GARDENERS are putting their green fingers at risk of serious skin disease, research has revealed.
A study of the borough’s gardeners and growers found that despite more than a quarter (28%) suffering from skin conditions such as hand eczema, more than two-thirds (68%) admitted failing to protect their hands adequately in the garden.
The research revealed skin problems were so serious in 69% of those surveyed that
they had sought professional medical treatment, with more than one in 10 (15%)
being forced to stop gardening because their condition was chronic.
Only 32% of those questioned always wear gloves to safeguard their hands from potentially dangerous plants and chemicals, yet 19% admitted certain plants caused skin problems. Seemingly harmless flowers such as chrysanthemums, tulips and Alstromeria can be a trigger for hand eczema or hand dermatitis, as can the
drying effect of the soil.
The research was carried out by www.myhandeczema.co.uk to raise awareness of skin problems among the 41 million people in the UK who have access to a garden.
Tuesday, 29 November 2011
What is Eczema?
Eczema, or dermatitis, is a skin condition that affects all age groups. In mild forms the inflamed skin is dry, hot and itchy, whilst in more severe forms the skin can become broken, raw and bleeding. It is not contagious.
Types of Eczema
There are a number of different types of eczema; determining which one applies to you is the key to treating it.
atopic eczema – this common eczema is linked with asthma and hayfever and usually runs in families how to spot it – itchy, dry, red and inflamed skin. If infected may crack and weep.
contact dermatitis – something that comes into contact with the skin irritates it or causes an allergic reaction how to spot it – dry, inflamed skin where the irritating substance has had contact, often on the hands how to treat it – avoid contact with irritating substance common offenders – certain metals, chemicals, toiletries, perfumes and detergents.
adult seborrhoeic eczema – characteristically affects adults between the ages of 20 and 40 how to spot it – it is usually seen on the scalp as mild dandruff, but can spread to the face, ears and chest. The skin becomes red, inflamed and starts to flake. what causes it – the condition is believed to be caused by a yeast growth.
Consult a naturopath or herbalist for an appropriate anti-fungal dietary programme; typically avoiding sugar and taking prescribed anti-fungal herbs and supplements.
varicose eczema – varicose eczema affects the lower legs of those in their middle to late years who suffer from varicose veins. Commonly the skin around the ankles is affected, becoming speckled, itchy and inflamed. what causes it – poor circulation how to treat it – prevention is preferable to cure. Make sure you get plenty of bioflavanoids in your diet (from citrus peel, peppers, blackberries and apricots) or take a supplement of bioflavanoids with vitamin C and essential fatty acids which stimulate circulation.
discoid eczema - usually found in adults how to spot it – appears suddenly as a few coin shaped areas of red skin, normally on the trunk or lower legs. They can become itchy and can weep fluid. what causes it – may be triggered by an infection, bite or sting.
Can it be cured
No, but Eczema will, in most cases, clear up over time. Some sufferers will require treatment, for others it may seem to go away of their own accord or as they grow out of it. However most adult sufferers will find their skin remains sensitive and they may have a predisposition to flare ups throughout their life. Avoid caustic detergents (foaming agents) such as sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) found in most commercial shampoos, shower gels, face washes and bubble baths. Products containing petrochemicals (eg mineral oil, petrolatum, petroleum, propylene glycol, paraffinum liquidum) used over time can congest skin and trigger inflammation and eczema flare ups. Use skincare products and body oils made from pure plant oils instead. Artificial colour and fragrance in products are a common irritant that trigger sensitivities. Some essential oils may also trigger a reaction. Be aware that chemicals and substances in your environment can affect your skin. Use a mild washing powder, wear natural materials next to your skin and don’t let your skin come into contact with household chemicals.
Atopic eczema is often linked with asthma and hayfever so reduce exposure to dust mites, pollen and mold.
Note – It’s important that any natural approaches you choose are not seen as an alternative to consulting your doctor but as a complement to an agreed medical treatment plan.
Types of Eczema
There are a number of different types of eczema; determining which one applies to you is the key to treating it.
atopic eczema – this common eczema is linked with asthma and hayfever and usually runs in families how to spot it – itchy, dry, red and inflamed skin. If infected may crack and weep.
contact dermatitis – something that comes into contact with the skin irritates it or causes an allergic reaction how to spot it – dry, inflamed skin where the irritating substance has had contact, often on the hands how to treat it – avoid contact with irritating substance common offenders – certain metals, chemicals, toiletries, perfumes and detergents.
adult seborrhoeic eczema – characteristically affects adults between the ages of 20 and 40 how to spot it – it is usually seen on the scalp as mild dandruff, but can spread to the face, ears and chest. The skin becomes red, inflamed and starts to flake. what causes it – the condition is believed to be caused by a yeast growth.
