A recent study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology discovered a link between itchy skin, irritated eyes, and headaches with certain types of pollution.
French researchers studied the air s nitrogen dioxide, small particulate matter and ozone levels in urban areas surrounding Bordeaux. Bordeaux is an area in France where pollution levels are usually slightly higher than the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO). The research team collected medical case reports from SOS Medicins, a public health-care network that makes emergency house calls. They concentrated on the number of visits that are related to complaints of respiratory problems including tonsillitis, sinusitis, laryngitis, asthma, bronchitis, or cough, as well as conjunctivitis, skin rash, headaches and asthenia, a conditioned characterized by general feelings of weakness that are usually the result of allergies.
The researchers noted a 1.5 percent and 2.6 percent increase in the number of visits for upper and lower respiratory diseases respectively, a few days after particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide levels rose.
But what is most telling is the increase in doctor visits for other disease. On days when particulate matter was highest, visits for skin rash or conjunctivitis increased by 3.2 percent, while headaches and asthenia rose 3.5 percent.
When ozone levels rose, visits for skin rash or conjunctivitis increased by 3 percent, and 1.7 percent for headaches and asthenia.
Increased levels of nitrogen oxide caused a 2.8 percent increase in visits for headaches and weakness.
We know that air pollution affects the heart and lungs. But, these slight effects of air pollution on human health will likely affect more of us as it worsens.
Once you start looking at the entire body, we start to realize this is not as benign as we think, says Neil Kao, MD, an allergist at the Allergic Disease and Asthma Center in Greenville, SC, and a fellow of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. It s not just bad for your heart it s bad for everything.
Whereas allergy to pollen can trigger obvious reactions like sneezing, the subtle impact of pollution may not be evident immediately. Kao recommends staying indoors during sunny-but-polluted days. As much as I promote a healthy, happy lifestyle with lots of exercise, he says, there are certain days just can t reset your immune system.
If polluted air is affecting your health, here are some things you can do to avoid it:
Check the air forecast stay on top of high-hazard air pollution days.
Stay indoors staying inside your home helps, but only if the air inside is less polluted than the air outside. Air washers, filters and the like, can help rid the air of particulate matters. However, they are useless against nitrogen oxide, ozone and other harmful gasses. So on days when pollution levels are particularly high, keep you windows shut; and on days when the air is clearer, let your home air out to decrease indoor toxins.
Wear a mask breathing through masks with an N-95 rating can help cut help lower pollution-related headaches. Wearing protective clothing like long-sleeved shirts and sunglasses when outdoors will keep particulate matter off our skin and out of your eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions
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QUESTION:
What is the best thing to stop itchy Eczema?
I have really bad Eczema at the moment I’ve been putting on creams but they just irritate it by making it sting and go red and puffy then go extremely itchy that I can’t control not scratching im sick of it I’ve tried so many creams and oils and even baking soda and water they all do nothing 
can you please help me what is the best thing to stop itchy Eczema skin??? I know its only healing but I can’t handle it any more also I scratch in my sleep please help me
Thank You Robert
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QUESTION:
What can do to relieve a painful eczema flare up?
I haven’t had any problems with eczema since childhood, when it used to be really bad. But I’m 20 now and my eczema has flared up again quite badly.
I have horrible red patches on the backs of my knees, arms, thighs, hands, rashes on my mouth, flaky red patches on my ankle and foot and patches of dry itchy skin on my legs. I have a few a few cuts on my hands and ankle.
It burns and feels very VERY sore and extremly uncomfortable. Its alway itchy and I can be itching for hours.
I used to recieve fucibet for it but a while before it got this bad I went to see my doctor and was prescribed hydrocortisone and some kind of moisturiser but none of that works now. I use E45 but it just stings and makes it much more itchy.
I cant stand this, what can I do to get rid of it or to at least improve it?
I’ll appreciate any advice so much!
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ANSWER:
The cause of eczema is overreaction of the immune system. Identifying certain foods, chemicals, etc can be very helpful in battling this disease. I try to avoid milk products which trigger my flare-ups.
After using number of prescription drugs I’ve turned to the natural treatments.
Now I use SerenaSkin herbal remedies.
After about 2 weeks of using ointment and spray my skin has been cleared up, and I continue with eczema extract, which controls the immune system. My skin has been clear for months.
It is the only treatment I have found that provides me complete relief when I use it as directed.
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QUESTION:
Why do little patches of my skin turn red and itchy in the winter?
I swim 3x a week. In the summer, my skin is fine but in the winter i get little patches of red, dry, sometimes itchy skin. What causes this and what are some natural remedies?
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ANSWER:
It could be a dermatitis like eczema or psoriasis. Only a doctor after proper examination and maybe a biopsy if needed can diagnose and give you proper treatment.
We can’t help and we can’t suggest anything because we don’t know what it is exactly. The wrong home remedy or treatment can cause more serious problems, so go and see a dermatologist.
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QUESTION:
I have this cluster of itchy skin colored pumps on my right hand and elbows?
