Without action, an alarming nine in ten adults and two-thirds of all children will be obese by 2050 and severely obese individuals are likely to die, on average, some 11 years earlier than those with a normal healthy weight .

In January 2008, the UK Government set the following objective in their strategy ‘Healthy Weight, Healthy Lives’

To reverse the rising tide of obesity and overweight in the population by ensuring that all individuals are able to maintain a healthy weight. By 2020 we will have reduced the proportion of obese children to 2000 levels.

It is often the case that parents are unaware of the risks associated with sedentary lifestyles and constant snacking and often refuse to accept that their children are overweight – even when told by a health professional.

Obesity defined

Obesity is defined as excess body fat accumulation with multiple organ-specific pathological consequences. NICE recommends that overweight and obesity is assessed using the Body Mass Index (BMI) which is defined as weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared (kg/m²).

One drawback to the classification is that it does not take into account those people with a large muscle mass. NICE recommends that waist circumference can be used in addition to BMI to assess obesity risk in adults with a BMI of less than 35kg/m².

Waist circumference provides an estimate of abdominal obesity, itself related to the risk of coronary heart disease and type II diabetes. To ensure an accurate measurement, the tape should be positioned on the umbilicus whilst the patient is relaxed. For men, a waist circumference of 94cm to 102cm is classed as ‘high’, while one above 102cm is ‘very high’. The respective figures for women are 80cm to 88cm and 88cm respectively.

The WHR (waist size divided by hip size) can also be used to provide an estimate of abdominal obesity. The accepted ratio in the UK is that a ratio above 0.95 in men would be described as a health risk with the figure being 0.85 for women. 

In children, obesity is measured by the BMI, provided the values are related to reference standards for age and sex. NICE do not currently recommend using waist circumference as a means of diagnosing childhood obesity. Age- and sex-specific percentile charts from 1990 are used by NICE, advising that a tailored clinical intervention be considered if the child’s BMI is above the 91st percentile.

Culture and individual psychology can also play an important role in the development of obesity. It is well recognised that repetition of everyday activities, over time, form habits that are difficult to change later in life. Children with obesity often have a negative self-image, lowered self-esteem and a higher risk of depression along with exposure to bullying and social exclusion.

Impact of child obesity

The adverse health effects of excess weight in children are increasingly apparent with higher incidence of type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and sleep apnoea. The evidence of the problem of excess weight being continued into adulthood has lead to a number of proposed strategies being published.

The Government Children’s Plan recognises child obesity as one of the most serious challenges for overweight children suggesting it is linked to a number of poor outcomes. There is strong evidence  of a correlation between excess weight in children and excess weight in their parents. 

Other factors

A meta-analysis has found that the risk of overweight in children is reduced by 4% for each extra month that the child is breastfed, with the benefit lasting nine months. The  Department of Health recommendation is that babies are breastfed exculsively for six months wherever possible. The optimum time for baby weaning is six months and evidence has shown that babies that are weaned earlier than this can show rapid weight gain in infancy, which may increase the risk of child obesity. 

In the next article, we will look at the management options available.

Obesity Facts : Are Your Kids Overweight?

With fast fooderies sprouting up on every corner and a public obesity epidemic that – - appallingly – - is increasingly afflicting supine toddlers

Fighting Childhood Obesity in the Stateline

By encouraging our children to have balanced diets and get plenty of exercise maybe we can stop this epidemic of childhood obesity.

Prevent Childhood Obesity – How To Get Rid Of Childhood Obesity …

Due to changing lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits, young children are facing the problem of obesity. Obesity is a very unhealthy.

Pupils to keep food diaries in child obesity initiative …

More than 300 children to take part in survey, to be extended nationwide in autumn. 

Child Obesity: a Pictorial : Healthbolt

Children will hopefully pick up healthier eating habits this way for the rest of their lives, also! You can find some additional interesting reading over at the Dietary Supplement Information Bureau

Technorati Tags: BMI, Change4Life, child obesity, healthy weight, NICE, obese, Obesity, overweight, waist circumference

The key aim of weight management is risk factor reduction rather than a return to an ideal of healthy weight range. The first step on this process is a combination of supervised diet, exercise and behavioural change. In children, measurement and plotting BMI is a vital step as research shows that many parents are no longer able to identify whether their children are overweight or not. 

