Care for your feet – they are the only ones you have.

Can you imagine life without your feet?

Our feet are the most used part of our body but few of us take proper care of them as we should.  The feet are prone to many problems – not the least of these are skin conditions such as athletes foot, corns and eczema.

“Feet are often neglected but are extremely good indicators to what is going on in the rest of the body,” says podiatric surgeon Michael O’Neill.  Ailments such as circulatory problems, diabetes and skin problems can all be determined by just looking at the feet.

Care For Your Feet And Avoid Problems

Not looking after our feet can cause both short and long-term problems.  Not drying our feet properly after washing, wearing synthetic socks and closed shoes on a hot day and allowing our feet to remain sweaty will all potentially lead to the skin becoming fragile and unhealthy with eczema and dermatitis often the end result.

Psoriasis can also be evident in the feet as the toenails may often become ridged or pitted.   Joint pain or distortion, or collapse of the foot arch may also be an early indication that psoriatic arthritis is developing especially if the person already suffers from psoriasis.

Extra Care For Eczema Sufferers

We need to care for our feet especially if we are allergy prone or suffer from a skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis.

•    Wear shoes that will allow the skin to breathe.  Open shoes are best.
•    Wear cotton socks in preference to wool or synthetic, as they are less likely to irritate the skin.
•    Wash sweat off as soon as possible and ensure the feet are dried thoroughly.
•    Apply a moisturizer regularly to prevent the skin from drying out and becoming rough.
•    Try alternating shoes each day so that wet or moist shoes do not need to be worn.

Treating Foot Eczema and Psoriasis – Mel’s Recommendations

If you suffer from eczema or psoriasis of the feet it is very uncomfortable and often restricts your daily activities.  Regular and effective treatment is therefore important.

I recommend that the feet be soaked in a tub of warm water (not hot) at the end of each day.  Add a few drops of Grahams Bath Oil to the water and allow the feet to soak for 10 -15 minutes.  Gently pat the feet dry and then apply Calendulis Plus Cream to the feet.  Applying the cream after the soaking is the most effective as this is when the skin is at its softest and is most receptive to the effects of the cream.

If possible apply a moisturizer during the day and if the itching or irritation persists during the day apply the Calendulis Plus Cream up to 4 times a day.

Chronic, inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis cause an itchy rash and considerable discomfort which is often difficult to treat.

The difficulty comes in their individuality.  Eczema is a familial condition that is usually triggered by allergy.  It causes the skin to become dry, red, flaky, inflamed and very itchy.

Psoriasis on the other hand is the result of an overproduction of skin cells causing patches of thick, silvery scales that flake off revealing sore, red, raw skin that bleeds easily.

Whilst both eczema and psoriasis are different conditions they are similar in that their treatments are often the same and they are both difficult to control.

Eczema and Psoriasis Are Very Individual

Both eczema and psoriasis are very individual conditions where everyone experiences slightly different symptoms that are triggered by any number of factors.  Similarly they are difficult to treat because there is no single treatment for either that will help everyone.  It is a matter of trial and error finding the best cream to help each individual.

It can be a long, frustrating and expensive process searching for the treatment that best suits the individual.  This process can be made easier by following some simple rules.

So How Do You Know What Cream To Buy?

• Always look at the ingredients. All ingredients should be listed.  Ensure the ingredients are ones you are familiar with and can use.

• Check there is a preservative listed.  Natural eczema and psoriasis creams made from herbs need a preservative to enable them to have a shelf life.  Avoid products that do not list their preservative as you do not know what they have used.

• Avoid products that claim to cure your condition.  There is no cure for eczema or psoriasis.  Products that claim to cure eczema or psoriasis are misleading you with false representations.

• Avoid products with artificial colourings or perfumes as they are more likely to cause a reaction.

• Be aware that products containing essential oils and alcohol may be more prone to irritate the skin.

Other Things To Consider

• Treating eczema or psoriasis is a matter of trial and error.  If you find a natural product that you want to trial buy the smallest container available first to see if it suits your skin.

• Always patch test a product being used for the first time on an unaffected area of skin before using it on the affected areas.

• When using a cream for the first time it is a good idea to use it on one area (ie one arm) for a week or two.  This way you can compare its effects on your skin and your eczema/psoriasis by comparing that area to the rest of your body.  Also if a cream does not suit your skin and causes your skin to worsen it is better to find out on a small area rather than on the whole body.

• There is no cure for eczema or psoriasis.  If the cream you are using stops working when you stop using it, it does not mean that the cream does not work it simply means that it needs to be reapplied.  Its effect is wearing off.  (Similar to how paracetamol controls pain for a short period of time but not permanently unless used repeatedly).

