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Health Tip
Avoid Triggers for Eczema
February 22, 2010
What may make the skin condition flare The skin condition eczema, characterized by an itchy red rash, may be caused by a host of allergens or irritants.
The Nemours Foundation offers this list of common triggers for eczema:
Allergens such as animal dander, dust, mold or pollen.
Cold, dry winter air, or severe heat.
The Nemours Foundation offers this list of common triggers for eczema:
Allergens such as animal dander, dust, mold or pollen.
Cold, dry winter air, or severe heat.
Cost of Psoriasis Drugs Rising Faster Than Others
January 18, 2010
Increases outpace consumer products as well as other meds, study finds. The cost of treating psoriasis is rising faster than inflation, says a U.S. study, which also found that newer, biologically-derived treatments cost more than traditional systemic therapies.
Newer Drug More Effective in Psoriasis Treatment
January 13, 2010
Stelara tops Enbrel in head-to-head comparison and requires fewer injections, researchers say. The estimated 7.5 million Americans suffering from psoriasis often have to tolerate long-term treatment that may be only moderately effective.
Now, a new drug called ustekinumab (Stelara) appears to be more effective than the old standby, etanercept (Enbrel), according to the results of a head-to-head comparison sponsored by the maker of Stelara.
Now, a new drug called ustekinumab (Stelara) appears to be more effective than the old standby, etanercept (Enbrel), according to the results of a head-to-head comparison sponsored by the maker of Stelara.
Placebo Effect Helps Some Psoriasis Patients
December 30, 2009
Researchers hope to harness mind's reaction to medication. Researchers have long wondered why placebos .
Skin Needs Protection From Winter Weather
December 26, 2009
Use moisturizers every day to help prevent chapping, experts advise. When the air outside is chilly and low on humidity, and the air inside is heated and dry, you have a recipe for chapped skin and cracked lips, dermatologists say.
To prevent scaling, flaking and itching, pay special attention to your skin during the cold months by applying a cream-based moisturizer every day, recommends Dr. Anjali Dahiya, a dermatologist at the Iris Cantor Women's Health Center at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center.
To prevent scaling, flaking and itching, pay special attention to your skin during the cold months by applying a cream-based moisturizer every day, recommends Dr. Anjali Dahiya, a dermatologist at the Iris Cantor Women's Health Center at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center.
Health Tip
Managing Eczema
December 24, 2009
Suggestions to soothe that itchy skin Eczema is a condition that results in red, itchy and scaly patches of skin .
Keep Asthma, Allergies at Bay for the Holidays
December 05, 2009
Take steps to eliminate triggers, experts advise. They're not Scrooges, but people with allergies and asthma can have bad reactions to certain holiday traditions and need to take special steps to prevent sneezing and wheezing, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).
Those who are allergic to live evergreens may choose to decorate with artificial plants, but both live and artificial trees can trigger symptoms, experts say. They offer the following hints to help people avoid allergy and asthma symptoms over the holiday season:
Some allergies are triggered by terpene, which is found in the oil or sap of live evergreen trees, wreaths and garlands.
Those who are allergic to live evergreens may choose to decorate with artificial plants, but both live and artificial trees can trigger symptoms, experts say. They offer the following hints to help people avoid allergy and asthma symptoms over the holiday season:
Some allergies are triggered by terpene, which is found in the oil or sap of live evergreen trees, wreaths and garlands.
Stelara Approved for Psoriasis
September 25, 2009
Helps block overproduction of skin cells Stelara (ustekinumab) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.
Web Is Becoming One-Stop Shopping for Health Help
August 16, 2009
For support, advice or treatment, online interventions now await. People regularly turn to the Internet for games and gossip, news and entertainment, essential information and high weirdness.
And now, apparently, for their health as well.
A number of successful online medical interventions have been reported in recent months, helping folks quit smoking, lower their blood pressure and deal with any number of ailments.
And now, apparently, for their health as well.
A number of successful online medical interventions have been reported in recent months, helping folks quit smoking, lower their blood pressure and deal with any number of ailments.
Scientists Zero In on Elusive 'Allergy Gene'
July 10, 2009
Genetic mutation increases likelihood of eczema and asthma, study finds. A defective gene significantly increases the likelihood of developing such allergic disorders as eczema and asthma, Scottish researchers report.
Reviewing the findings of 24 studies, researchers from the University of Edinburgh concluded that mutations of the filaggrin gene .
Reviewing the findings of 24 studies, researchers from the University of Edinburgh concluded that mutations of the filaggrin gene .
Arthritis Drug Raises Risk of Tuberculosis
July 09, 2009
But researchers still don't know why a certain therapy appears to reactivate latent TB. An arthritis therapy appears to increase the risk of tuberculosis in certain patients, French researchers have found.
