#traditional allergy test with the needles in the back are limited to what they can test for

[woodelf68]

I couldn't eat whatever I wanted as a child because my access to food was limited to what my mother allowed into the house, and junk food was not on that list except for special occasions like getting some xmas or easter candy or chips and dip being a part of birthday celebrations or lesser holidays like the fourth of July. In fact, I was forced to eat a lot of things that made me feel sick because "you eat what's put in front of you or you or you can stay sitting at the table until it's time for bed". I'm pretty sure that being forced to drink a large glass of milk every night that made me feel sick was what CAUSED me to develop lactose intolerance. Not to mention the fact that getting throw-up sick was a regular part of childhood that completely stopped once I was out of school and had some say in what I did or didn't eat. So I'd much rather be an adult and have some control over my diet.

what I wouldn't give to have the gastric constitution of a nine-year-old again. like you know when you're in grade school and you're like okay I'm gonna have some gushers and pizza and one of those dubious chalky grocery store cookies and then go run around with my friends! and now as an adult if I eat the wrong brand of peanut butter I have to lie down for an hour

[uneducatedsnek]

The Consideration of Alternative Eczema Treatments

Introduction

One of the most common skin disorders in the world is atopic dermatitis, otherwise known as eczema. It affects more than 10% of the American population, and of that total, more than 33% have moderate to severe eczema that negatively affect their quality of life. Eczema is thought to be caused by an abnormality in the immune system and skin barrier. While there are many different types of eczema, the most common theme is itchy, discolored rashes that can appear chronically due to various reasons such as allergens or even simply genetics. However, although eczema is such a common disorder, there is no actual cure; instead, various methods are used to treat the symptoms. Topical steroids, emollients, and changes in lifestyle like dietary intervention can be used in an attempt to combat the symptoms of eczema. The most common treatment doctors prescribe are topical steroid creams due to their potency and speed in clearing up the rashes. However, steroids are also one of the most high-risk treatments due to the severity of their side effects. Prolonged usage of steroids can damage the adrenal gland, cause blindness, and even overall deterioration of the skin over time. Because of all of this, it is clear that while topical steroids are often the most widely used and effective drug to combat eczema, the severe long-term side effects makes the further exploration of other treatment methods worth considering.

Corticosteroids and Their Side Effects

Corticosteroids, known more contemporarily as steroids, are drugs used to treat a variety of disorders such as eczema, asthma, and autoimmune disorders. They work by acting as synthetic corticosteroid hormones and suppressing the immune system, decreasing inflammation. The first recorded usage of corticosteroids was in 1948, and it successfully treated a patient with severe arthritis. Reichstein, Kendall, and Hench were later awarded a Nobel Prize in 1950 for their contribution in isolating cortisone. Corticosteroids are separated and ranked from one to seven based on potency. Depending on the potency, the risk factor and side effects also vary.

The reason steroids are so popular in treating skin conditions is because of how effective and fast it gets rid of the symptoms of eczema. It works best if applied twice a day, and with fingertip units, which help the patient control and measure how much of the steroid cream they are using so that they don’t overuse it in relation to their body mass. Depending on the severity of eczema and how strong the steroid is, the symptoms of eczema should disappear about a week after use. The main purpose of steroids is to control flares; it is not meant for long-term use. Generally, one should not use steroids for more than two weeks. The choice of topical steroids depends on the area it will be used on, the age of the patient, and how severe the eczema is. If directed and used properly, many of the side-effects can be avoided.

However, problems appear when doctors do not tell the patient of the strength of the steroid they’re prescribing or how long they should use it, which happens more often than one would think. Many doctors advise the patient to stop after the symptoms of eczema disappear instead of warning them of the worser side effects. This can cause issues because sometimes the rashes don’t disappear, or if they do, they come back soon after the steroid is discontinued. This is especially apparent if a trigger of eczema is unknown or not something easily avoided, like dust. This can prompt the patient to use steroids more for longer periods of time. Soon, it becomes a vicious cycle of continuing and discontinuing the steroid. All the while, the body is developing a tolerance to the drug, forcing the doctor to prescribe stronger steroids. All of this can make the side effects of steroids worse.

