DERMATITIS

The terms eczema and dermatitis are often used interchangeably to describe the same condition. Dermatitis is characterized by a rash, dryness of skin, itching, and redness of skin. The symptoms of dermatitis occur due to the over production of damaging inflammatory skin cells and continue to worsen as a result of certain factors in the environment.

Monday, October 31, 2005

New Product Gets FDA Approval

CORAL GABLES, Fla., Oct. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Stiefel Laboratories, the world's largest independent pharmaceutical company specializing in dermatology, announced that its new product for treating atopic dermatitis - MimyX(TM) Cream - has been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for sales and marketing in the United States.
"We are elated to expand our product offering to include atopic dermatitis, and we are particularly pleased to be able to offer an alternative to dermatologists and pediatricians in treating atopic dermatitis, which is a challenging chronic disease," said Charles Stiefel, President and CEO of Stiefel Laboratories. He added that MimyX(TM) Cream is currently available on a prescription-only basis.
MimyX(TM) Cream is a topical non-steroidal treatment for atopic dermatitis that can be used in patients of all ages. It takes a totally new approach to treating the condition by restoring the natural structure and components of the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin.
MimyX(TM) Cream's unique treatment approach is clinically proven to relieve the signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis. In addition, essential ingredients found within MimyX(TM) Cream mimic natural components of the stratum corneum, thus helping repair and restore skin barrier function. The end result is a safe, effective, hypoallergenic product that restores barrier function while relieving the signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis without adversely affecting the patient's immune system. The product also contains no emulsifiers, perfumes or dyes that might affect sensitive/allergic patients.
"Having this treatment option that can be used by almost any patient, including children, for longer periods of time than other available medications, gives my fellow physicians and me greater flexibility in tackling atopic dermatitis. I am enthusiastic about adding MimyX(TM) to my current atopic dermatitis regimen," said Joseph Jorizzo, M.D., Professor of Dermatology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.
Atopic dermatitis is often simply referred to as "eczema." It is characterized by extremely itchy skin that leads to persistent scratching. That scratching produces redness, swelling, cracking, "weeping" of clear fluid, and finally, crusting and scaling.
According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), more than 15 million people in the U.S. have symptoms of atopic dermatitis. In addition, children are more commonly affected than adults, with 90 percent of acute dermatitis cases diagnosed by age 5. Roughly 60 percent of infants affected continue to have one or more symptoms of atopic dermatitis into adulthood.
NIAMS researchers project that U.S. health insurance companies spend more than $1 billion per year on atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis has also been found to affect patient quality of life due to its uncomfortable symptoms and how it alters physical appearance.
"Current therapeutic options are not meeting the needs of patients with atopic dermatitis. We believe MimyX(TM) Cream offers physicians a safe and effective maintenance therapy option in the arsenal against this condition," said Steve Gallopo, Director, New Product Planning for Stiefel Laboratories.
MimyX(TM) Cream is indicated to manage and relieve the burning and itching experienced with various types of dermatoses, including atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis and radiation dermatitis. MimyX(TM) Cream is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any of the components of the formulation. In radiation therapy, MimyX(TM) Cream may be applied as indicated by the treating Radiation Oncologist. Do not apply 4 hours prior to a radiation session. MimyX(TM) Cream does not contain a sunscreen and should not be used prior to extended exposure to the sun. For external use only.

Friday, October 28, 2005

Facts About Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a non-contagious condition that causes flaking and redness of the skin. It occurs when there is inflammation in areas of the skin where sebaceous (skin oil) glands are concentrated. It usually affects the scalp, but can also affect other parts of the body, such as eyebrows, eyelids, the folds of the nose, lips, behind or inside the ears, in the external ear, the forehead and the chin and the skin of the trunk, particularly around the navel, in the skin folds under the arms, in the groin, or under the breasts.

Seborrheic dermatitis appears to run in families. Stress, fatigue, weather extremes, oily skin, infrequent shampoos or skin cleaning, use of lotions that contain alcohol, or skin disorders such as acne or obesity may increase the risk.

Neurological conditions, including Parkinson's disease, head injury, and stroke can also be associated with seborrheic dermatitis. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is also associated with higher incidence. Seborrheic dermatitis can be unpleasant and uncomfortable, and is usually unattractive. It can disappear spontaneously and suddenly reappear, for no known reason. Or it can stubbornly linger, resisting treatment.

But as frustrating as it can be, it is readily diagnosed and is treatable.

