Latest news with #skincondition
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Chemical found in common household items could be behind painful skin condition
An ingredient in popular soaps and body washes may be fueling a painful skin condition in children. A study led by scientists at Brown University and the University of Massachusetts Amherst found children with higher levels of triclosan in their bodies were more likely to have allergy-related health issues, suffering from eczema, a group of conditions that cause dry, flaky and cracked skin. Eczema, suffered by 32million Americans, can also lead to bumps and red, oozing and irritated skin. There is no cure but symptoms can be managed with medications and lifestyle changes. Triclosan, commonly found in antibacterial soap, deodorant, detergent and toothpaste, was widely used in personal hygiene products as an antibacterial and antifungal agent. However, in 2016, the FDA limited its use in consumer products after determining it offered no added benefit over regular soap and water. The FDA said manufacturers hadn't provided the data necessary to demonstrate the ingredient was both safe for daily use over a long period of time or any more effective than soap and water in preventing illnesses and the spread of certain infections. And more recently, experts have raised concerns over triclosan's health impacts on the endocrine system, as well as its potential toxic effects on the environment. Despite the FDA's limitation, the Cleveland Clinic notes that triclosan may still be present in certain toothpastes, deodorants, cosmetics, and detergents. The new study tracked 347 mothers and their children from pregnancy through the children's 12th birthdays. Researchers measured triclosan levels in urine of the mother-child pairs up to age 5, with additional assessments at ages 8 and 12. Between 6 months and 12 years of age, caregivers completed surveys reporting any allergy-related symptoms, such as eczema, allergic rhinitis, and wheezing. The study, published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, found that children with twice the levels of baseline triclosan in their urine - researchers did not reveal the baseline - were 23 percent more likely to report eczema symptoms. This risk increased to nearly 40 percent by the time they were 8 to 12 years old. Additionally, children with double the urinary triclosan levels were 12 percent more likely to show allergy symptoms, such as sneezing or congestion. Researchers found that among boys, every two-fold increase in triclosan levels in the mother's urine during pregnancy was linked to a 1.9 times risk of the child experiencing allergic rhinitis symptoms, such as sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes. In the same increase for young girls, the risk of reporting rhinitis symptoms was nine percent lower. 'One hypothesis we have is that triclosan kills off helpful bacteria that live on our skin and in our bodies that help us form healthy immune responses,' said Hannah Laue, study author and assistant professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. According to Beyond Pesticides, which tracks chemicals in consumer products, triclosan has been found in mouthwashes, deodorants, skincare and body lotions made by Colgate, Murad, Arm and Hammer and Bath and Body Works. It can be also found in clothes, cosmetics, kitchenware and humidifiers. 'Triclosan is effective at killing many bacteria, fungi and viruses,' Laue said. 'While that's useful for extending product shelf life or reducing odors in athletic wear, it can be harmful to humans. Our bodies rely on beneficial microbes to aid digestion and protect against pathogens. 'Exposure to triclosan may disrupt that healthy balance, leaving us more vulnerable to disease.' Laue also noted that triclosan has the potential to disrupt hormonal systems. She added: 'Some chemicals, including triclosan, can mimic or block hormones, potentially throwing essential systems into overdrive or shutting them down. 'Triclosan has also been linked to reduced thyroid hormone levels, which are critical for healthy growth and development.' Specifically, triclosan affects levels of estrogen as well as androgen, the male sex hormone. Triclosan is structurally very similar to thyroxine (T4), a hormone produced by the thyroid that governs crucial bodily processes including metabolism and growth. Studies suggest that the compound competes with T4 for binding to proteins, which disrupts the distribution of hormones in the bloodstream. Triclosan may also mimic or block hormones secreted by the thyroid gland at crucial receptor sites, scrambling their signaling to other parts of the body. A sweeping analysis of rodent studies showed that as triclosan exposure increased, levels of T4 decreased, as well as levels of total triiodothyronine (T3), a more potent cousin of T4. The compound's affects on humans has not been studied extensively, but lab studies have shown its deleterious affects on animals. The results of previous human studies were inconsistent, though. While one US study linked triclosan to higher T3 in adolescents, others found lower free T4 in obese women and pregnant women in their third trimester. When hormone levels are affected by triclosan, the metabolism might slow down, causing weight gain and fatigue. Thyroid dysfunction can also affect unborn babies, disrupting puberty and future fertility. Endocrine disrupting chemicals are believed to play a role in the development of breast cancer. A study out in February found that women with moderate to high levels of triclosan in their urine, after accounding for their ages and lifestyles, had roughly 1.9 to 2.3 times higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to women with low levels of the compound in their bodies. And low levels of T3 and/or T4 trigger the release of thyroid-stimulating hormones that can lead to an enlarged thyroid (commonly called a goiter) or lasting thyroid dysfunction. 'We hope that this will prompt companies to consider using safer antimicrobial chemicals or avoiding them altogether in their products,' Braun said. 'Some companies do offer products that are labeled "triclosan-free." But we need better regulations to protect people from harmful chemicals.'