In the UK, current dietary allowances are outlined in the Eatwell Plate (www.eatwell.gov.uk) which aims to suggest a proportioned, balanced and healthy diet with a combination of different foods from five groups for children aged two years and over. It should be noted that the consumption of calorically sweetened drinks should be limited as it has been shown that they contribute to the development of obesity in children.

It is also important that children and young people achieve at least 60 minutes (moderate intensity) physical activity each day. Adults should achieve a total of at least 30 minutes on five or more days of the week. It has been shown that individuals that have a genetic mutation associated with high BMI may be able to offset their increased risk for obesity through physical activity.

Although bahavioural changes combined with diet and increased physical activity can lead to weight loss, adults with depression and eating disorders often need ongoing psychological support. Anti-obesity drugs can be considered when there has been no improvement after three to six months in the BMI or reduced markers of co-morbidity.

Anti-obesity drugs

Sibutramine

Sibutramine inhibits the reuptake of noradrenaline and serotonin in the brain and this has the effect of reducing food intake as well as attenuating the fall in metabolic rate linked with weight loss. It is not recommended for patients who are under 18 or over 65 years old. It is available as capsules (prescription needed in the UK) in 10mg and 15mg strengths marketed as Reductil.

Orlistat

The prescription strength product containing 120mg orlistat is marketed as Xenical. It is used in conjunction with a hypocaloric diet in people with a BMI of 30kg/m² or more, or with people with a BMI of 28kg/m² with other risk factors such as type II diabetes and hypertension.

The first and only non-prescription weight loss aid licensed throughout Europe launches this month. The product is called Alli and is available in the UK in capsule form containing 60mg orlistat. It is licensed for use in weight loss for adults with a BMI>28 and will be available through community pharmacies shortly.

Rimonabant

The European Medicines Agency suspended the use of rimonabant (Acomplia) in October 2008 after a review showed that any benefit was outweighed by the risk of psychiatric side-effects (particularly depression) in clinical use.

Resveratrol

It has long been known that the skins of certain fruits (grapes, blueberries and cranberries) and wine contain a compound called resveratrol, which has beneficial antioxidant properties, but that’s not all…

Recent animal and in vitro studies suggest that resveratrol can also have a positive effect on helping to maintain normal-range cholesterol levels, supporting insulin health and optimizing metabolic and immune pathways that protect cells and improve mitochondrial function. A risk free trial of Resveratrol Select Weight Loss formula is available *HERE*

Technorati Tags: balanced diet, behavioural change, BMI, diet, eatwell plate, exercise, moderate intensity exercise, Obesity, weight management

The symptoms of anxiety

We will all experience anxiety at some point in our lives. Either before a medical examination, an interview or public presentations, most people will experience psychological feelings of worry or nervousness and occasionally, more physical symptoms, such as dry mouth, sweating, flushing or palpitations.

In these circumstances, anxiety is a normal, protective physiological response to an unpleasant or threatening situation. Mild to moderate anxiety can help to improve performance and appropriateness of action. However, excessive or prolonged symptoms can be distressing and have severe effects on normal social functioning.

Diagnosis

In general, women are twice as likely to suffer from an anxiety disorder than men. However, the ratio can vary for specific anxiety disorders.

The term ‘anxiety disorder’ includes a variety of complaints that can exist on their own or in conjunction with another psychiatric or physical illness. Symptoms may vary but generally present with a combination of the following disorders.

• dry mouth and/or difficulty in swallowing
• sensitivity to noise
• palpitations, chest discomfort and/or constriction, awareness of missed beats, breathlessness
• restlessness, tremor and muscle aches
• fearful anticipation, worry, headache, dizziness, insomnia, irritability, social avoidance
• bloating, loose bowels, frequent micturation, amenorrhoea, erectile dysfunction

To be diagnosed as an anxiety disorder, the symptoms must be prolonged, cause significant distress and impair normal social functioning.

Anxiety disorders are broadly divided into generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social phobia (or social anxiety disorder), specific phobias, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).

Brief description of anxiety disorders

Generalised anxiety disorder  Persistent and excessive anxiety on most days lasting for at least six months. It is not restricted to any one specific situation.

Panic disorder  Recurrent but unexplained surges of severe anxiety (panic attacks). Patients tend to develop a fear of repeat attacks. Often seen in agoraphobia (fear of places or situations where escape might be difficult).

