Two Chemicals Found in Blood Linked to Eczema

The skin condition known as eczema or dermatitis can have a number of causes, but the symptoms of the disease in mild cases are dry, hot and itchy skin. Severe forms of the disease can cause broken or raw and bleeding skin. The disease can either be caused by genetic factors, allergens, or in older people by blood circulatory problems. No cure exists for the skin condition, but it can be easily managed through a variety of treatments.

Steroid creams are often used, but symptoms ca be lessened by dressing in "breathable fabrics," and switching to biological powders can cut down symptoms. Further complications can be reduced or eliminated by not using fabric softeners and placing cotton mitten's over the hands of children can reduce scratching in their sleep. During the waking hours, distraction will reduce scratching and keeping the fingernails short will reduce minor cuts, scratches and irritations. If eczema is caused by allergens, reducing the amount of dust mites and thereby the droppings they leave behind in the home may reduce eczema symptoms.

Scientists working at the Chinese University of Hong Kong attached an "itchometer" to children that measured how many times each child scratched himself while sleeping. The study found that the levels of two specific chemicals in the blood rose in direct portion to the amount of scratching the children did. It is perhaps one of the few conditions making news in modern headlines that is not related to obesity so the patient changing his or her diet will likely have no or little impact. Alternative remedies such as aroma therapy or Chinese herbal applications exits, but should not be used until a dermatologist is consulted.

The chemicals brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and another cryptically named chemical called substance p were somehow connected to the itchy sensations. British scientists and others around the world will hope that the study which is the first to confirm the link between eczema and two body chemicals will help determine the exact cause of the illness.

People who currently suffer from the itchy skin condition often take steroids to help control the condition. Eczema patients are often kept up by night by the itchy skin patches the disease generates and approximately one out of every ten children is known to suffer from it. Children being kept awake can in turn take its toll on other members of the family in the amount and quality of sleep received by other family members.

Sources:

http://www.eczema.org/

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6962450.stm