Consult a naturopath or herbalist for an appropriate anti-fungal dietary programme; typically avoiding sugar and taking prescribed anti-fungal herbs and supplements.
varicose eczema – varicose eczema affects the lower legs of those in their middle to late years who suffer from varicose veins. Commonly the skin around the ankles is affected, becoming speckled, itchy and inflamed. what causes it – poor circulation how to treat it – prevention is preferable to cure. Make sure you get plenty of bioflavanoids in your diet (from citrus peel, peppers, blackberries and apricots) or take a supplement of bioflavanoids with vitamin C and essential fatty acids which stimulate circulation.
discoid eczema - usually found in adults how to spot it – appears suddenly as a few coin shaped areas of red skin, normally on the trunk or lower legs. They can become itchy and can weep fluid. what causes it – may be triggered by an infection, bite or sting.
Can it be cured
No, but Eczema will, in most cases, clear up over time. Some sufferers will require treatment, for others it may seem to go away of their own accord or as they grow out of it. However most adult sufferers will find their skin remains sensitive and they may have a predisposition to flare ups throughout their life. Avoid caustic detergents (foaming agents) such as sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) found in most commercial shampoos, shower gels, face washes and bubble baths. Products containing petrochemicals (eg mineral oil, petrolatum, petroleum, propylene glycol, paraffinum liquidum) used over time can congest skin and trigger inflammation and eczema flare ups. Use skincare products and body oils made from pure plant oils instead. Artificial colour and fragrance in products are a common irritant that trigger sensitivities. Some essential oils may also trigger a reaction. Be aware that chemicals and substances in your environment can affect your skin. Use a mild washing powder, wear natural materials next to your skin and don’t let your skin come into contact with household chemicals.
Atopic eczema is often linked with asthma and hayfever so reduce exposure to dust mites, pollen and mold.
Note – It’s important that any natural approaches you choose are not seen as an alternative to consulting your doctor but as a complement to an agreed medical treatment plan.
Organic beauty products mired in myth and confusion
Leading beauty journalist Alice Hart-Davis claims organic and natural beauty products are mired in “myth and confusion”.
Writing in the Daily Mail, Hart-Davis cites a current US lawsuit in which 26 leading natural and organic brands are accused of falsely labelling products as organic — under Californian law personal care products sold as ‘organic’ must contain at least 70% organically produced ingredients (excluding water and salt).
In Britain, points out Hart-Davis, no such laws for personal care and beauty products exist, leaving consumers struggling to understand a raft of claims, standards and logos. This legal grey area allows “companies to describe a product as organic even if it contains only tiny amounts of organic ingredients”.
Those customers who look for evidence of organic certification are likely to find themselves even more confused, claims Hart-Davis. With such a wide variance of requirements — the Soil Association organic health and beauty standard requires a minimum of 70% organic ingredients while Ecocert sets a 10% organic ingredients requirement — and five different certifiers, making informed choices is made unnecessarily difficult, she says.
Hart-Davis writes: “As a beauty writer, I think this situation is ridiculous. It is madness that a product can be decreed ‘organic’ by one organisation yet not meet another certification body’s standards. It is confusing for buyers and makes the whole organic arena an easy target for cynics.
From an article in Natural Products newsletter Aug 9th
Writing in the Daily Mail, Hart-Davis cites a current US lawsuit in which 26 leading natural and organic brands are accused of falsely labelling products as organic — under Californian law personal care products sold as ‘organic’ must contain at least 70% organically produced ingredients (excluding water and salt).
In Britain, points out Hart-Davis, no such laws for personal care and beauty products exist, leaving consumers struggling to understand a raft of claims, standards and logos. This legal grey area allows “companies to describe a product as organic even if it contains only tiny amounts of organic ingredients”.
Those customers who look for evidence of organic certification are likely to find themselves even more confused, claims Hart-Davis. With such a wide variance of requirements — the Soil Association organic health and beauty standard requires a minimum of 70% organic ingredients while Ecocert sets a 10% organic ingredients requirement — and five different certifiers, making informed choices is made unnecessarily difficult, she says.