Can anyone tell me what it may be and if there is an over the counter treatment before I go running to the doctor. The bumps aren’t that noticable but they itch like crazy! If you know what it is pls help!
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ANSWER:
Eczema, most likely. I have those same little bumps, and I have a topical treatment my doctor prescribes for me to treat it. Perhaps go to a pharmacy and ask somebody if there is an over-the-counter cream you can buy before you go to the doctor?
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QUESTION:
How long does it take for eczema to heal?
Okay, So I have fairly large eczema rashes on the insides of both my arms and some smaller spots of it down the front of my arms. I use aqueous cream on the rashes usually about 3 times a day. I ‘think’ that the eczema is getting better, so I’ll keep using the cream. I’d just like to know how long (on average) it would take to heal completely.
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ANSWER:
Don’t use Aqueous cream as a moisturiser!
It’s actually a mild detergent, and causes thinning of the skin, so it’s actually not very good for eczema despite being regularly recommended as a treatment.
Aqueous cream is mainly useful as a soap substitute, where it is less irritating than some of the more mainstream soap, shower and bathing products.
If the eczema is really red and itchy, you may need to get some topical steroid cream prescribed to you. This will often clear it up within a few days of repeated applications of the cream. This will clear up the worst of it and then you can probably treat it as below for dry skin.
If the eczema is more of a general dryness of the skin, rather than redness, at the moment, find a different moisturiser and apply that. The two that I have found (UK based) which don’t irritate my own eczema are Wilkinson’s Dry Skin Lotion (marked “Soften Soothe Hydrate”) and Asda’s own-brand “Protect Dry Skin Intensive Moisturiser”. Your mileage may vary.
You will probably have to apply moisturiser on a long-term basis. Eczema comes and goes in reaction to your mood, diet, and exposure to certain substances, to name a few factors. Stress can bring on a flare-up. You may find the eczema disappears of its own accord eventually, or it might not. It might come and go throughout your life.
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QUESTION:
What is the quickest way to get rid of large zits that are deep under the skin?
I get these huge bumps under my skin that take weeks to heal and go away. I’ve tried hot compresses, acne topical creams, masques, alcohol to dry them out and nothing works. Most are in my chin area.
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ANSWER:
I used to breakout in acne due to oily skin myself. Genetic and Stress can affect hormones and can theoretically promote acne. Here are some home remedies that can help but do not mix them together.
You want to make sure you exfoliate your face every other day. before putting any application on face for acne. Rinse with cool water then pad dry.
1) Tea Tree Oil- An essential oil is diluted and applied topically to acne lesions.
2) Lemon oil or juice – Applied lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to face or you can drink it through using it in water a few drops a day. You can leave overnight don’t expose yourself to sunlight. Will help with both acne, and scars as well.
3) Mandarin oil
4) Cedar wood good for eczema, psoriasis
5) Lavender
6) Apple cider vinegar
7) Bamboo extract or Sarna lotion good for rosacea, psoriasis, eczema
8) Bio Oil or BB cream for dark spots or scars
9) Mederma good for stretch marks and scars
10) Toothpaste is very effective for acne leave on face for about 20 to 30 minutes then wash. Leave on to long will leave a scar.
11) Zinc really works on acne
12) 2% Erythromycin
13) Benzoin Peroxide
14) Hydrogen Peroxide 3% – It can help to dry out acne by killing bacteria on the skin. Soak a cotton ball in hydrogen peroxide and apply it either to the acne breakouts on your face. You also may opt to apply hydrogen peroxide to your entire face to help prevent future breakouts. Allow the hydrogen peroxide to do its job — wait until the bubbling stops in approximately a minute or two. Rinse your face with water. Apply an oil-free moisturizer to prevent skin from drying out.
15) Vitamin B3- also known as niacin. It promotes healthy skin, can be utilized as an acne treatment.
16) Retinoid- increase collagen production and plump fine lines, making it a good choice if you re dealing with acne and wrinkles.
17) Sulfur- dries up pimples and keeps sebum production in check, helping to prevent future blemishes. Sulfur has a distinct smell think rotten eggs.
18) Coconut oil good for acne and scars.
19) Turmeric powder is also good for acne.
20) Neutrogena products
21) Brown Listerine also sucks the life of your acne wash after about 15 minutes.
22) Witch Hazel & Rubbing Alcohol both are good for acne
23) Aloe Vera either from the plant itself or gel apply on the infected area.
24) Neem oil- good for acne, psoriasis, eczema, skin ulcers (taken either orally or externally)
This is something I use every day and I got rid of my cystic acne and my eczema. I really recommend this. Neem oil: It is powerful antiviral and antibacterial properties, beneficial to those who suffer from various skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, eczema, skin ulcers, helps one treat hair related problems like dandruff and itchy scalp. Dental care products like toothpaste, mouth washes and rinses all use the neem oil’s antiseptic properties to keep teeth health and gums free of infection. Other benefits also include its use in household items like mosquito repellents, disinfectants and personal hygiene products. If you like you can purchase at Lucy Vitamin or in health food stores. It is the same price as some of the acne medications, either prescribe or over-the-counter.
itchy skin eczema treatment