Their study examined the connection between TB and two anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other auto-immune diseases .
Their study examined the connection between TB and two anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other auto-immune diseases .
Psoriasis Raises Risk of Heart Attack, Stroke, Death
June 15, 2009
Inflammation looks like common thread, researcher says. People with psoriasis face an increased risk of major cardiovascular disease and death, a new study finds.
The research, which included data from a Veterans Administration medical facility study to compare 3,236 people suffering from the skin disease to 2,500 psoriasis-free individuals, found a 78 percent higher incidence of heart disease, a 70 percent higher incidence of stroke and a 98 percent higher incidence of peripheral arterial disease (blockage of arteries in the legs) in the psoriasis group.
The overall death rate for those with psoriasis was 86 percent higher than for those without the disease.
The research, which included data from a Veterans Administration medical facility study to compare 3,236 people suffering from the skin disease to 2,500 psoriasis-free individuals, found a 78 percent higher incidence of heart disease, a 70 percent higher incidence of stroke and a 98 percent higher incidence of peripheral arterial disease (blockage of arteries in the legs) in the psoriasis group.
The overall death rate for those with psoriasis was 86 percent higher than for those without the disease.
Study Finds Multitude of Bacteria on Human Skin
May 28, 2009
The amount of genetic diversity surprises experts.Should it worry you that there are 19 different species of bacteria living behind your ears?
Not especially, when you consider that there are 44 species thriving right out in the open on your forearm.
This information comes to you from scientists at the U.S.
Not especially, when you consider that there are 44 species thriving right out in the open on your forearm.
This information comes to you from scientists at the U.S.
Online System Could Cut Referrals to Dermatologists
May 20, 2009
Suspect skin conditions evaluated by e-mail may also keep lid on costs, study suggests. Having general practitioners e-mail photos of suspicious moles and other skin conditions to dermatologists could reduce referrals to the skin specialists by more than 20 percent, new research shows.
Using Web-based technologies could be one way of keeping a lid on medical costs, which have been rising as the population in Western countries ages and the demand for referrals to costly specialists increases.
The study appears in the May issue of the Archives of Dermatology.
Using Web-based technologies could be one way of keeping a lid on medical costs, which have been rising as the population in Western countries ages and the demand for referrals to costly specialists increases.
The study appears in the May issue of the Archives of Dermatology.
Molecule in Skin May Link Eczema and Asthma
May 19, 2009
Finding in mice might explain progression from skin to breathing condition. A substance secreted by eczema-damaged skin might trigger asthma in children, U.S. researchers suggest.
Diluted Bleach Baths Ease Kids' Eczema
May 04, 2009
5- to 10-minute soaks, twice a week, prevent painful flare-ups, study finds. Diluted bleach baths offer a safe, simple and inexpensive way of treating children with eczema, U.S. researchers report.
Having Psoriasis Raises Risk of Diabetes, Hypertension
April 20, 2009
Researchers suspect chronic inflammation is common thread among all 3 conditions. A new study lends more credence to a long-suspected connection between psoriasis, diabetes and hypertension.
Researchers reporting in the April issue of the Archives of Dermatology suspect the link may have to do with the chronic inflammation that is associated with all three conditions.
"We were able to prospectively evaluate the risk of diabetes and hypertension in U.
Researchers reporting in the April issue of the Archives of Dermatology suspect the link may have to do with the chronic inflammation that is associated with all three conditions.
"We were able to prospectively evaluate the risk of diabetes and hypertension in U.
New Drug May Help Patients With Psoriatic Arthritis
April 09, 2009
Study shows golimumab improved physical function, eased symptoms. The drug golimumab shows promise in treating psoriatic arthritis, according to a new study. Psoriatic arthritis affects about 11 percent of people with psoriasis.
The University of California, San Diego-led study included 405 patients who still had active psoriatic arthritis after taking anti-rheumatic drugs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
The University of California, San Diego-led study included 405 patients who still had active psoriatic arthritis after taking anti-rheumatic drugs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Psoriasis Drug Raptiva Pulled From U.S. Market
April 09, 2009
Drug manufacturer acts after link found to rare brain infection The troubled psoriasis drug Raptiva is being withdrawn from the U.S. market, California-based drug maker Genentech announced Wednesday.
Low-Dose Acitretin May Reduce Nail Psoriasis
March 17, 2009
Study finds drug for skin condition cuts nail pain, too. Low-dose treatment with a drug used to treat skin psoriasis seems to help reduce nail psoriasis, according to Italian researchers.
As many as 78 percent of people with psoriasis have nail psoriasis, which includes irregular pitting, salmon-colored patches on the nail bed, separation of the nail from the nail bed and reddened and often inflamed borders on the nails.