Hart-Davis writes: “As a beauty writer, I think this situation is ridiculous. It is madness that a product can be decreed ‘organic’ by one organisation yet not meet another certification body’s standards. It is confusing for buyers and makes the whole organic arena an easy target for cynics.
From an article in Natural Products newsletter Aug 9th
As cool winds blow, psoriasis flares
As the days of summer give way to cool autumn breezes, most folks many skin suffers breathe a sigh of relief. But this may not be the case if you suffer from psoriasis a chronic condition affecting the skin and joints of upwards of 4.5 million adults in Amercia and 2% of the population in the UK, as well as many children.
Indeed, as autumn rushers in colder air and we start to put the heating on and cover our bodies with warmer clothes, psoriasis can worsen -sometimes inviting more of the dry, scaly, itchy red patches associated with this condition to develop.
Psoriasis most commonly appears on the scalp, knees, elbows, and torso but can develop more readily in areas where skin is traumatized or ‘broken’ anything that causes that to happen -like cool, dry air can also exacerbate the disease. We live in homes with double glazing so that our houses are well insulated and our air is dry and warm which can effect our skin leaving it dry and dehydrated.
According to the National psoriasis Foundation, this irritating skin condition comes in several different forms with varying levels of severity. In nearly all
cases, however, it begins when the normal system of cell turnover goes awry.
Normally the top layer of skin makes itself over every 28 to 30 days, the old cells are microscopically shed, while the new ones take their place. In psoriasis, however,
this natural process is sped up dramatically, cells can turn over as quickly as every two to three days. The old cells don’t shed off normally and new cells multiply so quickly they stick together and form lesions called patches or plaques. In the most common form of this condition, the end result can be dry, scaly, red, and sometimes
itchy patches of skin. And the drier your skin gets, the worse the patches can look and feel.
Continued use of a good penetrating moisturizer, as well a bath oil, is absolutely vital to controlling psoriasis in any weather, but particularly during cold weather.
Always apply a moisturiser as often as possible, particularly after bathing.
Have a look at our website www.pureandgentle.com for moisturisers and bath oil that are kind to your skin.
Indeed, as autumn rushers in colder air and we start to put the heating on and cover our bodies with warmer clothes, psoriasis can worsen -sometimes inviting more of the dry, scaly, itchy red patches associated with this condition to develop.
Psoriasis most commonly appears on the scalp, knees, elbows, and torso but can develop more readily in areas where skin is traumatized or ‘broken’ anything that causes that to happen -like cool, dry air can also exacerbate the disease. We live in homes with double glazing so that our houses are well insulated and our air is dry and warm which can effect our skin leaving it dry and dehydrated.
According to the National psoriasis Foundation, this irritating skin condition comes in several different forms with varying levels of severity. In nearly all
cases, however, it begins when the normal system of cell turnover goes awry.
Normally the top layer of skin makes itself over every 28 to 30 days, the old cells are microscopically shed, while the new ones take their place. In psoriasis, however,
this natural process is sped up dramatically, cells can turn over as quickly as every two to three days. The old cells don’t shed off normally and new cells multiply so quickly they stick together and form lesions called patches or plaques. In the most common form of this condition, the end result can be dry, scaly, red, and sometimes
itchy patches of skin. And the drier your skin gets, the worse the patches can look and feel.
Continued use of a good penetrating moisturizer, as well a bath oil, is absolutely vital to controlling psoriasis in any weather, but particularly during cold weather.
Always apply a moisturiser as often as possible, particularly after bathing.
Have a look at our website www.pureandgentle.com for moisturisers and bath oil that are kind to your skin.
Star sufferers put Psoriasis in the spotlight
The recent news that Kim Kardashian suffers from psoriasis, has drawn attention to the common skin condition. It is estimated that in the UK suffer from this skin irritation that can cause painful red marks and blothes to appear on the skin. This visible appearance of psoriasis has meant a degree of stigma has been attached to the condition in recent years, despite the large number of people who are affected by it. The media went crazy when Kim announced on her show she had psoriasis and we all saw how this affected her. The media spotlight has highlighted the fact that the incurable disease can be greatly soothed by products with intense moisturising properties after Kim revealed she had concerns about the impact the diagonsis may have on her public image. She emphasised the ways in which millions of people who are affected by psoriasis worldwide can find a degree of relief in skin sensitive and moisturising products. As the skin is inflamed and sore the most calming treatments must have a mild formulation with no harsh ingredients that could cause the skin to react further.
