Many people suffer with skin rashes, eczema, and other skin disorders, yet never know why. Cortisone cream and other topical agents are often used for symptom control. Sometimes medication is required. Now research shows that it might be your fragrance.

Fragrances are widely used in many products, including perfume, cologne, lotion, shampoo, conditioner, soap, after shave, cosmetics, cleaning solutions, air fresheners, and even some tires! While these fragranced products may smell nice, they may not be good for your health.

Most fragrances contain synthetic chemicals and can cause photoallergic or phototoxic reactions. Phototoxic agents cause direct tissue injury after they are activated by UV-light in exposed individuals.

Researchers at the Department of Dermatology and Allerology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University München, Germany, conducted a study to determine if fragrances produce these phototoxic reactions.

The findings showed that common fragrance ingredients, including benzyl alcohol, bergamot oil, costus root oil, lime oil, orange oil, alpha-amyl cinnamic aldehyde and laurel leaf oil, hydroxy citronellal, cinnamic alcohol, cinnamic aldehyde, alpha-amyl cinnamic aldehyde and laurel leaf oil cause red blood cells to break open in a phototoxic reaction.

The phototoxic effects depended on the concentration of the ingredients and the UV doses administered. Some fragrances are therefore phototoxic. Others contain toxic synthetic chemicals that contribute to asthma and other respiratory disorders.

Fortunately, fragrances are not necessary for cleaning and personal care products to work effectively. Fragrances are merely added to stimulate pleasurable memories and develop loyal customers through product branding. Consumers may consciously choose fragrance-free products instead to maximize safety.

Reference

Placzek M, Frömel W, Eberlein B, Gilbertz KP, Przybilla B. Evaluation of phototoxic properties of fragrances. Acta Derm Venereol. 2007;87(4):312-6.

Source: http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/viewArticle.asp?articleID=43924

The organisers of a £1m study into whether “hard water” causes eczema in children are looking to recruit more than 300 families across England.

The Government-funded study will focus on hard water areas in Nottingham and Leicester, Cambridge, London and the Isle of Wight.

Researchers will examine whether installing water softeners in homes can help the treatment of childhood eczema.

Some eczema sufferers and doctors have said that living in a hard water area may make eczema worse. They believe hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, leading to increased use of soaps which can act as skin irritants.

The independent trial will be run by the University of Nottingham which is seeking 310 children who suffer from eczema.

Professor Hywel Williams, who is running the trial, said: “I have wanted to do this study for many years as patients keep telling me that water softeners help their skin, but other people aren’t so sure.

“If ion-exchange water softeners are found to improve the symptoms of eczema, this will be an extremely important finding for both patients and doctors.”

The British Association of Dermatologists said eczema has been increasing over the last 20 years, and affects around 15% to 20% of schoolchildren.

Source: http://www.nursinginpractice.com/default.asp?title=Familiesneededforeczemaresearch&page=article.display&article.id=6447

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The results of the study conducted in the USA. to determine the efficacy and tolerability of Relieva® in adult patients with Atopic Dermatitis (eczema) were just published in the September issue of the American Journal of Therapeutics (14:442-446, 2007).

Previous laboratory studies showed that Psorberine®, the active ingredient of Relieva®, a non-corticoid, non- immunosuppressant but potent anti-inflammatory compound might be effective in atopic dermatitis. A clinical trial was conducted to determine if indeed Relieva® is efficacious in these patients.

Patients enrolled in this 12 week trial carried out by Global Clinicals Inc. were treated with Relieva®, a topical preparation containing Psorberine in Novasome®, a proprietary liposome formulation. Efficacy and safety was assessed using EASI (Eczema Area and Severity Index), an established index used for evaluating the severity of the signs of atopic dermatitis and a Subject Reported Evaluation of Treatment.
Study results showed significant improvements in Erythema, Infiltration, Excoriation and Lichenification scores. In addition, subjects responding to a post treatment evaluation questionnaire indicated a substantial benefit when rating effectiveness, itching and appearance.

This study indicates that Relieva® is useful in adult patients with atopic dermatitis.

Source: http://www.emediawire.com/releases/2007/11/emw571820.htm

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