The most common and well-known side effect of steroids is the thinning of the skin, or skin atrophy. Usually, it is temporary, because when the patient discontinues usage of the steroids, the skin gradually recovers on its own. However, with prolonged use, it can become permanent, and even actively damage the skin and worsen the eczema. Frequent application of the steroids around the eyes can also cause glaucoma and cataracts, which can result in permanent blindness. When enough steroids are applied over a large area of the body, this can inhibit the body’s natural production of the corticosteroid hormone, resulting in adrenal suppression. In some cases of infants and children, steroids can even impair growth. This all confirms that while it is true that steroids are very effective for some people, other people may experience severe side effects that force them to consider other treatment options. Since everyone has different skin and eczema triggers, they may react differently to various treatments. Although steroids are the most widely used and effective treatment for eczema, there are several other treatment options such as emollients, antimicrobial agents, dietary intervention, and complementary therapy.

Alternative Treatments: Emollients, Antimicrobial agents, Dietary Interventions, and Complementary Therapies

Emollients, similar to steroids, are topical agents that are applied to a certain part of the body. However, unlike steroids, emollients contain no harmful side-effects. In layman's terms, emollients are moisturizers. They help combat eczema because eczema is partly caused by abnormalities in the skin barrier, such as defects in the skin lipids and impaired barrier function. The defects in the skin lipids can cause cracking in the skin, and impaired barrier function can increase the chance of bacteria and infection setting in and decrease water retention. Because of this, emollients can serve both as a synthetic barrier and as a hydrating function. Emollients can also soothe the itchiness that often comes with eczema, preventing scratching and further damage to the skin barrier. Unfortunately, if one has severe eczema triggered by allergens, this type of treatment would not be very effective, because it only soothes the skin and doesn’t target the inflammation caused by the dysfunction of the immune system. However, emollients are often used in conjunction with other treatments such as steroids and dietary intervention. Currently, some of the more popular emollients recommended by doctors to treat eczema are Vaseline and Vanicream, which hold the stamp of the National Eczema Association.

Much like emollients, antimicrobial and antiseptic agents also work off of the concept of the broken skin barrier. It was found that those with eczema have up to 90% of their total aerobic bacterial flora made up of Staphylococcus aureus compared to the 30% of individuals with normal skin. Such bacteria can cause infections that can severely intensify eczema flares. Wet, oozing eczema, in particular, is prone to infection, especially if it is in an area that is exposed often to air or dirt. Due to this, if the eczema is severe enough, antimicrobial and antiseptic agents can help kill the bacteria and clear up the eczema. However, it is difficult for doctors to tell if it is bacteria that is playing a role in worsening the eczema because skin swabs are unreliable due to the fact that everyone has bacteria in their skin. Similar to steroids, antimicrobial agents should be limited to short term use because it can lead to tolerance and increased sensitivity. This treatment method is best used if the patient’s eczema is prone to wet, open sores that easily get infected.

The purpose of dietary interventions is to avoid foods that can potentially trigger eczema and to reinforce the diet with foods that can stimulate healthier skin. Eczema is very much closely linked to food allergies and food sensitivities. Because of this, it is crucial to test for allergies and be aware of what can be exacerbating the eczema. However, some sensitivities don’t show up in allergy tests. If the skin is already inflamed, foods that normally wouldn’t cause irritation can cause the eczema to get worse. This is because the body’s sensitivity is very high, and it’s threshold to flare is very low. Gluten, eggs, and dairy products are the most common types of food that many people with eczema can be unknowingly sensitive to. This is why elimination diets can be very useful; it can remove them from the diet one at a time to identify which one is making the eczema worse. Unfortunately, it will not be very effective if it isn’t a food allergy or sensitivity that is contributing to the eczema flares. People with known allergies are more inclined to have unknown food sensitivities, but some people may not have a food sensitivity that is causing their eczema. Dietary interventions can also be difficult to perform, especially if the food that is trying to be excluded is well-loved. However, it is important to know that a healthy diet is crucial for good health and can be transformative to some people.

Complementary therapies are things that are often used alongside conventional medical treatment and are often used to improve the quality of life or provide a more natural solution. Traditional Chinese medicine, aromatherapy, and massage therapy are all examples of complementary therapy. Traditional Chinese medicine includes acupuncture and various applications of herbs and is rooted in ancient Taoism. Acupuncture is the application of needles into pressure points, where it can then be manipulated by hand, or more recently, by electrical stimulation in order to promote the natural self-healing process. Many Chinese herbs have been found to be able to reduce inflammation and boost the immune system. This is shown in the Zemphyte trials, where it was found that the active treatment of Zemphyte was effective in treating eczema. This shows that Chinese medicine can be relatively successful in treating eczema. However, not much research has been done, and the validity of many Chinese herbs can be questioned. It can also be relatively hard to find a reputable practitioner of Chinese medicine. Aromatherapy is another type of complementary therapy that involves the application of essential oils in hopes of easing stress. It has been found that stress has a direct relation to eczema as well, so it was no wonder that aromatherapy was found to be relatively successful. In a preliminary study where sixteen children were treated with either counseling or massage with essential oils for eight weeks, significant improvement was found. Similarly to aromatherapy, massage therapy is also proven to help eczema by reducing stress and increasing peripheral circulation. It is often combined with either aromatherapy or the use of emollients and steroids.

