to the skin and exposure to shampoo, dusty environments and animals.
The results suggested that nylon clothing and wool, dust, unfamiliar pets, sweating, swimming and shampoos may play a direct role in worsening eczema in children and this may be more pronounced in cold weather. Combinations of exposures acting in concert may also be important. The authors commented that this knowledge may be useful to families with eczema and could lead to better strategies for preventing flares.
* What causes flares of eczema in children?
S.M. Langan; P. Silcocks; H.C. Williams The British Journal of Dermatology 2009;161(3):640-646
talkhealth
This is the talkhealth blog spot, where we post on a wide range of health conditions, topics, issues and concerns. We post when we see something that we believe is of interest to our visitors. Our posts do not reflect any particular view or standpoint of talkhealth, but are merely to raise attention and awareness.
Join with Google
Join with Facebook
>Great post on eczema flare-ups in children! Another factor we've found is food allergies (eggs, milk, fish, peanuts, etc.).
Whatever the cause, child eczema is painful for the whole family. One tool in coping is clothing that provides comfort to the child while protecting them from scratching themselves – often to the point of bleeding, infection, and scarring.
This is what Sock Monkeys Clothing provides. It is made of non-allergenic organic cotton (Super, Snuggly Soft) and has covered hands to prevent fingernails from damaging delicate skin. Also features no-touch seams and tear-away tags for complete comfort.
The website is sockmonkeysclothing.com. I hope this can help some of your readers searching for relief. We, personally, know what a struggle dealing with infant eczema can be.
Thanks and keep up the good blogging!!
on November 18, 2009 at 5:11 pm Sock Monkeys Clothing