Winter is flaring up eczema for about a third of Aussies who suffer from the irritating skin condition
Eczema is a dry, itchy and inflammatory skin disease that usually begins in childhood and affects one in five children and one in 10 adults that suffer redness, scales, bumps, skin cracks, oozing fluid and crusts.
Children are more likely to experience eczema because their immune system has not matured. People with a family history or from East or South Asian countries or others who suffer from hay fever or food allergies are also affected.
The condition can be deadly when it is left uncontrolled and extremely inflamed, although rare. People can get serious infections from the disease, or the body can divert all of its blood away from vital organs to the skin.
Dermatologist Deshan Sebaratnam told NewWire that a lot of people would notice eczema flare-ups due to the cold change in weather.
'When it is cold, there's often less humidity in the air, so your skin loses water to the air easily,' he said.
'There's also less sunlight, and sunlight dampens down the activity of the immune system in the skin and because it's cold, people aren't using their creams and moisturisers as much as they should.
'Wearing long clothes and things like wool can also be irritating on the skin, so now's a common time for eczema to flare up for a lot of Australians.'
Dry air, heaters and long. hot showers that strip the body of natural oils can flare up eczema.
The best way to avoid the condition is to use thick and greasy moisturisers that contain glycerine and ceramides to trap water in the skin and avoid products with fragrances, perfumes or food.
'You shouldn't be spending lots of money on your moisturisers,' Dr Sebaratnam said.
'Products from the QV ceramide range are really good or QV intensive as well.
'Funnily enough, people can use a cream their whole life, or a moisturiser or make-up, then suddenly develop allergies to a product.
'No one really knows why, but one day your immune system just decides it doesn't like it, then every time you put it on you get eczema.
'That's called contact dermatitis, and that can also make eczema worse.'
Dr Sebaratnam said people with concerns about their skin should see a GP or dermatologist, a medical specialist in skin disease and health.
'No one understands your skin like a dermatologist, and they can help you know with eczema,' he said.
'It is a really itchy and uncomfortable condition that affects your sleep and has a cosmetic impact in terms of people's confidence if it is on their face.
'It can affect children's schooling, and even adults. If you're constantly scratching you can't focus at work, it affects every facet of your life.'
Dr Sebaratnam said there were lots of myths about eczema. He said food rarely caused problems with the condition and steroids were a safe treatment option when supervised by a doctor.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News.com.au
an hour ago
- News.com.au
Heartbreaking moment radio host knew best mate ‘wasn't OK'
Will McMahon, one half of KIIS FM radio duo Will & Woody, has long been open about his mental health struggles. In 2019, the pair made global headlines with a video entitled 'Best mates sit down for a heart to heart about depression' that quickly went viral. In it, Will described to colleague and friend Woody Whitelaw what it was like inside his head during moments of depression, and the pair discussed the impact of his illness on their friendship and working relationship. The video, lauded for destigmatising conversations about mental health among men, became a launch pad for a suite of mental health initiatives spearheaded by the duo, including the release of an app that allows people share their moods with friends and family in a non-confronting way, aiming to spark conversations about mental wellbeing. But before that video was even conceived of, there was a moment between the two best mates that Woody says he'll never forget - the moment he first learnt what Will was going through. 'We were working in Perth, doing breakfast show hours,' he told Andrew Bucklow on today's episode of the From the Newsroom podcast. 'And I probably saw on him that maybe he was a bit off, or you know, was a bit quieter that day. He went straight home afterwards, and I can remember going over to his house, and he was trying to explain to me that he couldn't get off the bed. 'It was a pretty confronting interaction, you know,' he continued. 'I was seeing my mate with red eyes from crying, effectively saying that he physically was unable to get off the bed.' Woody says that, due to his lack of understanding of what depression really was at the time, his first instinct was to make a joke. 'My response to him was, 'mate, I get it. This one time before going to school, I had this massive pimple on my bum and I also couldn't get off the bed cause I was just feeling really bad about this pimple on my arse,' he said. 'Thankfully, Will laughed at my attempt to understand what he was going through, and when I look back on it, I think one of the key things that you can do for someone who is going through a depressive episode is just being there. 'You don't have to solve it for them,' Woody continued. 'You don't have to immediately rip them out of it. It's just like, I'm here, and you can stay depressed and you can stay sad, but I'm physically here with you. If you can also get a little giggle out of them, then I think you're doing a pretty good thing.' Understanding how to have conversations around mental health in the midst of a national crisis is central to Can We Talk? campaign. Research from News Corp's Growth Distillery with Medibank found almost half of Australians acknowledge they lacked the necessary tools or knowledge to effectively engage in conversation when approached by someone to discuss their mental health. For Will, he credits that support network with saving his life. 'I've been fortunate,' he shares. 