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Everything you've ever wanted to know about eczema (but were too …
The Guardian Eczema can be a year-round torment for the 1.6 million adults affected in the UK, but winter causes particular misery. So how can you avoid it – or treat it if you have it? |
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What oncologists say about new cancer treatment options
Three things health execs need to know about CAR T-cell therapy
Here’s your quick guide to understanding how CAR T-cell therapy could affect patients and payers.
Managed Healthcare Executive – Health Management
10 tips for dealing with rage, fear and anxiety about your allergies
First of all, you are not alone. The first thing you need to do, if you have a diagnosis for a serious life threatening allergy is to arm yourself with all the information you can. Get the best help, get tests done, see a specialist. Easier said than done I know, but don’t give up, if you are not happy with the advice you’ve been given keep on searching.
Find out exactly what you need to know to stay safe. Understand it’s OK to feel like this. It’s alright to feel fear, anxiety and anger. Helplessness, hopelessness and a total lost of control. But you get one chance at this life. Don’t let the fear consume you. Right now I’m not the best advert for that myself but I’m working my through the emotional assault. Don’t suffer in silence.
Here are my tips, the things that have helped me.
- Speak to people – Tell your friends and family. Do you know anyone with a similar medical condition? I have found recent allergy focused events, including The Anaphylaxis Campaign Conference and Food Matters Live encouraged me to share and talk to my fellow bloggers, parents of allergic kids and people in the allergy community. It was tough at times and I didn’t hold it together as much as I’d hoped but I came away from both events knowing that it had helps, I was making progress just by sharing.
- Contact professional organisations – I have also spoken to Allergy UK and The Anaphylaxis Campaign who both have free helplines which you can phone and also loads of advice and resources. They also have local support groups so you may find one local to you which will help you to attend. The Anaphylaxis Campaign also offer one free referral to a counsellor but do be aware, she is busy. I wasn’t able to get an appointment until 2018 but it’s worth considering as it could help you.
- Writing about it – this might not work for everyone, but as a writer and blogger, writing about my recent experience, how it makes me feel and how I plan to use these emotions positively is really helping me. I appreciate that it might not work for others but don’t knock it till you’ve tried it. So basically guys, you are my therapy. Whether you like it or not, this blog will be following my journey dealing with this. It’s already helping. And it’s already tough. Bottling it up, my earlier preferred coping mechanism wasn’t working and ultimately you have to deal with emotions and move forward.
- Update your Action Plan – One thing I realised after my recent allergic reaction was that my Allergy Action Plan needs updating. It has literally disintegrated with overuse. Having a strict plan and protocol in place can really help you and those who may need to care for you if you have a reaction know what to do. If you don’t have one, write one!
- Anger management – Feeling angry isn’t an emotion I’m used to dealing with. I’m far less tolerant and quick to rise, where before I rarely felt anger. It’s almost like a rage building in me Taming a Powerful Emotion by Gary Chapman
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)– If you think counselling might help you to deal with fear and anxiety then CBT is probably the most useful kind of treatment available. There are loads of organisations who can help, from the NHS, Mind and private counsellors. Research what’s available and find a solution that works for you.
- Health Minds referral scheme – you can self refer yourself for counselling using the NHS Healthy Minds Self Referral scheme. I have already had the initial assessment and have my first session scheduled for next week. I already feel calmer after just having organised this. The first assessment was gruelling enough and I know this will be tough, but I really think it will help me to talk about how I feel with a neutral person, someone who does not know me and is qualified to help me work through this and find ways of coping with how I’m feeling. This is the most convenient solution for me at the moment because they arrange a phone call with you on a weekly basis at a time convenient to you, which is easier to fit into my life at the moment.
- I am, I am, I am by Maggie O’Farrell – this book is beautifully written and covers Maggie’s memoirs; seventeen brushes with death. This may sound macabre and something you definitely shouldn’t be reading when faced with your own near death experiences, but I challenge you. You will finish reading this feeling newly conscious, and determined to make every heart beat count. The final chapter recounts an experience when Maggie’s own daughter has an anaphylactic attack and has to be rushed to hospital. Read this book, if you have allergies or are a mother of allergic kids – I am, I am, I am, by Maggie O’Farrell – it will help you.