In the study, University of Bologna researchers evaluated the effect of low-dose acitretin therapy (0.
As many as 78 percent of people with psoriasis have nail psoriasis, which includes irregular pitting, salmon-colored patches on the nail bed, separation of the nail from the nail bed and reddened and often inflamed borders on the nails.
In the study, University of Bologna researchers evaluated the effect of low-dose acitretin therapy (0.
Traditional Chinese Therapy May Help Ease Eczema
March 14, 2009
Teas, acupuncture reduce itching, improve quality of life, study finds. Certain traditional Chinese medicine, including tea and acupuncture, may safely and effectively help treat chronic eczema, a new report finds.
Use of Erka Shizheng Herbal Tea, a bath additive, creams and acupuncture over eight months greatly reduced the severity of the itchy, red skin condition and improved the quality of life of 14 atopic dermatitis (eczema) patients studied by researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. The patients received the treatment at a Manhattan center for natural health.
Use of Erka Shizheng Herbal Tea, a bath additive, creams and acupuncture over eight months greatly reduced the severity of the itchy, red skin condition and improved the quality of life of 14 atopic dermatitis (eczema) patients studied by researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. The patients received the treatment at a Manhattan center for natural health.
FDA Warns Users on Psoriasis Drug
February 19, 2009
Three have died from rare brain infection while taking Raptiva, officials report in health advisory. U.S. health officials issued a public health advisory Thursday for the psoriasis drug Raptiva after confirming that three people using the medication have died.
Drug Reduces Inflammatory Arthritis Symptoms, Lesions
February 12, 2009
Ustekinumab effective for patients who don't respond to current treatments, study finds. The drug ustekinumab shows promise against psoriatic arthritis (PA), according to a study that included patients from 24 sites in Europe and North America.
PA affects about 11 percent of patients with psoriasis, an autoimmune disease that affects the skin and joints. Some patients don't respond to current drug treatments for PA, so researchers are trying to find alternative therapies, according to background information in a news release about the study.
PA affects about 11 percent of patients with psoriasis, an autoimmune disease that affects the skin and joints. Some patients don't respond to current drug treatments for PA, so researchers are trying to find alternative therapies, according to background information in a news release about the study.
Leprosy Drug Holds Promise for Autoimmune Diseases
February 04, 2009
Study says 1890s antibiotic could prove effective in treating MS. A century-old antibiotic used to treat leprosy may prove effective as a treatment for multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases, Johns Hopkins researchers say.
They screened thousands of U.S.
They screened thousands of U.S.
Vectical Ointment Approved for Psoriasis
February 04, 2009
Vitamin D3 is active ingredient Galderma Laboratories' Vectical (calcitriol) ointment has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis in adults, the company said.
With Psoriasis, the Internet May Offer Hope
January 22, 2009
Participants in online support groups cite improved quality of life. People with psoriasis can get valuable educational, psychological and social support from online communities, a U.S. study finds.
FDA Warns of Skin-Numbing Drug Dangers
January 16, 2009
Popular topical anesthetics can cause severe reactions when used improperly, agency says. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Friday warned consumers and health-care providers about serious and life-threatening risks associated with improper use of topical anesthetics available in over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription forms.
Manipulating Key Protein May Prevent Eczema
December 17, 2008
Study might lead to new treatments for itchy skin condition. The discovery of a protein that seems to contribute to the development of eczema may one day lead to preventive treatments for the itchy and often painful skin condition .
Obesity-Related Hormone Tied to Psoriasis
December 15, 2008
Higher leptin levels play role in immune, inflammatory processes, study says. People with psoriasis have higher levels of the obesity-related hormone leptin than those without psoriasis, new research shows.
The Taiwanese study included 77 psoriasis patients and a control group of 81 people without the skin condition.
The researchers gathered health information about the participants and analyzed blood samples for levels of leptin, which helps control food intake, body weight and fat stores.
The Taiwanese study included 77 psoriasis patients and a control group of 81 people without the skin condition.
The researchers gathered health information about the participants and analyzed blood samples for levels of leptin, which helps control food intake, body weight and fat stores.
Dry Skin? Don't Let Winter Win
November 30, 2008
Here are tips for keeping supple in the cold season. Dry winter air can cause your skin to crack, chafe, itch and develop dry patches, but there are a number of things you can do to protect your skin, says Jeff Moore, an instructor of pharmaceutics at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia.
"During cold spells, your skin is constantly bombarded, dried out, and increasingly susceptible to infection," Moore said in a university news release.
"During cold spells, your skin is constantly bombarded, dried out, and increasingly susceptible to infection," Moore said in a university news release.