Wednesday, October 26, 2005

Althete's Foot is a Form of Dermatitis

Athlete's foot appears as an itching, burning skin rash on the feet or hands. Blisters often form, and the skin is red and inflamed

Monday, October 24, 2005

The International Eczema- Psoriasis Foundation

In this International Eczema-Psoriasis Foundation website, you will find information about eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, perioral dermatitis, guttate psoriasis, their symptoms, causes and treatments. You will be able to distinguish between eczema and similar conditions such as contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, stasis dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, neurodermatitis, contact eczema, light sensitive eczema, juvenile plantar eczema, eczema craquele, eczema herpeticum, atopic eczema, infantile eczema, adult seborrheic eczema, varicose eczema, discoid eczema, dyshidrotic eczema, palmoplantar psoriasis, plaque psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, inverse psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, scalp & ear psoriasis, and nail psoriasis. Treatment, symptoms and medications used in the treatment of eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and skin conditions that co-exist with dermatitis, such as adult acne, lupus, and rosacea will be presented. The informative text on eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis discusses treatment, causes, and lifestyle changes that help treat dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis.

Friday, October 21, 2005

Identfying The Cause of Dermatitis

The steps taken to identify the cause of dermatitis are akin to a detective story, in which a few clues may lead to a suspected allergen or irritant. Try to remember anything that changed prior to the reaction. Was there any change in clothing, detergents, personal care items, behaviors, habits, or foods? A specific area of the body may point to a possible offender.

For instance, if dermatitis is confined to the eyelids, the culprit may be a recent change in makeup procedures. The preservatives, vehicles, or colorants in eye makeup or eyelid cleansing products should be reviewed.

Hair care products, eyelash curlers, or other facial cosmetics may also be the cause.If an allergy to a ring has developed, often, there will be a ring of dermatitis under the ring.

If the ring is a gold alloy, allergy to nickel in the ring is possible, but the probable cause is a detergent or other product to which the hands are exposed. An allergen or irritant residue can remain under the ring, where dermatitis eventually develops. To reduce this problem it is best to remove the ring until the hands are thoroughly washed and completely dried.

Parents may find that a child has dermatitis around the mouth. If the irritation extends in a complete circle at least one or more inches out from the lips, the culprit may be lip-licking. The child may have a nervous habit of licking the lips and face as far as the tongue will extend. Oral fluids are irritating to skin with constant exposure, and the child needs to be taught that licking causes the problem rather than soothes it.

Other causes of lip inflammation include lip makeup, ingestion of oranges, apples, mangoes, potatoes, carrots, tomatoes and kiwi. An underappreciated sensitizer is neomycin; a component of the most commonly sold topical antibiotic products (e.g., Mycitracin, Neosporin). These products are only safe for preventing infections in minor injuries. If a person develops an allergic reaction when using them as directed, they must be immediately discontinued.

Since the appearance of an allergy to neomycin can cause cross-sensitivities with other aminoglycosides, such as gentamicin, one should choose a topical antibiotic free of neomycin. Patients using veterinary products, such as Bag Balm, as hand softening agents may develop a quinolone sensitivity. In order to avoid this, you should be urged to only use products labeled for human use.

Benzocaine is a sensitizer that is found in topical products for itch, burns, dermatitis, canker sores, insect bites, teething, and hemorrhoids. If you develop a sensitivity to these products, an alternate local anesthetics (e.g., pramoxine) should be chosen.

Wednesday, October 19, 2005

What is Peri-oral Dermatitis?

Perioral dermatitis is a common facial skin problem in adult women. It rarely occurs in men. Groups of itchy or tender small red spots appear most often around the mouth. They spare the skin bordering the lips (which then appears pale) but develop on the chin, upper lip and cheeks. The skin surface becomes dry and flaky.Often the skin around the nose is affected too, and sometimes that around the eyes (when it should more correctly be called "periocular", or better still, "periorificial" dermatitis.)

Monday, October 17, 2005

THE INFLAMMATION OF DERMATITIS

Dermatitis is inflammation of the various levels of the dermis which is the second layer of the skin. The dermis contains sweat glands, blood vessels and nerves to provide sensations of pleasure, pain, pressure, itch, or temperature. The dermis is composed of tissue types of collagen, elastic tissue, and reticular fibers. Any rash or inflammation such as psoriasis, eczema, skin cancer, seborrhea, etc. is dermatitis. Specific types of dermatitis are as follows: allergic contact dermatitis which is a delayed hypersensitivity reaction involving allergens and antibodies, contact dermatitis is due to exposure to irritating chemicals or detergents, atopic dermatitis which is an allergic reaction that is accompanied by hay fever, asthma, and very dry skin.

Saturday, October 15, 2005

Basic Facts On Dermatitis

Dermatitis is the most common inflammatory disease of the skin. It affects 15 million adults and children - 6% of all Americans.

Dermatitis nearly always begins within the first 5 years of life and while 50% of cases will be outgrown, the remainder will persist throughout a lifetime.

The exact cause of dermatitis is not known, but genetic factors are thought to play a role in the development of this disease.