- Run, Run, Run – Again this might not be for everyone but the sentiment is the same. Find something that you can do that completely takes you out of how you’re feeling. Something that clears your mind. This is running for me. I’m running my brain back to normal. Well maybe not normal, but back to stable. This could be something creative, fundraising, volunteer for a local charity. Anything that gives you new perspective. The latter being something I may look into when I can find more time. Giving something back can really help you feel your worth in society, because you are worth so much.
- Wear your Medicalert bracelet – This is really important. In my recent allergic reaction I was unconscious and couldn’t tell anyone what had happened. I had been wearing my Medicalert bracelet but when the reaction took place, that morning I had slipped it into my purse because it was irritating the eczema on my wrist. No one knew this and I was told that the paramedics were searching or one. It has made my realise I need to have more than one option of how to wear mine. I have a necklace too but need to find something softer for when my skin is sensitive. Writing this I realise I have not resolved this one yet!
I hope this helps. It’s not an exhaustive list and I may add to it as I think of other things. But as you can see, there are so many practical steps you take to help you cope.
One thing I am doing a lot of is sleeping. Emotions are exhausting. Be kind to yourself. Let your mind and body heal. Stay safe allergy warriors. Be prepared, never take risks and always, always carry your adrenaline injectors #takethekit
I will leave you with this video. If you know someone with anaphylaxis who does not carry their adrenaline, or even worse, has not been prescribed any, ask them to watch this short but very moving video
Word cloud courtesy of Worditout
nb>If you feel really depressed or have any thoughts that make you really scared, don’t know what to do and just need to speak to someone any time of day, call the Samaritans 116 123 from any phone any time of day or night. Someone will speak to you and just the act of talking could help.
Let’s talk about Stomas!!
Over the last few years, something amazing has happened…
Brave ostomates (people with an ostomy bag) have been proudly baring all with their stoma bags on show in the media and the general public. As a community, over the last few years more and more awareness campaigns have been orchestrated to break stoma stigma and raise awareness that even with a stoma bag we are all beautiful, sexy and warriors of our individual diseases!
However are you aware of the different types of stomas?
To help navigate through the different types of stomas here is a comprehensive guide in detail and at the ending touching on my story briefly!
Colostomy
A colostomy is a surgical procedure during which the large intestine or colon is cut and brought to the surface of the abdominal wall. During the procedure, one end of the colon is diverted through an incision in the abdominal wall to create a stoma. A stoma is an opening in the skin where a pouch for collecting faeces is attached.
A colostomy can be formed from any part of the colon depending on the underlying condition:
- Ascending colostomy – this is close to the small intestine (ileum) and not much large intestine is left to absorb nutrients so output may be loose.
- Transverse colostomy – is created in the transverse colon and the stoma is normally formed in the upper abdomen, either in the middle or a little to the right side of the body. The output may vary depending on how far the opening is away from the small intestine.
- Descending colostomy – This is the most common type of colostomy and is formed in the descending colon which is further down the digestive tract the output is likely to be semi-solid to firm with low digestive enzyme content which can irritate the skin.
- A sigmoid colostomy is located in the sigmoid colon nearly at the end of the digestive tract and again output is semi-solid to firm.
- Double Barrel wet colostomy – this is quite rare and is usually for patients with cancer that has involved the bladder and bowel and the ureters are attached to a colostomy bag so the output is a mixture of faces and urine. This procedure reduces the tome for urinary and faecal diversion.
Ileostomy
An ileostomy is a surgical procedure which usually involves the end of the ileum (the lowest part of the small intestine) is brought through the opening to form a stoma, usually on the lower right side of the abdomen. Ileostomy surgery may be necessary when the entire large intestine needs to be removed, placing the stoma higher up in the digestive tract. The output from an ileostomy is continuous due to the shortened intestinal tract and soft, wet and less digested compared to a colostomy. The output will also contain high levels of rich digestive enzymes which can cause the skin some irritation.
- End Ileostomy is usually known as a permanent stoma and is where the end of the ileum is brought out through the abdomen. In most cases, with an end ileostomy, the colon and rectum may be partially or completely removed which involves the back passage being sewn up. However, some people can have an end ileostomy with their rectum in situ.
- Loop ileostomy – usually known as a temporary stoma is where a loop f the small intestine is lifted through the abdomen to form the stoma. In loop ileostomies, the colon and rectum may not be removed and in the future could allow possible reattachment.