'I got lucky. I remember there was one night I was in living in Perth and I was driving to the beach with some very silly ideas in my head and a car full of booze. Luckily, a friend called me and she picked up on me that things weren't right, and I admitted to her what I was going to the beach to think about doing.' Will also acknowledges the difficulty in opening up. 'She read it on me that I wasn't OK, I didn't originally tell her that, I was trying to hide it,' he admits. 'I look back on that moment and think to myself, it's very easy for me to sit here and say to people, you know, talk about how you're feeling and talk about what's going on, when I know that it's the last thing you want to do.' News Corp and Medibank's research suggests that in terms of initiating the conversation themselves, not wanting to be a burden to others is by far the biggest barrier that holds Australians back from talking about mental wellbeing. Will understands all too well. 'It feels like a catch 22: the thing that you know is gonna get you out of (depression) is telling someone, sharing your load,' he said. 'But that is the hardest thing to do in the world because the way that depression works is that you feel like you are a burden. You feel like you are not worthy of people's love, so you don't want to tell them what is going on with you. 'As a result, you bury it deeper and it gets worse, and it gets worse and it gets worse. So it's this perfect, horrific cycle that self-perpetuates and is the reason that suicide is the number one killer of men under the age of 60.' The pair told Bucklow that since Will has opened up about his depression, their relationship has only become closer and more supportive. 'We went to the same school together and, you know, every single guy that's ever grown up as a teenager with someone else, you're guaranteed that (the relationship and communication) is grounded initially in some pretty stereotypical laziness,' explains Will. 'But we went there with each other, we were like, OK, this is our life and this is the only relationship that we're ever gonna have with each other. We can make this as good or as bad, or as beautiful, or as open or as simple as we like. And I think one of the benefits of me getting depression was that I had to open up completely to Woody, and vulnerability begets vulnerability. So then, naturally he opens up to me and then all of a sudden you're sharing this beautiful space and your friendship.' Will & Woody can be heard across The KIIS Network from 4-6pm weekdays and are launching their brand-new podcast We'll Get to That next week. Get it on the free iHeart app or wherever you get your podcasts.
The Advertiser
13 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Understanding your stroke risk and what you can do about It
This is branded content for the Health Care Consumers' Association and is funded by the Australian Government. The impact of stroke can be serious and sometimes life-threatening. If you have atrial fibrillation (AF), your risk of having a stroke can be up to five times higher. This is because an irregular heartbeat can lead to blood clots that may travel to your brain. AF affects over 500,000 Australians and plays a role in nearly one in 10 deaths. Getting checked and managing AF early can help lower your risk of stroke. What is atrial fibrillation? AF is a condition where your heart beats irregularly. With a normal heartbeat, blood pumps through all four chambers of the heart smoothly. In atrial fibrillation, the upper chambers of the heart beat quickly and out of rhythm with the lower chambers of the heart. This means that blood does not move through the heart as it is supposed to. When this happens, it can cause blood to pool in the heart and form a 'blood clot. And if a clot breaks away from the heart and travels to the brain, it can cause a stroke. Signs of stroke include: If you have AF, you may get: Some people may not experience any symptoms at all To find out if you have AF, a doctor or nurse will check your pulse. If it feels irregular, they may send you for more tests. How can you treat atrial fibrillation? If you have AF, your healthcare professional will work with you to manage your condition. One treatment they might recommend is an anticoagulant medicine. Anticoagulants are a type of medicine that helps prevent blood clots. They don't treat the irregular heartbeat directly, but they make it harder for your blood to form a clot. This helps lower your risk of having a stroke from AF. Other treatments are needed to help with symptoms caused by AF. Risks and benefits of taking anticoagulant medicine Anticoagulants can sometimes cause bruising or bleeding, but they lower your risk of stroke, which can be more serious. The benefit of taking them is greater than the risk of bleeding. Although rare, if you notice serious bruising or bleeding while taking anticoagulants, go straight to a hospital or call 000 and ask for an ambulance. With the right treatment and regular care, including taking anticoagulants safely and as prescribed, most people with AF can continue to live well. Why are anticoagulants important for managing atrial fibrillation? People with AF have a higher risk of stroke. A stroke can cause serious damage to the brain with long-lasting effects. Taking anticoagulants can help lower your risk of stroke. Your healthcare professional will talk with you about your options and help you understand how to take your anticoagulant medicine safely. They can also answer any questions you may have. The Anticoagulants Care Plan is a helpful guide. It has more information and tips on how to talk with your health professional about taking your anticoagulant medicine safely. If you have any questions or concerns about how this information relates to your own health, speak with your doctor or healthcare provider for advice that's right for you. This is branded content for the Health Care Consumers' Association and is funded by the Australian Government. The impact of stroke can be serious and sometimes life-threatening. If