At pureandgentle.com we have a selection of natural and active products for all many skin conditions including psoriasis. We have loads of information on the site too!
At pureandgentle.com we have a selection of natural and active products for all many skin conditions including psoriasis. We have loads of information on the site too!
Eczema and Pregnancy
Eczema may get better or worse during pregnancy, or you may develop it for the first time. Treatment for you is essentially the same as for anyone else, with regular moisturising as a daily routine, plus topical steriods prescribed by your GP when you need them.
Therapy for eczema in pregnancy
1. Emollients
This is the most important treatment for your skin. Using a moisturiser regularly and liberally should help to minimise the need to look to other treatments. Choose an emollient (moisturiser) which suits the changes in your skin caused by pregnancy. Try to find one that has not got any parabens, sls etc.
2. Topical Steroids
You may want to use as little medicines as possible during pregnancy, including steroid creams. But if your eczema is troublesome you should consult your doctor for treatment.
3. Narrowband Ultraviolet B
This is sometimes used during pregnancy when topical steroids fail to manage the condition. Ultraviolet B is also safe while breast-feeding.
4. Antihistamines
Some people with eczema seem to benefit from using antihistamines, especially if they have hay fever as well. Consult your GP about this.
This has been adapted from a paper from the Nottingham University Hospital but we advise that you should speak to your doctor if you have any concerns.
Therapy for eczema in pregnancy
1. Emollients
This is the most important treatment for your skin. Using a moisturiser regularly and liberally should help to minimise the need to look to other treatments. Choose an emollient (moisturiser) which suits the changes in your skin caused by pregnancy. Try to find one that has not got any parabens, sls etc.
2. Topical Steroids
You may want to use as little medicines as possible during pregnancy, including steroid creams. But if your eczema is troublesome you should consult your doctor for treatment.
3. Narrowband Ultraviolet B
This is sometimes used during pregnancy when topical steroids fail to manage the condition. Ultraviolet B is also safe while breast-feeding.
4. Antihistamines
Some people with eczema seem to benefit from using antihistamines, especially if they have hay fever as well. Consult your GP about this.
This has been adapted from a paper from the Nottingham University Hospital but we advise that you should speak to your doctor if you have any concerns.
Dealing with Rosacea
Rosacea is a common rash, found on the central part of the face, a tendency to flush
easily is followed by persistent redness on the cheeks, chin, forehead and nose, and by crops of small inflamed red bumps and pus spots. The face becomes flushed and red and typically feels itchy and burning. In some cases the rash becomes permanent, leaving the skin red. When the nose is affected, particularly in older men, the skin becomes thickened, swollen and purple, a condition called rhinophyma.
The skin of the face feels sensitive, and can burn or sting. Flushing (the face becomes bright red) adds to the embarrassment caused by the rash. Up to one in ten people may have rosacea. Although it can appear for the first time at any age, it more commonly appears between the ages of 30 and 55, with women more often affected than men. It can run in families.
The cause of rosacea is not fully understood, but many think that the defect lies in the blood vessels in the skin of the face, which dilate too easily. Rosacea is more common in women than in men, and in those with a fair skin who flush easily (this is definitely me as I have always flushed easily and still do!). Many things seem to make rosacea worse, but probably do not cause it in the first place, they include alcohol, too much exercise, both high and low temperatures, hot spicy foods, stress, and sunlight. Things that stir up one person’s rosacea may well have no effect at all on the rosacea of someone else.
I got diagonosed 4 years ago with Rosacea and I know all to well how it effects me when I have a flare up and how it doesn't just affect my skin with how it looks but how it effects my self-confidence and self-esteem. You get funny looks or people say have you got a cold or think you must be a drinker as your cheeks are flushed and your nose is red and mockled looking. I especially hate this time of year as you are constantly going from cold temperature to hot temperatures whether its Christmas shopping in those hot shops or running in and out of your house or work. My cheeks tingle and feel irritated and itchy. My nose I want to scratch and rub but it is too sore soemtimes to touch. I apply non-irritating skin-care products, and protect my skin from sun exposure using a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. At leasty being a woman I can hide some of the redness with cosmetics, Green makeup or green-tinted foundations can be used to counter redness and followed by a skin-tone foundation with natural yellow tones, avoiding those with pink or orange hues.