• Eczema and psoriasis require constant attention to be kept under control.  Whilst choosing the right creams for your skin are important adhering to your treatment regime is equally as important. Success of a treatment will often depend on how compliant the patient is with following the instructions.  Dr Steven Feldman, M.D., from Wake Forest University School of Medicine wrote in an issue of Archives of Dermatology “non-compliance can explain why some skin conditions may seem resistant to treatment.”

• The time frame for when a new treatment will be effective will vary from person to person and product to product. Treatments need to be used for several days before they can safely be ruled out as ineffective.

• A person’s lifestyle needs to be considered.  Some people find applying creams several times a day difficult but are able to take oral medication without any trouble.  Others find that treatments applied only at bath time or bedtime are easiest to comply with.

Finding an eczema or psoriasis treatment that suits you is a matter of trial and error.  Don’t be discouraged if the first cream you try doesn’t give you the results you are looking for.

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that is dry, red and itchy.  It is usually treated with topical creams, traditionally steroids but more recently natural products that are less harmful to the skin.

Aside from the topical creams there are lots of things you can do to help control eczema.  One of the least thought of is exercise.

That’s right!

Exercise Helps Eczema

Stress commonly causes an eczema flare up.  Exercise helps to balance the mind and reduce stress.  The type of exercise to best help eczema is individual but in general a structured cardio workout like interval training, running or cycling is best.

If there is a lot of pent up anger or stress a more vigorous workout like kick boxing may be more beneficial but only if the end result leaves you feeling calmer not angrier.  Also contact exercise needs to be monitored to ensure there is no further damage to the skin.

Less energetic exercising like walking or gardening are also very beneficial in controlling eczema as they are a great form of stress release.

Yoga, meditation and swimming are a great form of release for people who are consistently uptight as they focus on breathing and body control.

Always shower after exercise to wash away sweat or chlorine as both may irritate sensitive skin if not removed.  And remember to moisturize and apply treating creams after exercise.

Exercise helps to control weight and reduce stress.  It also releases endorphins which make you feel good about yourself.  All positive ways to help manage your eczema.

I’ve said it a million times: “Cotton is best”. This is especially so for underwear.

Young girls with sensitive skin getting their first bra should look for an all cotton bra – no lace, no lycra, no cotton blends. Also avoid a bra with seams across the cup. This is not as easy as it sounds especially when looking for a pretty bra or a sporty bra.

Similarly underpants should be all cotton and preferably loose fitting. Boxers are great! These days most boys are more than happy to wear boxers (usually hanging out over their jeans) but girls are a little more reluctant. Try buying undies that are a size too big so the elastic won’t cut in and with a fuller backside so they don’t ride up and irritate.

The less irritation caused the less chance of an eczema flare up occurring. This is particularly important in those sensitive areas. Some wise shopping now may reduce the risk of uncomfortable itchy skin later.

Itching and eczema. They seem to go hand in hand, but it’s not just an itch.  It’s an unbearable itch that you just have to scratch…and scratch…and scratch.

The problem is that the more you scratch the itchier it becomes, leading to a vicious cycle known as the scratch itch cycle.

The cause of the scratch itch cycle may be anything ranging from an insect bite, an allergic reaction, tight clothing or dry skin.  Stress and tension will increase the itch.

The nerves at the site of the itch tell the brain that there is an irritation or itch and so you rub or scratch the skin.  This causes small bumps to form on the skin, which are even itchier.  The nerves tell the brain that you have a bigger itch so you scratch more.  And so it goes on until you have unbearable itching and constant scratching.

The end result is thickened skin that is red, sore and broken, leaving it open to potential infection.  The scratching often becomes a habit that may continue after the cause has been removed.

To control the itching, the habit must be ceased for the cycle to be broken.  In very severe cases an oral antihistamine may be required to ease the cycle.  However, often just a conscious effort not to scratch and the application of emollients will ease the itch and sooth the skin sufficiently to allow it to heal.

Is an itchy scalp driving you crazy?

You may have Psoriasis of the scalp.

Conditions affecting the scalp are often given the prefix of seborrheic to classify their location.  Hence Psoriasis of the scalp is often referred to as seborrheic psoriasis. This term refers to the location of the psoriasis rather than the type of psoriasis.

90% of psoriasis sufferers will have Plaque Psoriasis and it will usually affect the scalp.  Unlike eczema, psoriasis is rare in young children and usually strikes in the teen or early adult years.

Plaque psoriasis appears as a well defined rash with very thick white scales that are often very firmly attached to the hair. The borders of each patch are well defined and small points of bleeding will occur if the scales are picked off.  Each individual patch may come and go but it is more common for them to be present for years.