you have atrial fibrillation (AF), your risk of having a stroke can be up to five times higher. This is because an irregular heartbeat can lead to blood clots that may travel to your brain. AF affects over 500,000 Australians and plays a role in nearly one in 10 deaths. Getting checked and managing AF early can help lower your risk of stroke. What is atrial fibrillation? AF is a condition where your heart beats irregularly. With a normal heartbeat, blood pumps through all four chambers of the heart smoothly. In atrial fibrillation, the upper chambers of the heart beat quickly and out of rhythm with the lower chambers of the heart. This means that blood does not move through the heart as it is supposed to. When this happens, it can cause blood to pool in the heart and form a 'blood clot. And if a clot breaks away from the heart and travels to the brain, it can cause a stroke. Signs of stroke include: If you have AF, you may get: Some people may not experience any symptoms at all To find out if you have AF, a doctor or nurse will check your pulse. If it feels irregular, they may send you for more tests. How can you treat atrial fibrillation? If you have AF, your healthcare professional will work with you to manage your condition. One treatment they might recommend is an anticoagulant medicine. Anticoagulants are a type of medicine that helps prevent blood clots. They don't treat the irregular heartbeat directly, but they make it harder for your blood to form a clot. This helps lower your risk of having a stroke from AF. Other treatments are needed to help with symptoms caused by AF. Risks and benefits of taking anticoagulant medicine Anticoagulants can sometimes cause bruising or bleeding, but they lower your risk of stroke, which can be more serious. The benefit of taking them is greater than the risk of bleeding. Although rare, if you notice serious bruising or bleeding while taking anticoagulants, go straight to a hospital or call 000 and ask for an ambulance. With the right treatment and regular care, including taking anticoagulants safely and as prescribed, most people with AF can continue to live well. Why are anticoagulants important for managing atrial fibrillation? People with AF have a higher risk of stroke. A stroke can cause serious damage to the brain with long-lasting effects. Taking anticoagulants can help lower your risk of stroke. Your healthcare professional will talk with you about your options and help you understand how to take your anticoagulant medicine safely. They can also answer any questions you may have. The Anticoagulants Care Plan is a helpful guide. It has more information and tips on how to talk with your health professional about taking your anticoagulant medicine safely. If you have any questions or concerns about how this information relates to your own health, speak with your doctor or healthcare provider for advice that's right for you. This is branded content for the Health Care Consumers' Association and is funded by the Australian Government. The impact of stroke can be serious and sometimes life-threatening. If you have atrial fibrillation (AF), your risk of having a stroke can be up to five times higher. This is because an irregular heartbeat can lead to blood clots that may travel to your brain. AF affects over 500,000 Australians and plays a role in nearly one in 10 deaths. Getting checked and managing AF early can help lower your risk of stroke. What is atrial fibrillation? AF is a condition where your heart beats irregularly. With a normal heartbeat, blood pumps through all four chambers of the heart smoothly. In atrial fibrillation, the upper chambers of the heart beat quickly and out of rhythm with the lower chambers of the heart. This means that blood does not move through the heart as it is supposed to. When this happens, it can cause blood to pool in the heart and form a 'blood clot. And if a clot breaks away from the heart and travels to the brain, it can cause a stroke. Signs of stroke include: If you have AF, you may get: Some people may not experience any symptoms at all To find out if you have AF, a doctor or nurse will check your pulse. If it feels irregular, they may send you for more tests. How can you treat atrial fibrillation? If you have AF, your healthcare professional will work with you to manage your condition. One treatment they might recommend is an anticoagulant medicine. Anticoagulants are a type of medicine that helps prevent blood clots. They don't treat the irregular heartbeat directly, but they make it harder for your blood to form a clot. This helps lower your risk of having a stroke from AF. Other treatments are needed to help with symptoms caused by AF. Risks and benefits of taking anticoagulant medicine Anticoagulants can sometimes cause bruising or bleeding, but they lower your risk of stroke, which can be more serious. The benefit of taking them is greater than the risk of bleeding. Although rare, if you notice serious bruising or bleeding while taking anticoagulants, go straight to a hospital or call 000 and ask for an ambulance. With the right treatment and regular care, including taking anticoagulants safely and as prescribed, most people with AF can continue to live well. Why are anticoagulants important for managing atrial fibrillation? People with AF have a higher risk of stroke. A stroke can cause serious damage to the brain with long-lasting effects. Taking anticoagulants can help lower your risk of stroke. Your healthcare professional will talk with you about your options and help you understand how to take your anticoagulant medicine safely. They can also answer any questions you may have. The Anticoagulants Care Plan is a helpful guide. It has more information and tips on how to talk with your health professional about taking your anticoagulant medicine safely. If you have any questions or concerns about how this information relates to your own health, speak with your doctor or healthcare provider for advice that's right for you.
