Antimicrobial Use Could End Misery Of Eczema Flare-Up For Millions Of Sufferers In The UK

The most common cause of a flare-up in atopic eczema is a bacterium known as Staphylococcus aureus. Despite growing scientific evidence that Staphylococcus aureus makes atopic eczema worse and hinders healing, a survey conducted by YouGov in August 2010 amongst 642 people who have had eczema revealed that 71% of Brits had never heard of staphylococcus aureus and only 1% of eczema patients surveyed had discussed it with their GP or healthcare professional1. Use of antimicrobial emollients such as Eczmol have an established role in the prevention of infection but research shows only 11%2 have ever been prescribed an antimicrobial vs 41% who have been prescribed steroids3.

In the UK an estimated 1.7 million children4 and one in twelve adults have eczema5. Of these it is estimated that more than 90% carry Staphylococcus aureus in contrast to 30% of healthy individuals6,7. Traditional methods employed to manage the symptoms of eczema such as regular application of emollients and the use of soap substitutes are important factors in the fight against the unpleasant symptoms associated with eczema but they are not enough to stave off painful ‘flare ups’ that can cause misery amongst sufferers. Antimicrobial agents are available to help prevent ‘flare ups’ and yet YouGov research shows that of the few patients recommended antimicrobials 70%8 of them use these agents only when a ‘flare up’ occurs -as a treatment rather than prevention.

Eczmol, which contains chlorhexidine gluconate, was launched in the UK in April 2010 and has been shown to be four times more active than other antimicrobial lotion available on the market9. In trials it was shown to kill bacteria within 60 seconds of application10 and provide an enduring anti-microbial effect as a leave on product (up to 4 hours) and as a soap substitute (up to 2 hours)11.

Deborah Mason, Talk Eczema, “We now have some exciting data that clearly shows the long term efficacy of new antimicrobials on troublesome Staphylococcus aureus, but the YouGov data shows a worrying lack of knowledge amongst a large number of eczema patients in the UK about these particular bacteria, its effects and treatment. We will be doing everything we can to communicate to the eczema community the benefits of antimicrobials as a preventative treatment which we feel could significantly improve the lives of many people suffering with eczema. If patients are suffering they need to go back to their GP to discuss new ways to manage their eczema and help prevent further flare ups.” http://www.talkeczema.com/

Staphylococcus aureus has long been associated with flare-up (red, weeping lesions) in atopic eczema. A flare-up is the first stage of infection which will often then present with a scabby golden-yellow crust formation on the lesions. Long term antibiotic treatment of atopic eczema is not recommended because of the potential for bacterial resistance.

Eczmol is an antimicrobial product designed to provide cover specifically against the bug known as Staphylococcus aureus and also contains emollient agents to soothe and soften dry skin. It spreads easily on the skin soaking in rapidly without the need for rubbing and can be used as an emollient or as a soap substitute. It can also be used in combination with other emollients or steroid creams.

Eczmol contains the antimicrobial agent chlorhexidine which has been widely used in the Health Service for more than 50 years. Chlorhexidine kills the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus quickly, and this together with the concentration that is achieved on the skin from Eczmol ensures that resistance to this agent is rare.

Eczmol 270ml £3.70

For more information visit. http://www.eczmol.co.uk/

References:1.YouGov Survey Results, sample size 2084. Fieldwork 30th July – 2nd August 20102.YouGov Survey Results, sample size 2084. Fieldwork 30th July – 2nd August 20103.YouGov Survey Results, sample size 2084. Fieldwork 30th July – 2nd August 20104.Shamssain M. Trends in the prevalence and severity of asthma, rhinitis and atopic eczema in 6- to 7- and 13- to 14-yr-old children from the north-east of England. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2007; 18: 149-53. 5.(www.eczema.org/faqfile.htm)6.Goodyear HM, PJ Watson,SA Egan, EH Price, PA Kenny and JI Harper. 1993. Skin microflora of atopic eczema in first time hospital attendees. Clin Exp Dermatol 18:300-3047.Ricci G, A. Atrizi, I.Neri, B Bendandi, and M Masi. 2003. Frequency and clinical role of Staphylococcus aureus overinfection in atopic dermatitis in children. Pediatr Dermatol 20:389-393 8.YouGov Survey Results, sample size 2084. Fieldwork 30th July – 2nd August 20109.Data on file (LSC 0249), Genus Pharmaceuticals10.British Standard prEN12054 report. Leeds Skin Centre for Applied Research. 6.10.09 11.Data on file (LSC 0261), Genus Pharmaceuticals
More YouGov Statistics
60% of those questioned (642 respondents) use emollients to manage eczema flare ups65% of those questioned (507 respondents) had never used an antimicrobial to treat their eczema42% of those questioned currently with eczema (247 respondents) experience more than 5 ‘flare ups’ annually.49% of those questioned currently with eczema (241 respondents) have been prescribed steroids at least once since August 2009 to manage eczema flare ups.
TalkHealth is a web-based patient support and information service dedicated to people facing everyday life with conditions such as eczema, allergies, asthma, psoriasis, acne and the menopause. TalkHealth’s aim is to provide practical support to people with these conditions through the provision of online membership communities. Where sufferers and their supporters/carers can meet with others and learn more about their condition and the latest advances and ideas in research and treatment. We provide the opportunity for people to take control in decisions concerning their health in a positive way. For more information, email info@talkhealthpartnership.com and www.talkeczema.com

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2 Responses to Antimicrobial Use Could End Misery Of Eczema Flare-Up For Millions Of Sufferers In The UK

Where do I buy Eczmol?
on October 3, 2012 at 2:32 pm frederick

Hello – you can buy Eczmol online or talk to your GP who may be able to prescribe it. I hope this helps.
on October 3, 2012 at 3:36 pm talkhealth

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