Complementary therapies can be helpful because eczema is a disorder that not only harms physically, but also mentally and psychologically. This can cause additional stress and make the eczema worse, turning it into a ruthless cycle. Eczema has a direct negative impact on the amount of sleep and even the life decisions one has to make, such as what to wear and what activities one can do. It affects the social functioning and psychological wellbeing of eczema sufferers. Victims of eczema often face social exclusion and discrimination that can later go on to lead to many mental problems. For example, people with eczema are shown to be more pessimistic, and the psychological distress caused by bullying can even cause them to avoid certain sports and jobs. They can also be affected economically because they have a greater financial burden due to the costs of medication, diet, other eczema management strategies, and medical consultations. Eczema can be a major handicap with considerable personal, social, and financial burden, increasing stress and exacerbating the flares all over again. Because of this, complementary therapies can be useful by reducing stress and helping the patients cope better.

Conclusion

Every day, scientists and doctors are researching and working on new eczema treatments. One such recent development includes the creation of bacteria-infused cream that counteracts the harmful bacteria on the patient’s skin. Similar to the concept of antimicrobial agents, the beneficial bacteria makes natural antibiotics that kill the harmful S. aureus, restoring the natural balance of the skin’s bacterial flora. This is a better alternative to antimicrobial agents because it would be harder to build a tolerance, and researchers hope that the microbiome cream can serve as a better long-term treatment than antimicrobial agents or steroids. With all these new developments and safer alternatives, it is easy to see that steroids should not be the catch-all first option that doctors give to their patients. While it may be a better choice for some people, everyone has different skin and circumstances that can make different treatment methods better.

Despite eczema being one of the most common skin disorders that can cause not only physical, but mental, emotional, and financial issues, there is no actual concrete cure. Because of this, many treatment options have been developed; however, the most popular treatment by far is steroids. Although steroids are the most effective and common treatment for eczema, because of their harsh side effects, it may be better for some others to consider alternative treatment options such as emollients, antimicrobial agents, dietary intervention, and complementary therapies. While it is true that steroids can be temporarily helpful towards some people, it may not be suited for others. Due to this reason, doctors and patients alike should be more aware of different treatment options and carefully consider them to see what works best in the future.

[ganymedesclock]

coran educating lotor on altean culture. lotor dressing in traditional altean garments. lotor's life as a sick child. lotor piloting the castle for the first time.

The prompt I ended up taking was Lotor’s Childhood. 

Warnings: blood, needles, and, by nature of the subject, child abuse.

           “Arm.”

           He obliged,uncurled. Tried not to fidget at the sting of the needle, more its coldnessthan pain. Larger needle, for taking instead of giving. He watched it tap thevein and drink, dark blue flowing up into the body of it, and a moment later itwas done, withdrawn, sated. Coagulant salve applied to the wound and a freshbandage- extravagant measures for a pinprick, maybe, but they never could besure. It was always hard to tell which injuries would suddenly make ordeals outof themselves.

           Mother waswearing that face, the face that could mean almost anything but usually it justmeant she was working, and didn’t want to talk. She put the syringe into themachine, closed it, and set it to its work with brisk motions.

           Lotorfidgeted, not wanting to be alone with the newfound soreness in his arm,peering at the machine, the options selected. He might be able to set ithimself, if he could guess what kind of tests she was running today- the usual,but something else, too. What had he mentioned to her..? He’d been dizzy rightafterward, but that wasn’t surprising. He hadn’t eaten enough breakfast, maybe,or simply had gotten too upset. He had- what did Mother call it? A delicate equilibrium.He’d upset his delicate equilibrium.

           There was amoment when he worried she’d forgotten about him, left him sitting on thetable- her back was turned, and she tapped this, moved that, chasing bits ofdata and individual characters around the screen with her fingertips. Thatscreen was written in galran, and he could make out most of the words, lookingover her shoulder.

           But thenshe was back, lifting him up and setting him down from the table. “That shouldbe all, for now. You can go, but, be careful. Remember to lie down as soon asyou feel lightheaded.”