- Continent ileostomy (Kock pouch) – where a loop of small intestine is constructed into a pouch within the abdominal cavity. Waste from the small intestine collects inside the Kock pouch and a small catheter is inserted to drain at a convenient time.
Jjunostomy
This is quite unusual but does occur. This is similar to the ileostomy but the surgeon will create a stoma higher up in the jejunum of the small intestine. The output is a lot higher and a lot more watery because of where it is in the small intestine. Usually, jejuostomy is formed because of further medical conditions and complications and there may be a few issues with leaks to start with and skin irritation.
Also, you can have a jejuna feeding tube which is different to a jejunostomy. Jejunostomy produces output and a jejuna feeding tube is where feed is attached.
Urostomy
A urostomy is a surgical procedure that creates a stoma that re-directs urine away from the bladder. The bladder may be removed completely (cystectomy) or diverted from due to cancer, birth defects, fowlers syndrome, Interstitial cystitis, overactive bladder, neurological conditions, trauma, radiation damage.
There are quite a few different urinary diversions available and I will cover them here.
- Ileal conduit – The most common type of urostomy where a conduit is created from the small intestine. One end of the conduit is connected to both ureters and the other forms the stoma. The conduit has no storage capacity and is not considered a substitute bladder because it cannot hold volume, the urine flows continually out of the stoma.
- Continent urostomy – also known as an Indiana pouch, kick pouch and a mitrofanoff comes under this, is an internal pouch constructed just under the skin from a piece of small intestine or bowel connected to the ureters (mitrofanoff usually use the appendix if available). The urine is drained at intervals throughout the day by pushing a catheter through the stoma into the pouch. The output can be contained and no need for an external pouch to be used every day so this is a continent urostomy.
- Cutaneous Ureterostomy – The surgeon detaches one of both Ureters and attaches them directly to abdominal wall forming a tiny stoma where pouches are needed. Quite rare but this does happen especially if for some reason the bowel cannot be used. AN opening may be placed on one side or on both sides this depends on your medical surgery and your surgeon.
- Neo-Bladder – where a surgeon creates an internal reservoir from bowel that connects to the urethra. Urine empties from the reservoir in a more natural process. However, the neo-bladder does not function as well as a natural bladder and in some cases, a catheter must be inserted through the urethra to completely empty the reservoir. This does work for some people but there may be a higher chance of incontinence and only certain people would qualify for this procedure
As you can see there is more to the stoma family than the simple ‘colostomy’. I have an ileostomy and a urostomy (ileal conduit) but still, people assume they are colostomies.
A little bit about me
I have been ill now for 10 years where my bladder and bowel stopped functioning. After a long time, I was eventually diagnosed with Autonomic Neuropathy in the form of Pure Autonomic Failure. In 2012 I had to have an ileostomy because my bowel would not empty at all without using a medical Peristeen irrigation System. When I first had this stoma I was not in a good place and I did struggle accepting it and my ‘new normal’. It didn’t help that I had a supra-pubic catheter at the time which was causing me horrific problems. Eventually, that came to a head in 2015 a routine cystoscopy revealed my bladder was extremely small, damaged and a biopsy revealed the cells had started to mutate, so within 2 weeks my bladder was removed and an ileal conduit was formed. I had a long 3 months stay due to some complications but when I left I felt strong, empowered and I knew my life would be better.
I am what the stoma world would call as a ‘double bagger’ and I cannot tell you the opportunities my 2 buddies have brought me; friends who also have stomas, an amazing man that has an ileostomy and starting a blog (http://rocking2stomas.co.uk/blog) to document my journey and help raise more urostomy awareness. It has not been easy and is a journey of acceptance which takes time but now I can truly see what a ‘gift’ my stoma bags are today.
If anybody reading this has just had a stoma and is struggling then please hang on in there and reach out to somebody else who has a stoma. Having that identification is priceless and will help. Subsequently, you can follow me on… Facebook Rocking2stomas, Twitter @rocking2stomas, Instagram – rocking2stomas.
June 8 Itching for a Cure walk in New Jersey: it’s not about you
The National Eczema Association recently announced the second annual Itching for a Cure walk, which will raise awareness and funds for eczema outreach and research. It will take place June 8 on the Monmouth University campus in New Jersey–essentially greater New York City. (Last year’s walk was held in Asheville, North Carolina.)