Persons with dermatitis often have allergies or asthma, as well. Various materials such as wool can cause a worsening of symptoms.

Dermatitis appears as redness, scaling and/or small blisters (vesicles) on the head, face, neck, or the insides of the elbows, wrists, and knees. These characteristic features are often masked by secondary lesions such as crusting, excoriations, infection, or irritation from topical treatments.There is no cure for dermatitis.

Current therapy is directed at suppressing the inflammation and reducing triggering factors with topical treatments and ultraviolet light therapy.

Wednesday, October 12, 2005

Identifying Factors in Dermatitis

The steps taken to identify the cause of dermatitis are akin to a detective story, in which a few clues may lead to a suspected allergen or irritant. Try to remember anything that changed prior to the reaction. Was there any change in clothing, detergents, personal care items, behaviors, habits, or foods? A specific area of the body may point to a possible offender. For instance, if dermatitis is confined to the eyelids, the culprit may be a recent change in makeup procedures. The preservatives, vehicles, or colorants in eye makeup or eyelid cleansing products should be reviewed. Hair care products, eyelash curlers, or other facial cosmetics may also be the cause.If an allergy to a ring has developed, often, there will be a ring of dermatitis under the ring. If the ring is a gold alloy, allergy to nickel in the ring is possible, but the probable cause is a detergent or other product to which the hands are exposed. An allergen or irritant residue can remain under the ring, where dermatitis eventually develops. To reduce this problem it is best to remove the ring until the hands are thoroughly washed and completely dried. Parents may find that a child has dermatitis around the mouth. If the irritation extends in a complete circle at least one or more inches out from the lips, the culprit may be lip-licking. The child may have a nervous habit of licking the lips and face as far as the tongue will extend. Oral fluids are irritating to skin with constant exposure, and the child needs to be taught that licking causes the problem rather than soothes it. Other causes of lip inflammation include lip makeup, ingestion of oranges, apples, mangoes, potatoes, carrots, tomatoes and kiwi. An underappreciated sensitizer is neomycin; a component of the most commonly sold topical antibiotic products (e.g., Mycitracin, Neosporin). These products are only safe for preventing infections in minor injuries. If a person develops an allergic reaction when using them as directed, they must be immediately discontinued. Since the appearance of an allergy to neomycin can cause cross-sensitivities with other aminoglycosides, such as gentamicin, one should choose a topical antibiotic free of neomycin. Patients using veterinary products, such as Bag Balm, as hand softening agents may develop a quinolone sensitivity. In order to avoid this, you should be urged to only use products labeled for human use. Benzocaine is a sensitizer that is found in topical products for itch, burns, dermatitis, canker sores, insect bites, teething, and hemorrhoids. If you develop a sensitivity to these products, an alternate local anesthetics (e.g., pramoxine) should be chosen.

Sunday, October 09, 2005

Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis is a red, itchy, weepy reaction where the skin has come into contact with a substance that the immune system recognizes as foreign, such as poison ivy or certain preservatives in creams and lotions. Red, bumpy, scaly, itchy, and swollen skin are all symptoms which can signify an allergic skin condition. These skin problems are often caused by an immune system reaction, signifying an allergy. Allergic skin conditions can take several forms and are due to various causes.

Saturday, October 08, 2005

Exploring the Cause of Dermatitis

There are many causes for the skin to be irritated and to be become inflamed. The skin can resist irritation, but some individuals and especially fair-skinned people, postpartum females, older patients with drier skin, and those with existing dermatitis, have an enhanced sensitivity due to genetics or contact with toxic substances, abrasion, internal metabolic imbalance or endogenous dermatitis. One needs to always identify the cause which will take much time to examine foods & drinks, sun exposure, dehydration, detergents and over washing.

Wednesday, October 05, 2005

Concentrated, All Natural Dermatitis Treatment

Dermatitis-Ltd III contains more than 99% of the ingredients that work to improve your skin condition which is a very unusually high percentage for any skin product (zinc oxide, sodium chloride, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, iron oxide, copper oxide, and sulfur (sulfur is used externally only and is not to be confused with sulfa which is taken internally only). This means it is free of any carrier or base. Typically, acceptable carriers such as ethanol, glycerol, sterile alcohol, and glycerylmonostearate are used to place a medication or other product in solution or emulsion form for application, which sometimes irritate the skin. None is used for Dermatitis-Ltd as it is more than 99% undiluted mineral conditioners in and of itself. None is used for Dermatitis-Ltd III which means pure conditioning and no added irritations for your skin.

Monday, October 03, 2005

Home Remedy for Dermatitis: Noxzema Cleansing Cream

Another home rememdy that works for some people with dermatitis is to use Noxzema Original Cleansing Cream on the affected skin as if it were a moisturizer. This old-fashioned product contains a number of herbal oils that might be beneficial.