           “Yes,Mother.” It was a prompting pause that followed her statement, and he knew theline by heart.

           Lips pursedthinly. “I mean it. That was a larger draw. We can’t have you pass out and hurtyourself.”

           “Yes,Mother.” His eyes, brave where his feet weren’t, snuck to the door withoutbeing dismissed- he caught them only belatedly, guiltily, fixed red eyes backto gold ones.

           The fadinglines under her eyes deepened briefly. “Just stay away from the stairs. Use thelifts if you have to.”

           He remainedsolemn, small hands held demure at his sides, as she walked him all the way tothe door and let it slide open. He meant to carry it further, but a warm furrymass hit him solidly in the chest.

           “Kova,” Mother’s tone carried a warningtimbre, but Kova was wiggling for purchase, scrabbling upward to plow his headinto Lotor’s brow, chewing strands of hair, purring a wheezy, whistling storm.They matched, right now- Kova had lost a clump of fur in front of one of hiships, and wouldn’t leave it alone, so he’d been secured in a tiny kitty medicaljacket.

           It took amoment for the elderly cat to settle across Lotor’s narrow shoulders, notseeming to care where a great extension of bony limb dangled off both sides.Honerva’s suppressed scowl faded, slightly, and she simply turned back towardsthe lab, letting the door close behind.

           And he was free.

           Free for anentire varga, at least. He was feeling good enough to be up and about, whichmeant lessons would encroach on the afternoon, and with that in mind he set offat a brisk pace down the hallways, Kova keeping his neck pleasantly warm. He’dput on his good clothes, first- no point in getting caught in somethinguncomfortable during lessons, and the medical clothes were uncomfortable. They clung around the neck and were never warmenough, even in the summer months.

           He was justcrossing one of the bridges over the main hall when he realized it wasn’tempty- there was someone, in serving-grey, carefully straightening the chairs,polishing them with a handheld cloth.

           Lotor’s attentionwandered to the staircase. Oh, what a pity, really… he wasn’t supposed to go onthe stairs, but he knew her, and he knew she’d be done with her work quickly,and the nearest lift was a ways back…

           He met Kova’seyes. “You won’t tell her, right?”

           Kova drovea hard bargain, but, he surrendered his allegiance to a few thoughtfulscratches behind the ears, and under the collar of his jacket where it had beenitching him, and off Lotor went, careful to keep a hand along the wall andpause when things got swimmy. It was not long at all that he hit the bottom ofthe stairs. “Myzik!”

           Myzik flinched,reflexively tightening her grip on the rag. “Oh! Good afternoon, your highness.”It was a pause when her eyes slid over the room, a smile sprouting across herfeatures like a slow-growing tendril of ivy. “Or… should I say, your lowness.”

           It was hisjob to play offended, but a delighted giggle escaped. There it was, it was their joke, and that meant it was safe,and he plunked himself next to a pillar and watched Myzik work.

           She wasfifteen, something he had a hard time imagining, and very tall. Almost gray, andthe stripes on her neck were thick and dark enough to look like necklaces. “Itwould seem you’re feeling much better.”

           “It wasn’t that bad. Everyone overreacted.” Hehuffed.

           Myzikshrugged, in a way that played her head from side to side. “Well, it isn’tevery day an allergy attack is almost a diplomatic incident.”

           Heremembered that. Or, rather, he looked back on the parts that he couldremember- having been somewhat unconscious for most of it. The eyes- the wayemperor and king had regarded each other, something he’d only ever seen whenthe two lavelkian beasts in the menagerie had been strangers, and thus enemies.It stirred strange and troubled thoughts, emotions that chased each other aboutin circles with about as much energy as those same beasts.

           He made anattempt to put the thing to words. “Adults are weird. No offense.”

           Myzik hadfolded herself over a particularly worrying stain, but cast a wry look over hershoulder. “I think that’s mostly nobility.” She took a stab at affecting hisaccent. “No offense.”

           They both dissolved in giggles, at that- atleast until the door opened.

           In amoment, silence descended on the room. Myzik folded her cloth, once in hand,and retreated from the table, towing her carton of cleaning fluid back withher. Lotor, who could not see the door from his little alcove, hesitated,trying to parse whose heavy footfalls he was hearing. Better safe than sorry-he neatened himself.

           “It wasunacceptable.” He recognized that voice well, its lofty intonation, well beforethe precisely measured stride of its owner carried his great, scarlet-armoredbody into sight. He swept past Myzik, head nor eyes dipping in her directioneven slightly. “I try to be reasonable and he takes it as an opportunity to-what, embarrass me?”