Khaleej Times
6 days ago
- Health
- Khaleej Times
UAE summer: Soaring temperatures see rise in eczema cases, doctor say
Struggling to get a good night's sleep, battling the constant urge to scratch yourself in front of people, and having to give up wearing your favourite clothes, jewellery, or make-up as it constantly feels itchy, could all be signs of eczema. That's the reality for many residents in the UAE who suffer from this chronic skin condition that becomes especially unbearable during the hot summer months. According to Weqaya UAE, the official government portal for health and safety, eczema affects 24 per cent of adolescents and 11 per cent of adults in the country, significantly impacting their daily lives. Eczema, or atopic dermatitis—the most common type—is part of a group of seven inflammatory skin conditions. It causes dry, scratchy, red, and scaly patches that can blister or ooze in severe cases. Though not contagious, the condition can deeply affect a person's quality of life. For Shilpa Sharma, 40, the battle has been ongoing. 'I keep ignoring these red marks around my neck. But every year, for a couple of years now, like clockwork, they return — red, itchy, and stubborn. It always starts with a mild irritation, and before I know it, I'm losing sleep, avoiding certain clothes, and feeling constantly self-conscious. It's more than just a skin issue — it affects how I live day to day. I've come to realise it's eczema, triggered every summer by the heat and humidity,' she said. And she's not alone. 'I try to wear loose clothes, stay in air-conditioned rooms, and avoid scratching,' said Majd Khoury, 34, a long-time Dubai resident. 'But it's hard. Sometimes, even my jewelry or sunscreen makes it worse.' A surge in summer cases Meanwhile, doctors across the UAE are reporting a noticeable spike in eczema cases as temperatures exceed 45°C. They point to common summer triggers such as sweat, heat retention, dry indoor air, and certain fabrics. 'Cases of eczema have increased since the beginning of summer in UAE,' said Dr Ragini Rajan, Specialist Dermatology, Aster Clinic, Al Nahda & King Faisal Road, Sharjah. 'The most common types that we see are atopic eczema in children and sweat retention syndrome with eczematisation in adults. Sweat, tight-fitting clothes, and heat-retaining fabrics are typical culprits.' Rajan added that eczema often appears in body folds where sweat accumulates—such as the neck, elbows, knees, and inner thighs. 'It may start as an itchy rash and then spread. Continuous scratching can cause open wounds and oozing,' she said. Dr Rawand Badran, Specialist Dermatology, Burjeel Medical Centre, Al Zeina, echoed these concerns. 'Heat-induced eczema tends to flare more in areas where sweat and friction build up, like behind the knees, on the neck, in elbow folds, and underarms. What makes it especially challenging is the constant switch between hot, humid weather outdoors and cold, dry air indoors due to air conditioning. This change disrupts the skin barrier and makes it harder to retain moisture,' she explained. Tips for managing summer eczema Doctors emphasise preventive care and consistent skin routines as crucial in managing eczema, particularly in extreme weather conditions. Dr Sara Iakovou, Dermatologist at Quttainah Specialized Hospital, Dubai, said, 'To minimize flare-ups keep the skin well-moisturized using fragrance-free, ceramide-based emollients multiple times a day, especially after showers. Wear light, breathable, cotton fabrics that reduce sweating and prevent skin irritation. Use lukewarm water instead of hot showers and limit time in the shower to prevent further skin dryness. Opt for gentle, pH-balanced cleansers instead of regular soap. Use fans or air purifiers instead of lowering the AC too much to maintain a more balanced humidity level indoors.' She added, 'Apply barrier creams before swimming to protect the skin from chlorine exposure. Drinking sufficient water helps maintain overall skin hydration. Keep indoor spaces clean and free of dust mites, mold, and pet dander. Always carry your usual skincare products to avoid reactions from unfamiliar products.'