Rarely affects the face

The psoriasis may cover a small area at the back of the head or upper neck or it may involve the whole scalp. This type of psoriasis may spread onto the forehead and into the ears however the face is rarely affected.

Although hair loss is not generally caused by seborrheic psoriasis the hair is usually thinner in the affected areas.

The typical appearance of plaque psoriasis is the basis for diagnosis however seborrheic psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff) are often confused and even with biopsy may be difficult to tell apart. Doctors may refer to the rash as “seborrhiasis” if they are unable to separate the two conditions.

What to do

Although not the cause of psoriasis, hair care treatments will often exacerbate the condition.  It is therefore important to use shampoos and conditioners that are designed for sensitive skin and are free from Sodium Lauryl Sulphate and Propolene Glycol – the two main ingredients that people are sensitive to and may trigger a flare up.

It is reasonable also to expect that the use of any harsh chemicals on the scalp will worsen the psoriasis.  Perms and dyes are therefore best avoided.

One of the most natural treatments for psoriasis is vitamin D.  Exposure to sunlight will also help to control psoriasis of the scalp – remembering of course to protect from the dangers of sunlight that we know so well.

Eczema is more than skin deep.  Just ask anyone who suffers from the condition.

People who suffer form eczema have dry, red blotches on their skin.  They look different, and they feel different.  But it is not necessary for them to be treated differently.

It is however an unfortunate way of our society that people who look different are treated differently and are often made to feel alienated.

They are bullied.

A 2008 international survey backed by the National Eczema Society of the UK and global patient support groups looked at the emotional effects of eczema. Any one who has suffered from eczema or lived with someone who does, knows of the emotional pain the condition causes.

In the study, ISOLATE (International Study Of Life with Atopic Eczema) interviewed 2000 people from eight countries (France, Germany, Spain, Mexico, the Netherlands, Poland, UK and US) who suffered from moderate to severe eczema.  It is the largest and most comprehensive study of its kind ever conducted and supported by international patient associations and physicians.

27% of eczema sufferers have experienced bullying

The survey revealed that people with eczema generally experience isolation, depression, segregation and bullying as a direct result of their eczema.  In fact no less than 27% of eczema sufferers have experienced bullying as a result of their unsightly skin.  10% of eczema sufferers also feel they have suffered discrimination at work due to their condition.

More than a minor inconvenience

Most people think of eczema as a minor inconvenience but for those with the condition it is far more than this.  Over half of the people surveyed said they experienced bouts of depression as a result of their eczema.

Surprisingly only 26% of those surveyed had experienced any form of advice from their physician regarding the emotional aspects of the disease despite it obviously being a major concern for those with the condition.

75% of those surveyed said that the single most important improvement to their life would be to be able to control their eczema effectively.  This in itself indicates the desperation of many eczema sufferers yet it is an area which is regarded with little importance.

Margaret Cox, Chief Executive of the National Eczema Society in the UK said: “Eczema is sometimes dismissed as a minor irritation, but this survey clearly demonstrates the suffering experienced by millions of people in all aspects of their everyday lives.  It is hard to appreciate the misery that eczema can cause unless you, or a member of your family, have the disease.  Even doctors may not fully appreciate the psychological and emotional burden faced by patients who have to live with this distressing condition.”

Bullying can affect any one at any age

Bullying can affect any one at any age, and in any environment.  It is a behaviour that is definitely not acceptable yet we see it occurring regularly and repeatedly.  Greater public awareness of eczema is required to help bring this problem under control.  More emotional and psychological support is also a must to help the sufferers of eczema make the most of their day and improve the quality of their lives.

When I was a baby, mother’s routinely took their babies to the clinic to have their routine vaccinations.

When I was a baby Whooping Cough was almost non existent.

Today many mothers question the benefits of immunizations and decide not to have their babies immunized.

Today it is not uncommon to hear of a child having Whooping Cough.

Whooping Cough Can Kill

Whooping Cough can kill and it is not the only preventable disease that is reappearing in our society. I dread the day that I hear of a child having contracted Polio.

So why don’t parents routinely immunize their children anymore?

Details of a recent study looking at child immunization which was carried out by German Researchers were published in the German Medical Journal, Deutsches Arzteblatt International.

The researchers were concerned that whilst vaccinations are amongst the most effective and important form of medicine available to us today many parents and some doctors were opting to not have children vaccinated.

“In spite of all this, some parents and doctors have reservations against vaccinations.  The fear is  that vaccinations overburden, stress or weaken a child’s immune system and may therefore cause harm.

