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Psoriasis Treatment – Approval from the MHRA of Dovonex

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The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)  have just announced the approval of Dovonex Psoriasis Ointment to be made available through pharmacies without a prescription.

At talkhealth we would like to thank everyone that responded to our request to volunteer to take part in the public consultation, as from this the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) advised in favour of the product being available in pharmacies for the treatment of mild to moderate plaque psoriasis which has been previously diagnosed by a doctor in adults aged 18 years and over. The treatment is for application once daily, with maximum duration of use of 12 weeks and maximum pack size of 60g of ointment.

If you are interested to take part in the public consultation process of the reclassification on drugs, please do keep a look out for future requests on talkhealth.  The process is very simple, and entails just taking a short survey on talkhealth to see if you qualify and then you will be invited to the MHRA offices in London to take part in a closed panel discussion normally for half a day.

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Solutions to Eczema Itching – Relief From Scratching the Rash and Ways to Stop Skin Inflammation

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For many people with atopic dermatitis, it is the eczema itching that is the most frustrating aspect. Itching is a constant reminder of a problem. When you itch it disrupts your connection with whatever you are involved with. When I speak with clients with eczema rashes, psoriasis or other skin issues , itching is their constant reminder of something being wrong.

Scratching an itchy skin rash is almost impossible to resist. But when you scratch blisters, red bumps or patches you are making the skin problem worse. We don’t always remember to wash our hands and this can lead to a bacterial infection. Kids are very prone to this. Even if you do wash your hands, when you have an open sore, blister or pimple irritated by scratching, an external agent that comes in contact with the skin can result in an infection.

Reducing the sensation of itching is important for mental health as well. It is hard to concentrate on anything when you have the urge to scratch yourself frequently. This also can make sleeping tough. Without proper rest, you will slow down healing.

Oils such as coconut oil, olive oil and neem oil are all good for the dry eczema skin rash and can give the skin the moisturizer it sorely needs. Clip your nails and your children’s nails plus file them to remove any sharp edges. Using benadryl for sleep is a good way to get the rest needed. People scratch themselves during sleep so having short nails is important. During the day, there are non-drowsy formulas you can take of antihistamines. Oatmeal baths are soothing to the skin. Take a good B-complex capsule as well as multi-vitamin to build your system back to normal.

Though ultimately you need to find the root of the eczema skin problem and not just relieve the itching symptoms, it is important to not scratch the skin. A combination of stress relief, avoidance of problematical foods, awareness of how much sun your body can take and learning environmental triggers is a complete system to relieve the dermatitis problem.

Use a complete system to relieve the itchy eczema rash. Learn how to find Eczema Itching Relief by getting to the root of the rash problem at http://www.itchyskinrash.net/home-remedies-for-eczema.html

More Atopic Dermatitis Articles

Managing Your Life With Skin Problems From Dermatitis

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Eczema is one skin condition that can be very difficult to figure out and master. Given this fact you will most likely try several treatments some which will work and some which will not. It is trial and error so don’t give up. It is important to keep track of the treatments that seem to be working both to reduce redness as well as for itching purposes. Try to test just one or two variables at a time to measure this.

 

The first thing on anyone’s mind with dermatitis is how to minimize or eliminate itching. The secret here involves moisturizing. Dry skin can be a huge trigger for eczema flare-ups. It is best if you apply thick non-scented lotion for sensitive skin directly after showering. This helps lock in the moisture and prevent scaling and peeling. Don’t just do this once a day but continue applying the lotion throughout the day. When your skin is hydrated, the inclination to scratch it is reduced.

 

A great option for someone who needs immediate relief is taking an antihistamine. These antihistamines will help make the allergic reaction your skin is having less intense and give you the ability to sleep without discomfort. People have found antihistamines helpful for red ant bites and very intense itching scenarios. Do not use a night version of an antihistamine during the day as that will impeded your ability to concentrate at school or work efficiently at the office.

 

Some moisturizers that people find helpful include aquaphor, vaseline, coconut oils and products containing aloe vera as well as tea tree oil. Check for any allergies and be sure to read labels for additives you have problems with such as nuts or dairy ingredients. Your dermatologist may ask you to use a steroid cream topically twice a day as well to help skin irritations and bumps.

 

Study both your environment and your diet closely. There may be hidden factors at play that are making your skin aggravated. Call cousins you may have lost touch with to see if they have had similar skin issues. Sometimes there is a genetic thread that can be uncovered and you can share their discoveries. Do not give up or feel it is hopeless. As you identify triggers you will heal the skin and be less troubled by this condition. Do not feel you have to stay at home as your condition is not contagious. Explain to people at work or school the situation so there are not any unnecessary social pressures or moments of awkwardness.