           “King Alforforgets himself.” The advisor trailing in Zarkon’s wake was older, silveringaround the edges; her jaw was pocked with the talons of some much larger beast,evidence that the limp that limited her was hard won by glorious service. “Itis simply his nature. I am certain that no impropriety was… intended.”

           Adismissing motion of a hand larger than Lotor’s entire head. “I know that. It’sLotor I have to worry about. Every time they’re together, the princess giveshim these ideas.”

           Myzik’seyes, pointed very firmly at the ground, widened. It reminded Lotor to keep hisown eyes down.

           “The princeis but a child. A certain amount of foolishness is inevitable.”

           But thiswas a wrong answer. Zarkon turned to face her, his eyes narrowed harshly. “Thatsort of thinking just allows it to continue past its due. He’s nearly ten now.His responsibilities will not wait for him.”

           The advisorworked her scarred mouth, folded neatly once at the waist. “I have oversteppedmyself. With permission, I will return to my duties.”

           “See thatyou do,” Zarkon said, with finality, settling into his chair. He motioned atMyzik, sending her scurrying from the room, and rested his elbows on the table,pressing his claws lightly against his temples.

           There wasno avoiding it now.

           “Goodmorning, father.”

           The headcame up quickly, over to his position. “Did Honerva say you could be up?”

           If she didn’t, I would be resting still,but he didn’t say that. That was unacceptable.

           Instead, “I’mmostly using the lifts.”

           A smallnoise in Zarkon’s throat. He wasn’t completely appeased. It almost remindedLotor of Kova- raised a brief, ridiculous mental image that the Lord of theEmpire could be appeased by someone scratching his ears the right way.

           At length, “Good.See to it you don’t overtax yourself. You can take your lessons in your roominstead of the study hall.”

           Myzik hadreturned with a goblet on a tray. Lotor met her eyes, tried to sneak her a weaksmile. She looked down again- it wasn’t clear if she’d seen or not.

           He wonderedwhy it was a rule servants didn’t smile. Myzik’s face didn’t look right when itwas so empty.

           “-Did youhear me, Lotor?”

           He jumped. “Yesfather. I mean, no, no father.”

           Anothersound of displeasure, this one less distant, and nowhere near as funny. Somethingvery cold squirmed in Lotor’s insides. “I said, I’m sending your tutor to youearly. Once your lessons are complete, you should spend the rest of the dayresting.”

           The squirmingthing compacted and settled lower. “Yes, father.”

           “Good.” Hetook a sip from the drink. Myzik was standing at his elbow, where she wouldremain until he was done with it, to carry it back to the kitchen. “And takeKova back to Honerva. He’s a distraction from your studies.”

           “Yes,father.”

[uneducatedsnek-eczema-blog]

The Consideration of Alternative Eczema Treatments

Introduction

One of the most common skin disorders in the world is atopic dermatitis, otherwise known as eczema. It affects more than 10% of the American population, and of that total, more than 33% have moderate to severe eczema that negatively affect their quality of life. Eczema is thought to be caused by an abnormality in the immune system and skin barrier. While there are many different types of eczema, the most common theme is itchy, discolored rashes that can appear chronically due to various reasons such as allergens or even simply genetics. However, although eczema is such a common disorder, there is no actual cure; instead, various methods are used to treat the symptoms. Topical steroids, emollients, and changes in lifestyle like dietary intervention can be used in an attempt to combat the symptoms of eczema. The most common treatment doctors prescribe are topical steroid creams due to their potency and speed in clearing up the rashes. However, steroids are also one of the most high-risk treatments due to the severity of their side effects. Prolonged usage of steroids can damage the adrenal gland, cause blindness, and even overall deterioration of the skin over time. Because of all of this, it is clear that while topical steroids are often the most widely used and effective drug to combat eczema, the severe long-term side effects makes the further exploration of other treatment methods worth considering.

Corticosteroids and Their Side Effects

Corticosteroids, known more contemporarily as steroids, are drugs used to treat a variety of disorders such as eczema, asthma, and autoimmune disorders. They work by acting as synthetic corticosteroid hormones and suppressing the immune system, decreasing inflammation. The first recorded usage of corticosteroids was in 1948, and it successfully treated a patient with severe arthritis. Reichstein, Kendall, and Hench were later awarded a Nobel Prize in 1950 for their contribution in isolating cortisone. Corticosteroids are separated and ranked from one to seven based on potency. Depending on the potency, the risk factor and side effects also vary.

