Bacteria may prevent development of allergies
The results of a UK study suggest that feeding infants bacteria may reduce
the risk of eczema in later life. A hypothesis known as the
“hygiene theory” links allergic conditions to the extreme cleanliness
of the modern home, and researchers believe certain beneficial bacteria ingested early in life help to develop tissue in the intestines that counteracts the cells responsible for producing allergic effects. In this study, researchers monitored mothers and babies for two years and
found half as many of the children in a group given probiotic cultures developed atopic eczema as those in a placebo group.
(Ivanhoe 25/03/03)
© Health Media Ltd 2002
http://www.health-news.co.uk
Eczema sufferers may be disqualified from smallpox vaccine
People with eczema are likely to be among those excluded from a general smallpox vaccination programme planned by the US government. Up to
a quarter of those eligible for jabs might have to be excluded from the programme because they might be susceptible to extreme reactions to
the vaccine. Many polls in the US indicate that there would be a
high demand for smallpox vaccination should it become available.
The research found that a mass vaccination programme would cost the
US $270 million, compared with $340,000 for a system of quarantine and vaccination in the event of an attack.
(BBC News Online 08/05/02)
© Health Media Ltd 2002
http://www.health-news.co.uk
Soap and warm homes “causing rise in eczema”
About one in five children develops eczema because of the increasing use
of soaps and detergents, and because homes have become warmer and less
well-ventilated, according to a study. Less than 5 per cent of children
in the UK developed the skin complaint in the 1950s but now up to 20 per
cent of youngsters are affected at some time, the research says.
Dr Michael Cork, a consultant dermatologist at Sheffield University,
links the drastic rise to more frequent washing with soaps, shower gels
and bubble baths, as well as the use of baby wipes containing perfumes and alcohol.
(The Independent 13/05/02; p.7)
© Health Media Ltd 2002
http://www.health-news.co.uk
Softer water “could ease eczema”
A family from Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire may have found a
breakthrough for the treatment of eczema – installing a water softener.
Dawn and Mark Longden have two children who suffer badly from the
condition. However, since the family installed a water softener in their
home three years ago, they have noticed a marked improvement in
nine-year-old James and seven-year-old Emily. They installed the
device at the suggestion of Prof Hywel Williams, from Queen’s Medical
Centre in Nottingham, whose research has shown that hard water may
worsen the condition.
(BBC News Online 27/03/02)
© Health Media Ltd 2002
http://www.health-news.co.uk
Study concludes fluticasone is safe for children
A study published in the March edition of the Journal of the
American Academy of Dermatology may allay fears that local steroids
used to treat paediatric skin conditions may have potentially
dangerous adverse effects. Research by the Fluticasone Pediatrics Safety
Study Group concludes that fluticasone propionate cream (0.05 per cent)
appears to be safe for the treatment of severe eczema for up to four
weeks in children aged three months and older.
(Medscape 25/03/02)
© Health Media Ltd 2002
http://www.health-news.co.uk
New eczema cream approved
A new atopic eczema treatment, Elidel (pimecrolimus), has received its
first European approval and is expected to be cleared for the UK later
this year under Mutual Recognition Procedure. Denmark becomes the
first country in Europe to approve Elidel cream, which is made by
Novartis. The firm says Elidel is the first non-steroid prescription
cream approved for patients from as young as three months of age
through to adulthood. Elidel is one of the first new treatments to
be developed since the 1950s, when topical corticosteroids – the
mainstay of eczema treatment – were introduced.
(Novartis Dermatology)
© Health Media Ltd 2002
http://www.health-news.co.uk
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