The largest barrier for me, as an adult patient, to participating in such a walk–were one to be held in the area I live in–is embarrassment. Eczema is not a socially acceptable disease. It’s there on your skin, sometimes your face, where people can see there’s something wrong with you. And when it’s not visible, that’s a good thing. You want to hide it.
In this matter, there’s a huge difference between a parent of a child with eczema and an adult patient with eczema. The mother or father of a child with eczema is not embarrassed. They are concerned and want to do everything they can to make their child better.
On top of the embarrassment factor, it seems a bit selfish, a bit like a panhandler, for an adult patient to take part in an eczema walk. Sponsor me, it seems to say, to raise money for a cure for me!
Mothers and fathers are ready to fight for their kids. They are not doing it for themselves. They will proudly take part in an eczema walk, and look you in the eye.
The absence of adult patients from Itching for a Cure is probably not a major factor. After all, eczema is predominantly a condition that children outgrow. But how might we convince adult patients, including me, to take part?
I think the key lies in altruism. It’s not about you.
Let’s face it–if you’re raising money to increase awareness of the prevalence of eczema, or how it should be properly treated, or to fund research that might lead to a pharmaceutical cure–you are not doing it for yourself. There will be no cure for eczema in your lifetime. You are doing it for other people. Your grandkids, and millions of people you will never know.
It becomes a lot less embarrassing when you’re doing it for somebody else.
And that is why if there is ever an Itching for a Cure walk in my area, I’ll be signing up. I know exactly how shitty it is to live with this condition, and how important it is that other people be spared the torment and the embarrassment. It’s not me I’ll be doing it for–it’s you!
End Eczema
The Truth about Vitamin D and Eczema
Another great post from itchylittleworld.com – Natural remedies for eczema to soothe your itchy little world..
Have you ever wondered how important Vitamin D can be for eczema? This week, we take a look at a variety of studies that examine vitamin D and eczema. We’ll also discuss how much of it you may need in order to heal eczema properly and effectively.
Please keep in mind that although these tips and information have worked for several eczema sufferers, I am in no way a medical professional. If you’re experiencing severe eczema or have a topical infection, it is always best to seek medical advice immediately.
If you are not producing enough vitamin D, your immune system can weaken which can cause the skin barrier to break down and the chances for skin infection to increase. It is no wonder why many eczema sufferers’ skin gets worse in the winter. In addition to the dry air created by indoor heaters, it’s possible they’re not getting enough vitamin D.
ILW Recommends: Does your Child’s Eczema Get Worse in the Winter?
For a while now, a common treatment for severe eczema (especially during the winter months) has been to expose skin to ultraviolet light, which essentially stimulates the production of vitamin D in the skin.
However, recently the consumption of vitamin D has shown to be just as effective in treating and healing eczema. In fact, several studies have been conducted to determine the levels of vitamin D present in the skin of those with eczema, as well as the effects of vitamin D in treating eczema.
Studies with Vitamin D and Eczema
Randomized controlled trial using vitamins E and D supplementation in atopic dermatitis
In 2011, a study [1] was conducted to assess the effects of vitamins D and E supplementation in eczema patients. 45 eczema patients were included in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled experiment where each were treated for 60 days. Separate vitamin D groups and vitamin E groups each saw an improvement in the intensity and amount of eczema around 35%. But together, when 1600 IU of vitamin D3 and 600 IU of vitamin E were given together, patients improved by 64%!!
The study revealed that there were notable effects and benefits in supplementing vitamin D for eczema patients and even more so when given together with vitamin E.
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) treated by 1600 IU of vitamin D
In December 2016 a systematic review [2] was conducted in order to compile results from various past studies on vitamin D and eczema.
They looked at four randomized controlled trials, including the one mentioned just above, and they were able to discover that serum vitamin D levels were generally lower in eczema patients, but especially so in children. And all studies they reviewed indicated that vitamin D helped to improve a patient’s eczema overall.
But How Much Vitamin D Should You Take?
Although many studies have shown that vitamin D can be beneficial in the treatment of eczema, another question might be: how much vitamin D does one need to heal safely and effectively?
Prior to supplementing vitamin D, it’s important to note that in summer conditions or hot weather, it’s possible to generate close to 20,000 units of vitamin D just from exposure to the sun. However, during the winter months, it’s difficult to generate anything close to that amount let alone the recommended dosage.
