Probiotic Supplements can Prevent Eczema in Children, Say New Zealand Researchers

Researchers of the Otago and Auckland universities investigated the use of two probiotic supplements in 446 mothers and babies.

“Our study has found when you give pregnant women the probiotic supplement L. rhamnosus during the last five weeks of pregnancy, and for six months after birth while mothers are breast feeding, and then you give their infants the same probiotic up to two years of age there is a 50 per cent reduction in eczema by the age of two,” says Professor Julian Crane from the University of Otago Wellington.

Probiotics are naturally occurring microbes often found in the intestines of infants, but in recent years their natural occurrence has decreased, which may explain why there has been an increase in the prevalence of eczema.

“This is an exciting and interesting result because we have compared the effect of two different probiotics in the same study and shown that one has an effect while the other is no different from placebo. This is important because it shows that the beneficial effects of probiotics vary considerably depending on which probiotics is used.”

The study found there was no similar preventive effect for eczema with the second probiotic, Bifidobacterium lactis.

The skin disease eczema affects 30 per cent of infants in New Zealand by the age of two. Severity varies from a small patch of scaly dry skin to large weeping areas covering much of a child’s body. There is no way to prevent it, and treatment relies on skin moisturising and corticosteroid creams. Currently the prevalence of eczema is increasing in New Zealand and around the world, although the reasons are not clear.

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Dermatitis.

The simple definition of dermatitis is inflammation of the skin. Many people think of dermatitis as synonymous with eczema but this is actually not true. Almost any rash can be thought of as a dermatitis based on this definition - including psoriasis, skin cancer, and seborrhea. However, we don't call every rash a dermatitis.

Dermatitis Appearance
The rash of dermatitis is itchy, red, and may or may not have distinct margins. The specific look of the rash depends on the amount of time it has been present. Acute dermatitis has blisters, subacute dermatitis has scaling and crusting, and chronic dermatitis has lichenification.

Dermatitis Types
There are several distinct types of dermatitis that are delineated by the causative agent or the cellular mechanism responsible for the rash. Examples of specific types of dermatitis are:

• Allergic contact dermatitis - A delayed hypersensitivity reaction involving allergens and antibodies.
• Irritant contact dermatitis - Exposure to irritating chemicals or detergents.
• Atopic dermatitis - An allergic-type reaction that is accompanied by hay fever, asthma, and very dry skin.
• Stasis dermatitis - Occurs on the ankles and lower legs of people with venous insufficiency.
• Diaper dermatitis - A type of irritant dermatitis caused by long exposure of the skin to wet diapers.

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Possibles Causes

Contact dermatitis results from direct contact with one of many irritants or allergens. Common irritants include laundry soap, skin soaps or detergents, and cleaning products. Possible allergens include rubber; metals, such as nickel; jewelry; perfume; cosmetics; weeds, such as poison ivy; and neomycin, a common ingredient in topical antibiotic creams.

• It takes a greater amount of contact with an irritant over a longer time to cause dermatitis than it takes for an allergen. If you're sensitized to an allergen, just brief exposure to a small amount of it can cause dermatitis. Once you develop sensitivity to an allergen, you typically have it for life.

• Neurodermatitis typically develops when something has created an itchy sensation in a specific area of your skin. This irritation may lead you to rub or scratch your skin repeatedly in that area. Common locations include ankles, wrist, outer forearm or arm, and the back of your neck. Neurodermatitis may also be associated with other skin conditions, such as dry skin, eczema or psoriasis. Contact dermatitis caused by allergens doesn't seem to be a factor, though.

• Atopic dermatitis often occurs with allergies and frequently runs in families in which members have asthma or hay fever. It usually begins in infancy and may vary in severity during childhood and adolescence. It tends to become less of a problem in adulthood, unless you're exposed to allergens or irritants in the workplace.

Treatment Alternatives.

Contact dermatitis. Treatment consists primarily of identifying the cause of the rash and then avoiding it. Sometimes, creams containing hydrocortisone or other stronger steroidal creams with or without wet dressings may help relieve redness and itching. It can take as long as two to four weeks for this type of dermatitis to clear up.

• Neurodermatitis. Getting you to stop scratching and to avoid further aggravating your skin are the treatment objectives. Accomplishing this may mean covering the affected area to prevent you from scratching it. Hydrocortisone and similar lotions and creams may help soothe your skin. You also may find that wet compresses provide relief. Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications are helpful for some people. Also, counseling can help you learn how your emotions and behaviors can fuel — or prevent — itching and scratching.

• Atopic dermatitis. Treatment typically consists of applying hydrocortisone-containing lotions to ease signs and symptoms. If your skin cracks open, your doctor may prescribe wet dressings with mildly astringent properties to contract your skin, reduce secretions and prevent infection. If itching is severe, your doctor may suggest you take antihistamines. Light therapy, which involves exposing your skin to controlled amounts of natural or artificial light, also may help prevent recurrences.

Atarax.

Atarax depresses activity in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), which causes relaxation and relief from anxiety. Therefore, Atarax is used to treat anxiety disorders and tension in stressful situations--before surgery, for example. Atarax may also increase the effects of other medicines, such as pain relievers and sedatives, so it is useful after surgery also. Atarax is also an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of the naturally occurring chemical histamine in your body. This makes Atarax useful for treating allergic conditions, especially those that involve the skin, such as hives, itching, and rashes. Atarax may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

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