West Australian
14 hours ago
- West Australian
Private healthcare giant Ramsay shuts psychology clinics
The country's biggest private hospital company will shut the majority of its psychology clinics in a matter of months. Ramsay Health Care notified staff of the closure of 17 of its 20 clinics earlier this month. The three remaining clinics are in the Newcastle suburb of Charlestown, in Perth's northern suburbs, and in Cairns. 'We understand this change might be unsettling and we are working closely with our psychologists to ensure every client is supported and has continuity of care, whether through our existing and expanded Telehealth service or with another trusted provider, depending on what is clinically appropriate,' a spokesperson said. 'This change is part of Ramsay's broader strategy to strengthen how we deliver high-quality, accessible and connected care across hospital, home and virtual settings.' Only Ramsay's community-based psychology clinics are closing, not its hospital mental health services or inpatient and day programs. Federal Greens leader Larissa Waters said half of Australians who needed mental health support already could not get it. 'The waiting lists are huge, and so it's devastating to see that a private healthcare operator is going to close down yet more facilities, and where are those people going to go?' she said. 'Health care shouldn't be for profit, and it shouldn't be how much money you've got on your credit card to enable you to get the health care that you need. 'So it's a real shame that profit seems to be driving this outcome that will have a real impact.' Ramsay Health is listed on the Australian sharemarket and valued at $8.9bn. The company's share price is down 16 per cent over the past 12 months. In August, Ramsay Health Care reported a nearly triple full-year profit of $888.7m, up from $298.1m the year before. The large return was mostly due to the sale of Ramsay's stake in Ramsay Sime Darby, which owns hospitals in Malaysia and Indonesia. The financial results gave shareholders an 80 cent dividend per share across the financial year. 'The government should be providing healthcare services as a universal right of all Australians, and it shouldn't be whether or not a private company's profit margin is going to work to determine the outcomes for Australians' access to mental health care,' Ms Waters said. The 17 clinics are being shut progressively until the final one closes the doors permanently by the end of August. Four Melbourne clinics are being shut, three in Sydney will close, two in Perth will shut, and single clinics on the Sunshine Coast, Ipswich, the Gold Coast, NSW's Central Coast and Wollongong will close. 'After careful consideration, we are transitioning Ramsay Psychology to a more flexible and sustainable model, which includes the progressive closure of 17 clinics by the end of August,' the Ramsay spokesperson said. 'Three clinics, in Cairns (QLD), Charlestown (NSW) and Joondalup (WA), will remain open to support local needs, maintain key partnerships and pilot more integrated models of care. 'Ramsay Health Care is reshaping how it delivers community-based mental health support to better meet the evolving needs of clients and clinicians.' The National Mental Health Commission's National Report Card was also released on Thursday, the same day as news of the Ramsay closures broke. Health commission chief executive David McGrath said fewer and fewer people could afford mental health care. 'We have also seen a steady rise in financial stress and in the proportion of people in Australia delaying mental health care due to cost in the last four years,' Mr McGrath said in the report. 'Disappointingly, many social factors impacting mental health are not showing improvement (e.g. loneliness and experiences of discrimination) and positive experiences of mental health care have remained stable.' People were feeling less secluded than in the previous year, the commission found, and more people were getting help now than in 2007. 'However, there is no question there is a long way to go – our younger generations continue to report heightened psychological distress and financial stress and have a much higher prevalence of mental health challenges relative to the rest of the population,' Mr McGrath said.