The reason steroids are so popular in treating skin conditions is because of how effective and fast it gets rid of the symptoms of eczema. It works best if applied twice a day, and with fingertip units, which help the patient control and measure how much of the steroid cream they are using so that they don’t overuse it in relation to their body mass. Depending on the severity of eczema and how strong the steroid is, the symptoms of eczema should disappear about a week after use. The main purpose of steroids is to control flares; it is not meant for long-term use. Generally, one should not use steroids for more than two weeks. The choice of topical steroids depends on the area it will be used on, the age of the patient, and how severe the eczema is. If directed and used properly, many of the side-effects can be avoided.

However, problems appear when doctors do not tell the patient of the strength of the steroid they’re prescribing or how long they should use it, which happens more often than one would think. Many doctors advise the patient to stop after the symptoms of eczema disappear instead of warning them of the worser side effects. This can cause issues because sometimes the rashes don’t disappear, or if they do, they come back soon after the steroid is discontinued. This is especially apparent if a trigger of eczema is unknown or not something easily avoided, like dust. This can prompt the patient to use steroids more for longer periods of time. Soon, it becomes a vicious cycle of continuing and discontinuing the steroid. All the while, the body is developing a tolerance to the drug, forcing the doctor to prescribe stronger steroids. All of this can make the side effects of steroids worse.

The most common and well-known side effect of steroids is the thinning of the skin, or skin atrophy. Usually, it is temporary, because when the patient discontinues usage of the steroids, the skin gradually recovers on its own. However, with prolonged use, it can become permanent, and even actively damage the skin and worsen the eczema. Frequent application of the steroids around the eyes can also cause glaucoma and cataracts, which can result in permanent blindness. When enough steroids are applied over a large area of the body, this can inhibit the body’s natural production of the corticosteroid hormone, resulting in adrenal suppression. In some cases of infants and children, steroids can even impair growth. This all confirms that while it is true that steroids are very effective for some people, other people may experience severe side effects that force them to consider other treatment options. Since everyone has different skin and eczema triggers, they may react differently to various treatments. Although steroids are the most widely used and effective treatment for eczema, there are several other treatment options such as emollients, antimicrobial agents, dietary intervention, and complementary therapy.

Alternative Treatments: Emollients, Antimicrobial agents, Dietary Interventions, and Complementary Therapies

Emollients, similar to steroids, are topical agents that are applied to a certain part of the body. However, unlike steroids, emollients contain no harmful side-effects. In layman’s terms, emollients are moisturizers. They help combat eczema because eczema is partly caused by abnormalities in the skin barrier, such as defects in the skin lipids and impaired barrier function. The defects in the skin lipids can cause cracking in the skin, and impaired barrier function can increase the chance of bacteria and infection setting in and decrease water retention. Because of this, emollients can serve both as a synthetic barrier and as a hydrating function. Emollients can also soothe the itchiness that often comes with eczema, preventing scratching and further damage to the skin barrier. Unfortunately, if one has severe eczema triggered by allergens, this type of treatment would not be very effective, because it only soothes the skin and doesn’t target the inflammation caused by the dysfunction of the immune system. However, emollients are often used in conjunction with other treatments such as steroids and dietary intervention. Currently, some of the more popular emollients recommended by doctors to treat eczema are Vaseline and Vanicream, which hold the stamp of the National Eczema Association.

Much like emollients, antimicrobial and antiseptic agents also work off of the concept of the broken skin barrier. It was found that those with eczema have up to 90% of their total aerobic bacterial flora made up of Staphylococcus aureus compared to the 30% of individuals with normal skin. Such bacteria can cause infections that can severely intensify eczema flares. Wet, oozing eczema, in particular, is prone to infection, especially if it is in an area that is exposed often to air or dirt. Due to this, if the eczema is severe enough, antimicrobial and antiseptic agents can help kill the bacteria and clear up the eczema. However, it is difficult for doctors to tell if it is bacteria that is playing a role in worsening the eczema because skin swabs are unreliable due to the fact that everyone has bacteria in their skin. Similar to steroids, antimicrobial agents should be limited to short term use because it can lead to tolerance and increased sensitivity. This treatment method is best used if the patient’s eczema is prone to wet, open sores that easily get infected.