Itching Not a Less Intense Form of Pain
November 20, 2008
Each are regulated by different molecular mechanisms, scientists show. Pain and itching are regulated by different molecular mechanisms, according to a Washington University study that challenges the long-held belief that itching is a less intense version of the body's response to pain.
Indigo Ointment Benefits Psoriasis Patients
November 18, 2008
Traditional Chinese therapy proved helpful in relieving skin scaling, hardening, study finds. Indigo ointment may benefit patients with plaque-type psoriasis, Taiwanese researchers say.
Kids, Adults React Equally to Allergy Patch Tests
October 21, 2008
But each reacts to different skin allergens, researchers say. Adults and children who have allergy patch tests are equally likely to react to skin allergens, but they tend to react to different types of skin allergens, a new study finds.
Babies Who Eat Fish Lower Eczema Risk
September 26, 2008
Study found doing so before 9 months decreased chances of skin condition by 25%. Babies who start eating fish before the age of 9 months have a lower risk of developing eczema, new research shows.
After Fits and Starts, New Hope for Psoriasis Patients
August 25, 2008
Patches of thick, inflamed skin covered with silvery scales form here and there on the patient's body, often on the elbows, knees, other parts of the legs, scalp, lower back, face, palms, and soles of the feet. They usually itch or feel sore, and the more of the patches there are, generally, the worse the person suffers.
Scientists ID New Genes Tied to Crohn's Disease
June 30, 2008
Number tripled, and they find a link to other conditions such as asthma, diabetes. Researchers have identified 21 new genetic regions implicated in Crohn's disease, bringing to 32 the total number of genes and loci -- regions of the genome typically including one or more genes that are known to increase susceptibility to the disease.
Cats Can Trigger Eczema in Some Infants
June 25, 2008
Babies with a genetic mutation and a cat at home were more likely to develop skin condition before age of 1, study finds
Get in Step With Summer Foot Care
June 21, 2008
Expert sorts myth from fact when it comes to toeing the line on healthy practices.
Traffic Pollution Puts Kids at Higher Allergy Risk
June 19, 2008
Those living closer to busy streets were 50% more likely to develop symptoms.
Dermatologists Release Psoriasis Care Guidelines
May 30, 2008
Biologic use is expected to enhance quality of treatment and patient safety.
Cheaper Earrings More Likely to Contain Nickel
May 17, 2008
But report could not establish safe-limit price as guide for avoiding exposure.
Drug Works Well for Moderate-to-Severe Psoriasis
May 16, 2008
Ustekinumab injections every 3 months a more convenient regimen than current therapies.
New Psoriasis Pill Appears Effective
April 18, 2008
Whether the drug is safe for long-term use hasn't been proved, one expert says.
Researchers Identify New Genetic Links to Psoriasis
April 11, 2008
Discovery of biological pathways could lead to treatments for other autoimmune diseases.
Psoriasis Poses Danger for More Serious Complications
April 03, 2008
At-risk patients need care to avoid heart disease, cancer, task force report says.
Allergy Disorders Linked With Irritable Bowel Syndrome
February 16, 2008
Study also found IBS 2 times more likely in people with depression.
Molecule May Trigger Psoriasis
January 18, 2008
Study in mice offers hope for new treatment of chronic skin disease.
Adult Drug Effective in Treating Psoriasis in Children
January 16, 2008
Etanercept improved symptoms, quality of life for kids with moderate to severe disease.
Breast-Feeding Seems to Protect Against Some Allergies
January 07, 2008
It helps high-risk infants prone to eczema, asthma and food allergies, report suggests.
Severe Psoriasis Linked to Higher Death Risk
December 17, 2007
During 15-year study, chances of dying were 50% higher
Antibacterial Soap Claims Just Don't Wash
August 28, 2007
Consumer products no more effective than plain cleansers at preventing infection, study says
Green Tea May Brew Up Healthier Skin
August 20, 2007
In mouse study, it eased psoriasis as it lowered inflammation
Drug Works Well for Moderate-to-Severe Psoriasis
Ustekinumab injections every 3 months a more convenient regimen than current therapies
May 30, 2008
The drug ustekinumab has been shown to be a very effective initial and long-term treatment for moderate-to-severe psoriasis in two studies published in this week's issue of The Lancet.
Ustekinumab works by binding to two interleukins, proteins produced by the immune system that mediate inflammatory reactions in diseases like psoriasis. The binding stops the interleukins from reaching their specific receptors on the surface of cells.
Ustekinumab works by binding to two interleukins, proteins produced by the immune system that mediate inflammatory reactions in diseases like psoriasis. The binding stops the interleukins from reaching their specific receptors on the surface of cells.