Learn more about Adult Eczema as well as other common skin problems including Scabies Pictures .

Related Atopic Dermatitis Articles

Children With Itching From Dermatitis

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It is difficult to see our kids suffer from the flu or stomach bug. If your child has a problem with dermatitis, that is also not easy to watch. This is due to the fact that not only are there bumps that are unslightly, but the sensation of itching can drive a child into crying fits. It isn’t always possible to know the source of the dermatitis. The easiest cause is when it’s due to contact eczema with a product or food that can be eliminated. For some people this means they may need to give away the family pet or change the personal care products.

Until the culptits are identified or the problem is controlled, one of the most important tasks for a parent is to help your child relieve the itching. The itching during the night can cause insomnia, scratching during one’s sleep and hours of misery. Speak with your doctor about the appropriate antihistamine for your child’s condition. With increased sleep, the mood and disposition will also improve. Many people take a non-drowsy formula during the day during seasonal allergies to avoid swelling and itching. For those with dermatitis, taking a daytime anti-itch medication can make a huge difference.

Applying lubricating mositurizers during the day is important as well. Your child may not remember to do this during school. If possible, speak to the teacher to help remind your child to add some layer of moisturizer after lunch to help the skin stay hydrated. Additionally, inform the teacher that your child does not have a contagious disease so that other kids will not tease or mock your child.

If your child appears to have a form of contact dermatitis, investigate what in the home or at school may be contributing to the problem. What does your child do during recess and are there any environmental factors that may be touching the skin and creating an allergic reaction? Look around your home as well, check the products used for bathing and cleaning plus investigate any jewelry or other items that may cause an allergic response.

Spend some extra time with your child to help them feel special and make sure to let them know that you’re working as hard as you can to identify the underlying causes of the skin disorder.

Learn more about Eczema Flare Ups and Eczema Photos

Gluten and dairy from Cornish pasty, because it’s pie week

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Can you eat pie? The chances are that if you’re a coeliac or have a wheat, dairy or celery allergy that they are totally off limits. Well no longer! You can still eat pie!

There are quite a few gluten free pastries and dairy free pastries on the market but not many that are both gluten and dairy free together. And I have made pastry before so if you love baking you can make your own pies. But what if you’re on the go and you just want to buy a pasty. I would have thought that this was just a dream but not any more.

At this year’s FreeFrom Food Awards 2017 judging I discovered the most amazing gluten and dairy free Cornish pasty.

It seemed very appropriate to share this today, especially since it’s British Pie Week!

This is not technically a pie but I think it qualifies.

Gluten, dairy and celery free Cornish Pasty

Now it’s been rather a long time since I ate a pasty and to have a REAL Cornish Pasty from Cornwall was one of those OMG moments. This pasty is amazing.

West Cornwall Pasty company Gluten and dairy free pasty

West Cornwall Pasty company Gluten and dairy free pasty

These West Cornwall Pasty pasty company pasties are freefrom wheat, dairy, soya and celery but most of all, they were packed with declious meat and vegetables and taste amazing. I need to get hold of some more of these because they were so delicious.

This was my outstanding moment from judging and there were many.

I may have eaten more of my fair share… OK I had loads. Well alright I had a whole one and some more.

I really rather enjoyed these gluten and dairy free pasties

I really rather enjoyed these gluten and dairy free pasties

You can find out more about the amazing West Cornwall Pasty company here in their latest blog ‘Everybody gluten and dairy free pasty shortlisted for FreeFrom Food Award 2017’.

To see all the other shortlisted products visit the FreeFrom Food Awards website.

These awards are so important for championing all the companies out there who really care about those of us with allergies and coaliac disease. These companies don’t think we should miss out or be excluded from enjoying a choice of foods and they have all gone the extra mile to experiment and create freefrom alternatives.

My taste buds may have changed over the years but I actually think many of these products would pass as the real thing and in some cases are even tastier.

I challenge you to try these pasties because you will be impressed! These are the real deal.

Let’s big up the FreeFrom Food Awards! #FFFA17

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Psoriatic Arthritis Patients Benefit From Ustekinumab

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AppId is over the quota AppId is over the quota Main Category: Arthritis / Rheumatology
Also Included In: Eczema / Psoriasis
Article Date: 11 Jun 2012 – 0:00 PST Current ratings for:
Psoriatic Arthritis Patients Benefit From Ustekinumab
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A new Phase III study presented at EULAR 2012, the Annual Congress of the European League Against Rheumatism, shows that patients with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) treated with Ustekinumab (UST) 90mg were more than twice as likely to achieve the study’s primary endpoint, ACR20* at 24 weeks, than those treated with placebo (49.5% vs 22.8%). 42.4% of patients treated with UST 45mg were also more likely to achieve ACR20 at 24 weeks compared to placebo.