The purpose of dietary interventions is to avoid foods that can potentially trigger eczema and to reinforce the diet with foods that can stimulate healthier skin. Eczema is very much closely linked to food allergies and food sensitivities. Because of this, it is crucial to test for allergies and be aware of what can be exacerbating the eczema. However, some sensitivities don’t show up in allergy tests. If the skin is already inflamed, foods that normally wouldn’t cause irritation can cause the eczema to get worse. This is because the body’s sensitivity is very high, and it’s threshold to flare is very low. Gluten, eggs, and dairy products are the most common types of food that many people with eczema can be unknowingly sensitive to. This is why elimination diets can be very useful; it can remove them from the diet one at a time to identify which one is making the eczema worse. Unfortunately, it will not be very effective if it isn’t a food allergy or sensitivity that is contributing to the eczema flares. People with known allergies are more inclined to have unknown food sensitivities, but some people may not have a food sensitivity that is causing their eczema. Dietary interventions can also be difficult to perform, especially if the food that is trying to be excluded is well-loved. However, it is important to know that a healthy diet is crucial for good health and can be transformative to some people.

Complementary therapies are things that are often used alongside conventional medical treatment and are often used to improve the quality of life or provide a more natural solution. Traditional Chinese medicine, aromatherapy, and massage therapy are all examples of complementary therapy. Traditional Chinese medicine includes acupuncture and various applications of herbs and is rooted in ancient Taoism. Acupuncture is the application of needles into pressure points, where it can then be manipulated by hand, or more recently, by electrical stimulation in order to promote the natural self-healing process. Many Chinese herbs have been found to be able to reduce inflammation and boost the immune system. This is shown in the Zemphyte trials, where it was found that the active treatment of Zemphyte was effective in treating eczema. This shows that Chinese medicine can be relatively successful in treating eczema. However, not much research has been done, and the validity of many Chinese herbs can be questioned. It can also be relatively hard to find a reputable practitioner of Chinese medicine. Aromatherapy is another type of complementary therapy that involves the application of essential oils in hopes of easing stress. It has been found that stress has a direct relation to eczema as well, so it was no wonder that aromatherapy was found to be relatively successful. In a preliminary study where sixteen children were treated with either counseling or massage with essential oils for eight weeks, significant improvement was found. Similarly to aromatherapy, massage therapy is also proven to help eczema by reducing stress and increasing peripheral circulation. It is often combined with either aromatherapy or the use of emollients and steroids.

Complementary therapies can be helpful because eczema is a disorder that not only harms physically, but also mentally and psychologically. This can cause additional stress and make the eczema worse, turning it into a ruthless cycle. Eczema has a direct negative impact on the amount of sleep and even the life decisions one has to make, such as what to wear and what activities one can do. It affects the social functioning and psychological wellbeing of eczema sufferers. Victims of eczema often face social exclusion and discrimination that can later go on to lead to many mental problems. For example, people with eczema are shown to be more pessimistic, and the psychological distress caused by bullying can even cause them to avoid certain sports and jobs. They can also be affected economically because they have a greater financial burden due to the costs of medication, diet, other eczema management strategies, and medical consultations. Eczema can be a major handicap with considerable personal, social, and financial burden, increasing stress and exacerbating the flares all over again. Because of this, complementary therapies can be useful by reducing stress and helping the patients cope better.

Conclusion

Every day, scientists and doctors are researching and working on new eczema treatments. One such recent development includes the creation of bacteria-infused cream that counteracts the harmful bacteria on the patient’s skin. Similar to the concept of antimicrobial agents, the beneficial bacteria makes natural antibiotics that kill the harmful S. aureus, restoring the natural balance of the skin’s bacterial flora. This is a better alternative to antimicrobial agents because it would be harder to build a tolerance, and researchers hope that the microbiome cream can serve as a better long-term treatment than antimicrobial agents or steroids. With all these new developments and safer alternatives, it is easy to see that steroids should not be the catch-all first option that doctors give to their patients. While it may be a better choice for some people, everyone has different skin and circumstances that can make different treatment methods better.

Despite eczema being one of the most common skin disorders that can cause not only physical, but mental, emotional, and financial issues, there is no actual concrete cure. Because of this, many treatment options have been developed; however, the most popular treatment by far is steroids. Although steroids are the most effective and common treatment for eczema, because of their harsh side effects, it may be better for some others to consider alternative treatment options such as emollients, antimicrobial agents, dietary intervention, and complementary therapies. While it is true that steroids can be temporarily helpful towards some people, it may not be suited for others. Due to this reason, doctors and patients alike should be more aware of different treatment options and carefully consider them to see what works best in the future.