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Parents fined £640 for taking daughters out of school for medical treatment
Parents whose daughters suffer from a skin condition have been fined hundreds of pounds for taking their children out of school for treatment. Cristina Halmac, of Johnson Fold, sends her two daughters to Church Road Primary School in Smithills. The girls, who are in Year One and Year Five, both suffer from a skin condition and have been awaiting dermatology appointments through the NHS. However, Cristina says that these appointments have been cancelled on more than one occasion. In late June, a further dermatology appointment for the girls was cancelled, so Cristina decided to take them to see a specialist in Romania, for which they missed seven days of school. She applied for a leave of absence, but it was not authorised by Church Road. Under national guidance, all schools are required to consider a fine when a child has missed five days or more for unauthorised reasons. The skin condition suffered by Cristina's daughters (Image: Public) In total, Cristina and her husband were fined £640 for the absence. The girls have since returned to school. She said: "The NHS appointment was cancelled, they were cancelled many times. So I thought I needed to take my children to a different place." Read more: Schools relying on food banks and vouchers amid cost of living crisis, says head Read more: School launches important book celebrating community's rich cultural diversity Read more: The outstanding school which children love to attend The girls were seen by a clinician in Romania, who prescribed them medication. Skin condition (Image: Public) Cristina added: "I took them to the doctor and when we came back we had been given a penalty. "I don't think it is right. I tried to explain the situation but the school did not want to speak to me. "I want to change my daughters from this school, as I don't think it is normal to penalise people for taking their children to a doctor." A spokesperson for Church Road Primary School said: 'Children need to attend school regularly to benefit from their education as missing out on lessons leaves children vulnerable to falling behind. 'Parents are committing an offence if they fail to make sure that their child attends school regularly and the absence is unauthorised by the Headteacher. 'If anyone is experiencing problems with their child's attendance at school, it is important they work closely with the school to resolve the matter.'
WebMD
07-07-2025
- Health
- WebMD
The Gut-Skin Connection
You've probably heard that the gut and the brain communicate with each other, but do you know about the gut-skin connection? Issues with gut health may be showing up on your face as rosacea, and rosacea may indicate you have gastrointestinal disease. What Is Rosacea? Rosacea is a skin condition that affects the face. It's marked by inflammation that causes reddened skin, visible blood vessels or a rash on the nose and cheeks, and skin thickening. Rosacea can also affect the eyes, making them sore, watery, or dry. An estimated 14 million people in the U.S. have rosacea. Those with fair skin, women, and midlife and older adults are more prone to rosacea. Rosacea symptoms can come and go, and there's no cure. However, there are ways to manage rosacea with diet and lifestyle habits, including supporting gut health. Inflammation Is the Source Inflammation contributes to skin redness and rash in rosacea. Like the gut, the skin has its own community of microbes (mostly bacteria), which may become disturbed and cause rosacea flare-ups. Rosacea may also be triggered by circumstances that cause blood vessels in the face to open up and result in reddened skin, including high temperatures, strong sunlight, alcohol, hot beverages, and spicy foods. The source of the inflammation for rosacea may also lie far below the skin's surface. As disconnected as the two may seem, the gut plays a role in rosacea, according to a recent analysis. Gut bacteria help regulate inflammation throughout the body, including in the skin. Gastrointestinal conditions can throw off the ratio of good to bad bacteria in the gut, allowing inflammatory substances to get into the bloodstream and result in rosacea symptoms. People with rosacea have a higher rate of infection with H. pylori bacteria, which causes bloating, pain, and stomach ulcers, celiac disease, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Trying these suggestions may have you well on your way to a healthy gut and healthy skin! If you have rosacea and you also suffer from ongoing abdominal pain or diarrhea, or bloody stools, ask your doctor about your gastrointestinal symptoms. They may be connected to your rosacea. Reducing Rosacea Risk Every case of rosacea is unique. In addition to avoiding foods and lifestyle habits that bother your rosacea, you may benefit by supporting your gut health. Here's how. Eat a high-fiber diet. Include a variety of plant foods, such as whole and lightly processed grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and lentils, to include 28 grams of fiber daily on a 2,000-calorie eating plan. Fiber feeds beneficial gut bacteria that produce compounds that fight inflammation and help prevent substances that trigger rosacea from getting into the bloodstream. Consider probiotics: There's some preliminary evidence that taking probiotics, live bacteria that provide health benefits when taken in adequate amounts, may play a role in managing rosacea. However, the effects of probiotic supplements on gut health are strain-specific, which means you must take the type of probiotic that studies prove have the desired effect on gut health, not just any probiotic pill from your pharmacy or the internet. If you're considering probiotic supplements, talk with your doctor or nurse practitioner before taking them.
