What causes flares of eczema in children?

A recent study* published in the British Journal of Dermatology has tried to answer this important question. The authors sought to identify which environmental factors might worsen eczema.


They studied sixty children with eczema aged between 0 and 15 years for up to nine months. The severity of eczema for each child was measured using questionnaires and a proven system called the Patient-Orientated Eczema Measure (POEM). The environmental factors they monitored included temperature, relative humidity, sun exposure, sweating, clothing, cleansing products/washing, outdoor pollen level, extent and nature of exposure to household pets, dusty environments and swimming.

Each patient (or parent) completed a daily questionnaire which included questions on the state of the eczema, clothing worn next to the skin and exposure to shampoo, dusty environments and animals.

The results suggested that nylon clothing and wool, dust, unfamiliar pets, sweating, swimming and shampoos may play a direct role in worsening eczema in children and this may be more pronounced in cold weather. Combinations of exposures acting in concert may also be important. The authors commented that this knowledge may be useful to families with eczema and could lead to better strategies for preventing flares.


* What causes flares of eczema in children?
S.M. Langan; P. Silcocks; H.C. Williams The British Journal of Dermatology 2009;161(3):640-646

Curvy Women are More Intelligent!

Women with curvy figures are likely to be brighter than waif-like counterparts and may well produce more intelligent offspring, a US study suggests. Hooray! I new I was curvy for some reason.

Researchers studied 16,000 women and girls and found the more voluptuous performed better on cognitive tests - as did their children. Read more about this story here - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/7090300.stm

Children and Sunbeds

Around 250,000 11 to 17-year-olds in England are risking skin cancer by using sunbeds, a charity warns. A government-funded study of more than 9,000 children found 6% had used a sunbed and in some areas of the country 40% of teenagers used them every week.

For more information on this story follow this link - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8356631.stm

Nursing to become Graduate Entry

The Department of Health has announced that all new nurses in England from 2013 will have to spend at least three years being trained to degree level

For more information read the full story here - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8355388.stm

What do you think about this announcement? Let us know.

NHS Allergy Tests

Last week, Alice had her allergy tests redone in hospital. The results were very interesting. As you will see, she no longer has to be concerned about her food allergies, but her allergy to grass pollen and dust mites is as bad as ever.

For more information read the full story here - http://www.talkallergy.com/webdocs/features/nhs_allergy_tests_alice.php