Vitamin D Dose Recommendations
Generally, 35 IUs of vitamin D per pound of body weight is the recommended average dose.
Check out the chart below for more information:
| Age | Dosage |
| Below 5 | 35 units per pound per day |
| Age 5 – 10 | 2500 units |
| Adults | 4000-8000 units |
| Pregnant Women | 5000-10000 units |
Although these are general recommendations, testing your blood for vitamin D really is the only reliable way to know how much vitamin D you or your little one needs.
ALWAYS speak with your physician before starting any sort of supplementation.
Where to find Vitamin D?
- Vitamin D is naturally found in fatty fish and fish oils, as well as small amounts in beef liver, egg yolks and cheese. Not all oils are created equal, so be sure to read about fish oil for eczema to learn about the safest oils.
- Foods fortified with vitamin D like some dairy products, orange juice, soy milk, and cereals.
- Sun, sun, sun…oh and, SUN!
- As available, safe and inexpensive tablets such as these Viva Naturals High Potency Vitamin D3 Jennifer Roberge, our founder and editor, swears by liquid drops and loves this brand for her family. She adds the drops to her kid’s oatmeal and cereal or any breakfast food and it doesn’t change the taste.
Again, if you are vitamin D deficient or think you might have to supplement with higher doses, it’s always best to see your doctor before doing so.
What about probiotics? Learn more in Can Probiotics Help Eczema?
Looking for more answers to the eczema puzzle? Find out more in Jennifer’s post Natural Remedies for Eczema: What Worked For My Son.
What’s your eczema like in the winter? Do you supplement with vitamin D? We want to hear from you in the comments below!
Bio: Laura Dolgy is a contributor and content developer for It’s An Itchy Little World. She is in no way a medical professional. Her comments, suggestions, and reflections are not intended to replace any medical advice. Always seek the help of a medical professional before undertaking any diet or lifestyle changes. Please see It’s An Itchy Little World’s disclaimer for information about affiliate links and more.
Sources:
- Randomized controlled trial using vitamins E and D supplementation in atopic dermatitis.
- Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) treated by 1600 IU of vitamin D
The Truth about Vitamin D and Eczema appeared first on itchylittleworld.com. Come read more about natural remedies for eczema!
Three things you may not know about arthritis
A study from Humana and the CDC sheds eye-opening results about arthritis and health-related quality of life.
Managed Healthcare Executive – Health Management
Three things you may not know about arthritis
A study from Humana and the CDC sheds eye-opening results about arthritis and health-related quality of life.
Managed Healthcare Executive – Health Management
Natural Topical Creams For Dry Skin – 3 Things You Need to Know About Them
If you’re suffering from dry skin, you have probably gone through quite a few natural topical creams for dry skin, and most of them were probably not as effective as you would have hoped.
Most of the regular dry skin creams are unsuitable for your skin, they may give you some relief for a moment, but can be harmful to your skin when using them for long time. Yes, even the natural ones. But hang in there, the information you’re about to receive can help you to find the right natural topical cream for you.
#1 Chemicals
Most natural skin care lines still include chemicals and other harmful ingredients in their products, shocking, but true. That is because they have longer shelf life and cost less than the completely natural ingredients. All of this results in a skin cream that is not going to help you in the long run, it may even cause damage to your skin like premature wrinkles, acne and drier skin.
#2 High quality ingredients
If you’re looking for natural topical skin creams for dry skin that will be truly effective, just look for ingredients that have been scientifically proven beneficial and effective. Phytessence wakame, cynergyTK, active manuka honey and grapeseed oil are all ingredients to look for, as they have shown to be successful in beating dry and irritated skin.
#3 High quantities
Have you already found the right ingredients for your skin? Great. Now be sure to check that they are not only in there, but in there in high quantities. Because if the effective ingredient is just a drop in an ocean of useless ingredients, the product is not going to help you. Many companies just use insignificant amounts of the best ingredients as marketing ploys, as they want to sell and make you think it is high quality, but do not want to invest in making highly efficient products.
So, keep away from the half way natural topical creams for dry skin, and look for the completely natural ones with proved effective ingredients in high quantities. Your dry skin will be just a distant memory in no time, and look even younger and more radiant than before.
Do you want to learn more about the best creams for dry skin, and harmful ingredients to avoid in skincare? Find out what products I use for fast and effective results, feel free to my website today.
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