Significant improvements were also seen with UST 45mg and 90mg in ACR50* (24.9% and 27.9% respectively vs 8.7%), in ACR70* (12.2% and 14.2% respectively vs 2.4%) and in DAS28-CRP** responses at week 24 vs placebo (65.9% and 67.6% for UST 45mg and 90mg respectively vs 34.5%). Changes from baseline in HAQ-DI*** at week 24 were also significantly greater in patients treated with UST versus placebo and for a greater proportion of patients these changes were clinically meaningful (?0.3). http://www.eczemablog.net/


In addition, patients in the UST groups who were affected with enthesitis (n=425) or dactylitis (n=286) at baseline, showed greater improvements at week 24 than those in the placebo groups.


“There are a number of patients with psoriatic arthritis who do not respond to currently available treatment options, including biologic medicines targeting TNF. As physicians, we struggle to manage such people as well as we would like,” commented Professor Iain McInnes, lead study author from University of Glasgow, Scotland. “The development of this new medicine is a welcome step forward. These results highlight not only Ustekinumab’s efficacy but also its promising safety profile. We look forward now to seeing how it compares in trials with standard treatments.”


Safety profiles were similar between the two groups. The proportion of patients suffering from one or more adverse events was 41.8% in the UST group compared to 42% in the placebo group. Infections were the most common adverse event; serious adverse events (>1) were reported in 1.7% UST and 2% placebo of patients.


This double-bind placebo controlled trial followed 615 patients with active PsA (?5 swollen joint counts and ?5 tender joint counts; c-reactive protein ?0.3mg/dL) despite treatment with disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and/or non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Patients were randomised to UST 45mg, 90mg or placebo at weeks zero, four and 12 weeks thereafter. At week 16, patients with <5% improvement in tender joint counts and swollen joint counts entered blinded early escape (PBO to UST 45mg, UST 45mg to UST 90mg, UST 90mg to UST 90mg). Stable concomitant methotrexate (MTX) use was permitted but not mandated. Nearly half of the patients studied used concomitant MTX at baseline but this did not alter the likelihood of benefit of UST.

Article adapted by Medical News Today from original press release. Click ‘references’ tab above for source.
Visit our arthritis / rheumatology section for the latest news on this subject. Abstract Number: OP0158
*ACR (American College of Rheumatology) criteria measures improvement in tender or swollen joint counts and improvement in three of the following five parameters: acute phase reactant (such as sedimentation rate), patient assessment, physician assessment, pain scale and disability/functional questionnaire. ACR20 refers to a 20% improvement in tender/swollen joint counts, as well as three of the five other criteria. ACR50 refers to a 50% improvement and ACR70 refers to a 70% improvement.
**DAS28 (Disease Activity Score) is an index used by physicians to measure how active an individual’s RA is. It assesses number of tender and swollen joints (out of a total of 28), levels of C-reactive protein (CRP, a protein found in the blood, the levels of which rise in response to inflammation), and the patient’s ‘global assessment of global health’. A higher score indicates more active disease. A score of <2.6 indicates that the patient is in remission.
***HAQ DI (Health Assessment Questionnaire – Disease Index) is a patient questionnaire that measures function and health-related quality of life through measuring a patient’s ability to perform everyday tasks.
European League Against Rheumatism Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

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7 Apr. 2013. APA

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I Am Kate cartoon – No Escape from Targets

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Marriage targets cartoon

This is one of those situations that seem perfectly right for the wife but totally wrong for the husband, well, at least for this couple.

Mark, the husband, is going to be featured more prominently in this year I Am Kate cartoon, but no, never to replace the wife. Follow their marriage and life here.

Eczema Blues

Eczema from an Indian perspective- Our daughter’s story

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Our lovely customers are spread out around the globe, which always serves to remind me that there are people suffering from eczema all around the world.  Today we hear from one of our amazingly brave mums in India, Anindita.  Her story of how their family has united to help cope with their daughter’s eczema is heartbreaking but also incredibly inspirational.

This is our daughter’s story of her ongoing struggle with severe eczema over the past few years. We have survived some very tough and uncertain times especially in the last couple of years. However, in spite of all the trauma and pain we have faced, we have come through it all with the help of invaluable support from close family and friends and her doctors. Most importantly, our daughter’s spirit remains intact and whoever interacts with her cannot help but notice her positive outlook and her sunny smile. This is what keeps us going, especially me, since I spearhead our family’s efforts to bring her eczema under control with the help of my extremely supportive husband who is also a doting father to his darling daughter.