Health Line
04-07-2025
- Health
- Health Line
8 Complementary and Natural Therapies for Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Key takeaways Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a skin condition that causes painful lumps under the skin. Complementary therapies, used together with prescribed treatments, may offer you some relief. Natural remedies, like turmeric and tea tree oil, might help reduce inflammation and pain. Always talk with your doctor before trying new treatments to make sure they are safe for you to take. Lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and reducing stress, can help improve your symptoms. Regular exercise and quitting smoking may also support better skin health. What is hidradenitis suppurativa? Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic (long-term) inflammatory condition that causes painful, fluid-filled lesions, often on areas of the body where skin touches skin. This occurs when bacteria gather in blocked hair follicles, resulting in inflammation. If you're living with HS, chances are you're currently taking some form of treatment for your condition. This may include medications like: biologics antibiotics hormone therapy However, HS symptoms can be unpredictable, and you've likely experienced periods when you could use some extra relief during a flare-up. The following natural therapies are generally safe to use in combination with other HS treatments and may help you manage breakout-related discomfort. Talk with a doctor before starting any of these therapies to make sure it's right for you. Tea tree oil Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties and may help reduce the number of skin lesions in acne. While HS also features lesions, it's not a form of acne, so tea tree oil may not have the same effect. Currently, there's not enough research to confirm the benefits of tea tree oil for either acne or HS. Be careful — tea tree oil is toxic if swallowed. It should only be used topically to treat HS. Some tea tree oils can be applied directly from the bottle, while some need to be diluted in a carrier oil (like sweet almond oil) before use. Follow the manufacturer's directions. If you haven't used tea tree oil before, make sure to first check for allergic reactions by placing a drop of the oil on your forearm for 12 to 24 hours. If you don't have a reaction like skin irritation, you can apply it to other areas. While research suggests there are health benefits, the FDA doesn't monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. It's important to talk with a healthcare professional before you begin using essential oils and be sure to research the quality of a brand's products. Always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil. Research suggests that the foods you eat may affect HS, but the best diet to manage the condition is unclear. Still, following an anti-inflammatory diet may make a difference in the frequency and severity of your breakouts. Some foods that may contribute to flare-ups include: sugar dairy nightshade vegetables, such as: eggplant peppers potatoes tomatoes Try to eliminate them in favor of anti-inflammatory options, like: oily fish nuts leafy greens Foods containing brewer's yeast (pizza dough, cake, beer) have also been found to possibly worsen HS symptoms. However, it's unknown whether brewer's yeast affects all people with HS or just those with a wheat intolerance. More studies need to be done on diet and hidradenitis suppurativa. Until there's more information, pay attention to foods that may be linked to HS symptoms and consider temporarily eliminating them from your diet to see if your symptoms improve. Turmeric Turmeric is a plant similar to ginger that contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities, much like tea tree oil. Unlike tea tree oil, however, turmeric is nontoxic and can be applied topically or ingested as a supplement to help prevent infection and reduce inflammation. Turmeric is commonly used as a complementary remedy for HS. It may help with symptoms by reducing inflammation. However, more research needs to be done to confirm its effectiveness. Compresses Applying a cold or warm compress directly to an HS lesion may temporarily relieve pain in the affected area. A 2020 study found that participants reported using warm compresses more than other forms of pain relief. However, they rated this therapy as less effective than using marijuana or opioids. You can make a warm compress using a washcloth and hot water. After wringing out the water, place the washcloth on the affected area for 10 minutes. Aloe vera Aloe vera is one of the most commonly known treatments for skin conditions and wound healing. Although there isn't evidence to suggest it will heal your lesions, its cooling properties may help soothe some of the pain associated with HS. Apply topical aloe vera lotion directly to the area of your breakout twice per day. Make sure to use pure aloe vera that's free from chemical additives, as some additives can cause irritation. As with tea tree oil, it's important to apply a small amount of aloe vera to your forearm to test for allergies before using it for the first time. Wait 12 to 24 hours to check for a reaction before using it on other parts of your body. Natural deodorant In general, it may be best to avoid using deodorant entirely if you have HS. If you choose to use deodorant, switching to a natural, aluminum-free deodorant might help you avoid irritation around lesions on your underarms. However, there isn't much research on the effects of deodorant on people with HS. Loose-fitting clothes Adjusting your wardrobe may relieve some of the discomfort caused by an HS flare-up and improve your quality of life. Avoid wearing tight fabrics. Instead, opt for looser, more breathable clothing. If your lesions are mostly around your breasts or upper thighs, try switching to bras without an underwire or underwear that's made without tight elastic or seams. Loose boxers may be less irritating than briefs. Bleach bath Adding a small amount of bleach to a warm bath may help treat bacterial infections and reduce inflammation. To take a bleach bath, DermNet NZ recommends you add 1/3 teaspoon of 2.2 percent household bleach for every 4 cups of bathwater. Soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Be careful to not put your head in the water or get any of the water in your mouth or eyes. After your bleach bath, rinse off in the shower and pat the sensitive areas dry with a soft towel. More research needs to be done on the effectiveness of using bleach baths for HS. Takeaway HS doesn't have a cure. Still, lifestyle changes and treatments may help improve your symptoms. It may take time to find treatments that are effective for you. It's important to note that there's a twofold higher rate of HS in people who smoke. If you're living with HS and you smoke, quitting may help your condition.