Here are a few tips that might help as unfortunately there is no cure for rosacea, but it can usually be effectively controlled if you are aware of several external influences that may aggravate the skin.
• Protect your skin from the sun by using a sun block on your face every day (at least SPF15) even on shady days.
• Do not rub or scrub your face as this can make rosacea worse.
• Consider the lifestyle factors that can stir up rosacea. Learn which worsen your rosacea and avoid them. A written record of your flare-ups may help here.
• Cosmetics can often cover up rosacea effectively. Certain skin care products - Avoid using wrinkle creams, cleansers containing alcohol, exfoliating/abrasive cleansers.
• If your eyes are giving problems, do not ignore these - consult your doctor.
• Temperature extremes - Heat is a major cause of flare ups, so avoid hot baths and showers, dress in cool, lightweight clothing (avoid woollens completely).
• Hot drinks - Tea and coffee particularly, but any hot drink bring on flushing.
• Spicy foods - Avoid Chillies, curries, pickles, mustard and horseradish.
• Alcohol - Even a few sips can affect some people.
Over the coming weeks I will write some more tips about dealing with this skin condition and how my skin reacts which hopefully will help other suffers. Also have a look at our website www.pureandgentle.com for some ideas and products that may help with Rosacea.
easily is followed by persistent redness on the cheeks, chin, forehead and nose, and by crops of small inflamed red bumps and pus spots. The face becomes flushed and red and typically feels itchy and burning. In some cases the rash becomes permanent, leaving the skin red. When the nose is affected, particularly in older men, the skin becomes thickened, swollen and purple, a condition called rhinophyma.
The skin of the face feels sensitive, and can burn or sting. Flushing (the face becomes bright red) adds to the embarrassment caused by the rash. Up to one in ten people may have rosacea. Although it can appear for the first time at any age, it more commonly appears between the ages of 30 and 55, with women more often affected than men. It can run in families.
The cause of rosacea is not fully understood, but many think that the defect lies in the blood vessels in the skin of the face, which dilate too easily. Rosacea is more common in women than in men, and in those with a fair skin who flush easily (this is definitely me as I have always flushed easily and still do!). Many things seem to make rosacea worse, but probably do not cause it in the first place, they include alcohol, too much exercise, both high and low temperatures, hot spicy foods, stress, and sunlight. Things that stir up one person’s rosacea may well have no effect at all on the rosacea of someone else.
I got diagonosed 4 years ago with Rosacea and I know all to well how it effects me when I have a flare up and how it doesn't just affect my skin with how it looks but how it effects my self-confidence and self-esteem. You get funny looks or people say have you got a cold or think you must be a drinker as your cheeks are flushed and your nose is red and mockled looking. I especially hate this time of year as you are constantly going from cold temperature to hot temperatures whether its Christmas shopping in those hot shops or running in and out of your house or work. My cheeks tingle and feel irritated and itchy. My nose I want to scratch and rub but it is too sore soemtimes to touch. I apply non-irritating skin-care products, and protect my skin from sun exposure using a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. At leasty being a woman I can hide some of the redness with cosmetics, Green makeup or green-tinted foundations can be used to counter redness and followed by a skin-tone foundation with natural yellow tones, avoiding those with pink or orange hues.
Here are a few tips that might help as unfortunately there is no cure for rosacea, but it can usually be effectively controlled if you are aware of several external influences that may aggravate the skin.
• Protect your skin from the sun by using a sun block on your face every day (at least SPF15) even on shady days.
• Do not rub or scrub your face as this can make rosacea worse.
• Consider the lifestyle factors that can stir up rosacea. Learn which worsen your rosacea and avoid them. A written record of your flare-ups may help here.
• Cosmetics can often cover up rosacea effectively. Certain skin care products - Avoid using wrinkle creams, cleansers containing alcohol, exfoliating/abrasive cleansers.
• If your eyes are giving problems, do not ignore these - consult your doctor.
• Temperature extremes - Heat is a major cause of flare ups, so avoid hot baths and showers, dress in cool, lightweight clothing (avoid woollens completely).
• Hot drinks - Tea and coffee particularly, but any hot drink bring on flushing.
• Spicy foods - Avoid Chillies, curries, pickles, mustard and horseradish.
• Alcohol - Even a few sips can affect some people.
Over the coming weeks I will write some more tips about dealing with this skin condition and how my skin reacts which hopefully will help other suffers. Also have a look at our website www.pureandgentle.com for some ideas and products that may help with Rosacea.
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