I have captured our entire journey from the beginning in details in my blog “eczema-anindianperspective.com” through various posts. Here I have encapsulated our story for Gail Palmer’s blog at her gracious invitation. I have been purchasing products for eczema on her website EverythingForEczema.com for some time now and have found it very useful to be able to find various products under one roof.

Aiyana

Our daughter Aiyana was born on the American Independence Day, 4th July, 2006 in Mumbai, India (where we reside) after a completely hassle free pregnancy. She was a happy, healthy baby and until she was 1 year old we did not have any inkling about how our lives would change forever because of eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) in the years to come.

In India at that time eczema was uncommon and awareness was very poor and even had I came across anyone with this skin condition, I wouldn’t have even realised it. When Aiyana was about 6 months old I had to get back to full time work. I weaned her off my milk  and introduced cow’s milk as is the custom in India (again very few people had allergies to dairy or may not have even be aware whether they were allergic to dairy and dairy products). However, by the time she was one year old we realised that her skin was mostly rough all over and which never completely went away no matter how much we took care of her skin. Her pediatrician diagnosed her with Atopic Dermatitis and we took her to a dermatologist who confirmed the same. Thus started our journey with eczema.

How it all began

In the first few years till Aiyana was about 5 years, her eczema was mostly under control with moisturizers and minimal topical application. It all changed when we went to Rajasthan (a northern state in India) for a religious occasion in October 2011 for a few days. Since Rajasthan is mostly a desert with a very dry climate, her eczema worsened. However, even after we came back to a tropical climate like in Mumbai, her eczema did not let up and her skin condition went downhill from there in spite of all our efforts. When she reached a state of erythroderma (extreme shedding of skin with red exposed skin all over the body due to constant itching) in July 2012, we had no choice but start her on oral steroids (prednisolone). Aiyana was taken off the oral steroids and started on an immunosuppressive drug, cyclosporine which had a limited impact and once it was stopped in early 2013, she had be put back on oral steroids since her eczema was out of control. By this time we had tried various treatment options with varied success like Narrow band UVB, topical steroids and immunomodulators and were already following elaborate eczema safe skin care and bathing routines for her.

Our daughter’s struggle for survival

We decided to take her to see an experienced pediatric dermatologist at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children in London during the summer of 2013. Since eczema is much more common in UK we hoped that experience of the doctors there would be able to help us control her eczema. However we soon came to realise that ultimately one has limited control of the outcomes in one’s life no matter how many precautions we take and all our planning. The dermatologist that we visited did all the requisite tests that need to be done before starting a patient on the immunosuppressive medication, Azathioprine, since one of the serious and sometimes life threatening side effects of this can be “bone marrow suppression” where the bone marrow simply shuts down and stops producing red and white blood cells. This is what we feared and is precisely what happened with our daughter though the medication was started only after her tests proved to be completely in the normal range. She was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of a premiere hospital in Mumbai with a life threatening infection since her bone marrow had stopped producing white blood cells completely and could not fight any infection. However, our brave daughter fought back with the help of her doctors, the hospital staff and our family and friends who came and donated blood and platelets whenever required. After a nerve wracking 2 weeks she was finally declared to be out of danger. I have captured our experience and learning in my blog (“eczema-anindianperspective.com”) in the post – http://eczema-anindianperspective.com/2013/10/27/the-tough-get-going-part-2/

This traumatic experience has brought our family closer and I can see in my daughter a strength and maturity much beyond her age and which helps her to cope with this condition on a daily basis. I find that I am inspired by my daughter to continue to look for a better way of controlling her eczema and help her lead a normal life.

Our life today

Today Aiyana is on the immunosuppressive medication Methotrexate after having been on another immunosuppressive medication, Cyclosporine and the oral steroid, Prednisolone (alternatively as well as together at times) to keep her eczema under control. In the past few years we have made radical changes in our lifestyle right from skin care and bathing routines to detergent free clothes and dish washing amongst others. We have tried various products like moisturisers, creams, therapeutic clothing which have helped to some extent but we are still far from bringing Aiyana’s eczema under control.

Anindita and her daughter Aiyana

However, my role like any other mother is one of a never ending search for a better and healthier life for my children and my family. I have been doing a lot of research on the effects of diet and eczema and have only now come across one that I wanted to try on her by an Australian Nutritionist, Karen Fischer. I have started Aiyana on diet a couple of weeks back and we have a long way to go yet. This is where we are at the moment.

Be happy for this moment, this moment is your life

And in the end, this is what matters. How well we lived our life, how well we loved, how often we counted our blessings along the way; how well we learned to accept the things we simply cannot change and faced our most difficult moments. This is the lesson I strive to teach my children, one lesson that I am myself learning every day of my life.



 

 

 

 

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