“As a result they think that vaccinated children are more prone to falling ill than non-vaccinated children.  In addition, vaccinations are deemed to be responsible for the occurrence of increased incidence of other diseases, including chronic diseases,” they noted.

Vaccinations are safe

Vaccinations are a safe efficient form of preventative treatment.  They do not increase the risk of children developing infectious or allergic illnesses such as eczema, gastrointestinal infections and bronchitis.

The study analysed data from 13 453 children aged between one and 17 and compared the occurrence of infections and allergies in vaccinated and unvaccinated children.

Results were not surprising:

* Vaccinated children are less likely to develop diseases they have been vaccinated against (i.e. measles, mumps, whooping cough).
* Unvaccinated children are more likely to develop measles, mumps and whooping cough
* Both vaccinated and unvaccinated children develop infections and allergic conditions at a similar level.
* The prevalence of atopic (allergic) conditions like eczema is more common in older children but this prevalence does not depend on the child’s vaccinated status.

The researchers concluded “The prevalence of allergic diseases and non-specific infections in children and adolescents was not found to depend on vaccination status,”

Regardless of the type of emollient you choose to use there are some common rules that if followed will enable you to gain the most benefit from your emollient.

• To reduce the risk of infection always wash your hands before applying your emollient.
• Always patch test an emollient that is being used for the first time.
• To prevent the skin drying out apply your emollient immediately after drying the skin.
• To minimize skin irritation and increased itching always rub emollients in the direction of the hair growth.
• To decrease the risk of cross infection, never share your emollient with other people.
• To moisturize your skin overnight, apply an emollient to your whole body before going to bed.
• To minimize skin irritation, apply moisturizing creams gently.
• Always follow the manufacturers instructions.

This is a question I often get asked and unfortunately there is no straightforward answer.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease causing an overproduction of skin cells.  This results in thickened patches of skin, which are red and scaly and often itchy and painful.  The patches most commonly appear on the knees, elbows, scalp, hands, feet, back, fingernails and toenails.  The condition may also lead to arthritis.

Treatment options range from topical emollients and vitamin D therapy through to powerful systemic medications.  The treatment of psoriasis is very individualized, meaning what works well for one person may have a negative or no effect on another. Similarly, the effects of various foods will have varying effects on each individual’s psoriasis.

Diet Does Help

Whilst many psoriasis sufferers have long claimed that certain foods affect their psoriasis, it is only recently that doctors and specialists have come to consider the diet when treating psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a condition affecting the immune system.  A diet that focuses on a healthy immune system is therefore desirable, as it will help to reduce inflammation.  While there are no set rules that will guarantee to improve your psoriasis, there are some guidelines now available that will help.

Psoriasis may be helped by a diet high in antioxidants, which are nutrients that play a vital role in cellular health.  Natural antioxidants found in fruit and vegetables are better than supplements.

A gluten free diet has also been found to help some people with psoriasis.  This involves excluding all foods containing wheat, barley, rye and oats.

A diet high in probiotics may also improve the immune system and in turn reduce psoriasis symptoms.  Probiotics are foods high in good bacteria.  We all have bacteria in our intestines and for most the good outnumber the bad.  Ensuring you have more good bacteria than bad bacteria will improve the immune system and decrease the symptoms of psoriasis.  Yogurts and some milks with added live cultures will do this.

A healthy diet can also help to maintain a balance of bacteria in the intestines.  A diet high in fruit and vegetables, whole grains and beans and low in simple sugars will help to maintain this balance and a healthy immune system.

Omega 3 Has Amazing Effects On Psoriasis

Modifying your fat intake is one of the best dietary ways to control your psoriasis.  Increasing the essential fatty acid Omega 3 in your diet may help.  Omega 3 is responsible for the inflammatory process in the body. Today’s modern diet has many of us consuming very small amounts  (if any at all) of Omega 3.

Increasing the amount of fish oils, flaxseed oil and nuts in our diets will help, but in reality a dietary supplement will probably be needed for the omega 3 to have a positive effect on psoriasis.

There are many supplements available in health stores that are high in omega 3.  The Grahams Mega Oil is a dietary oil supplement designed specifically for this purpose.  Not only is it high in omega 3, but it also has a calculated ration of omegas 3, 6 and 9 that will enhance the immune system and decrease inflammation even more than omega 3 on its own.

Adopt A Healthy Diet And Control Your Psoriasis

In summary, adopting a healthy diet high in fruit and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds and omega 3 supplements is what we should all be doing.  It will not only help to reduce the symptoms of psoriasis, but may also help to reduce the risk of other medical problems like heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, kidney problems, Attention Deficit Disorder and many others.