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ACUPUNCTURE: So Much More Than Just Sticking People with Needles

ACUPUNCTURE: So much more than just sticking people with needles

  Acupuncture is becoming more main stream. However, many people still do not know the entire scope of Chinese medicine, which includes so much more than just inserting a needle.

The practice of Chinese medicine starts with a diagnosis. This is not the type of diagnosis that you would receive at your primary care office. You will never hear an acupuncturist say “you have Hashimoto’s”. The practitioner will ask you many questions. Some are about your chief complaint while others are not. You can expect to be asked questions around digestion, appetite, diet, sleep patterns, bowel movements, urination, pain, lifestyle, and stress level. It is important to note that during this detailed intake the practitioner will also be observing voice pitch, hair luster, skin color/tone, as well as posture, mood, and any type of abnormal odor (for example a sinus infection tends to give off a certain odor). Once the initial intake is finished your acupuncturist will do a pulse and tongue analysis, that will help to further differentiate what Chinese medicine pattern you fall into. Finally, blood pressure might be measured and other applicable tests might be done, including palpation of the body. Once all of this is done, a Traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis and treatment plan is determined. The acupuncturist will then review both with you, and answer any questions that you might have.

  Example of a Typical Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment Plan

Needles: Acupuncture needles are very fine, sterile, painless and safe. Some say that at most they may feel a sensation of a mosquito bite if anything at all.

The needles are the primary component of an acupuncture treatment. However, with NAET Allergy Elimination acupressure is also available.

They are placed into certain acupuncture points on the body, either locally (at the pain site) or distally (away from the pain). The needles are retained anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes and most find the treatment to be relaxing and calming. Many people take this opportunity to take a nap, regroup, and recharge.

  Herbal formulas: Chinese medicine includes could also include herbal formulas. The herbs and acupuncture needles work together to bring the body into harmony naturally.

Herbal formulas are a great way to continue healing at home.

Herbal formulas come in either patent formulas (pills), or the practitioner will make you your own formula.

Many herbal formulas were originally created thousands of years ago, and still apply today. The thing that makes them so unique is that they are specially designed to not overdo the amount of one herb that might cause harm in another part of the body. They are perfectly harmonized. It is for this reason that many herbalists cringe at the idea of someone taking a random herb, or many random herbs that someone read is good for one symptom. When someone does this they are not creating a harmonized formula. They are essentially throwing a dart at a board and hoping it will stick.

Here is an example: if you are trying to get drain damp, there will be herbs to drain damp (by promoting urination perhaps) but also herbs to mitigate the strong effects a damp-clearing herb might have on other organs. By draining to much damp you could cause dehydration. In this way, there is always a balance. Herbal formulas treat not only the symptoms but also the root cause.

  Nutritional counseling: In Chinese medicine food is medicine. It is very common that you will receive tailored dietary advice to help your specific constitution.

For example, if someone has a pale tongue with a white coating, and it is puffy with teeth marks on the side, and a slimy tongue coat, this might indicate this person has too much damp, which is hampering the digestion. This person would also have gas, bloating, belching, possibly acid reflux. Chinese medicine rates food according to its temperature, season, color, shape and whether it’s right for your individual body.

For this type of presentation, it would be recommended to limit cold raw foods (including iced drinks and smoothies). A food such as ginger might be a nice addition to one’s diet in this case.

  Cupping and Gua Sha: Cupping uses glass cups heated with a small flame to create a suction on the skin. This dissipates stagnation of blood and lymph fluid, promotes blood flow, eases stiffness, encourages better circulation to muscles and tissues, and feels great. It may leave a red to purple “cup” mark, only temporarily.

  Gua sha uses a flat edged tool that is scraped in one direction on the skin, usually on large areas such as the back. Gua sha is used for many ailments, but especially for pain and stiffness. It removes blood stagnation and promotes the smooth flow of oxygen and blood. Waste and toxins are removed, and the scraping helps circulate fluid and nutrients, encouraging microcirculation in soft tissue. Gua sha can be used on the face for health and beauty, as well.

  Moxibustion: Moxibustion is heated mugwort and comes in many forms. Usually this smoky herb is held over an area of the body to warm and circulate. It’s great for menstrual cramps and chronic pain.

As you can see, the wide practice of acupuncture is much more than just needles. In addition to the above mentioned supplements to treatment, some practitioners use massage techniques, a form of manipulation called Tui Na, or acupressure.

  Calandra Center for Health and Wellness is located in Chicago’s South loop and Arlington Heights Illinois. Call today to speak with one of our highly trained acupuncturists for a complementary 15 minute acupuncture phone consultation.

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