Social phobia A marked, persistent and irrational fear of being observed either embarassed or humiliated in public as in public speaking or eating with others.

Specific phobia  Marked and persistent fear that is excessive and/or unrealistic precipitated by the presence (or anticipation of) a specific object or situation eg flying, spiders, snakes. Sufferers will avoid the object or situation or suffer intense anxiety if confronted with the feared object.

Post traumatic stress disorder Occurs after an event or exposure to a situation that involves actual death or threatened death or serious injury to oneself or others. The person responds with intense fear, horror or helplessness. Sufferers can experience flashbacks with symptoms usually occuring within six months of the actual traumatic event.

Obsessive compulsive disorder  Persistent thoughts, impulses or images that are intrusive and distressing. Sufferers try to rid themselves of these obsessions by carrying out repetitive and time-consuming behaviours or actions (compulsions) as with excessive washing and cleaning.

Two thirds of sufferers with an anxiety disorder will often present with other psychiatric symptoms, most often depression. Further, there is often not an exact cause of the particular anxiety order seen. Many medical disorders can mimic anxiety symptoms such as hypoglycaemia, hyponatraemia, alcohol or drug abuse and hyperthyroidism.

We will look at treatment options in the next article. 

Technorati Tags: Anxiety, dizziness, headache, insomnia, irritability, panic attacks, poor concentration, restlessness, tremor, worry

PainWave

Drug Free Pain Relief

The PainWave X4000 is a revolutionary pain management therapy

that provides pain relief without the need for drugs.

___________________________________________________

The Painwave X4000 Pain Relief Device is the first hand-held device using Pulsed Electronic Wave forms which were previously only available to healthcare professionals. It is clinically proven to help with most chronic and acute joint and muscular pain conditions including back pain and arthritis.

 
It has no known side effects and can be used as an alternative or to compliment pain relieving drugs. Used by GP’s, Osteopaths, Podiatrists and Physiotherapists.

But, will it work for you and how can you give it a try and see?

The PainWave X4000 is a light, compact and completely portable device supplied with a power charger so that it can be used in your home, office or even outdoors. Just carry it with you for use whenever you need relief from pain.

It is simple to use. Once it has been charged up, press the button on the device and the top light will glow green showing that the device is working at full capacity. It is then applied directly to the point of pain, either by holding it gently in position or, alternatively, moving it in a gentle circular motion. It can be used directly on the skin, through clothing or even through medical dressings such as hydrogels or plaster casts.

It is completely safe and can be used as many times as you like although it is programmed to operate in seven minute treatment cycles. You can repeat these cycles up to a maximum of four before taking a break. There will be no discomfort during use and you may experience a hot or cold feeling depending upon how sensitive your skin is.

Major Product Features

• Easy to use
• Light, compact and portable
• Charge it up like a mobile phone
• Safe – no possibility of over treating
• People with all types of implants (except pacemakers) can use it
• No heat generated – can be used to accelerate healing in people with pins and bone plates
• Fractures can be treated through plaster casts
• Reduces and removes pain
• Promotes wound healing
• Reduces pain-induced stress
• Encourages the release of natural pain control endorphins
• Acts directly on cells using pulsed induction waves
• Stimulates stem cell activity to accelerate healing
• Increases oxygen content of the blood
• Increases blood supply to damaged cells and  tissues
• Triggers metabolic reactions
• Strengthens immunological system
• Improves cell function
• Normalises cell membrance activity

The product is unique and designed to the highest standards of reliability with a very specific proven patented waveform.

Relieves pain associated with

Back pain
Arthritis
Joint pain
Sciatica
Osteoporosis
Burns
Tennis elbow
RSI
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Frozen shoulder
Wounds
Knee pain
Non-healing fractures
Muscular injury
Muscle spasms
Housemaid’s knee

Interested in a Very Special Purchase Price or a ‘Try Before You Buy’ option?

 Leave your details below and I will get back to you with full details

Technorati Tags: bioelectromagnetic field, clinically proven technology, drug free pain relief, Healthantac, Pain Relief, PainWave X4000, portable, pulsed electronic waves, pulsed wave therapy, X4000

Tobacco use remains the biggest avoidable threat to public health in the UK despite the fact that smoking rates have declined over the last few years. The estimates for deaths attributable to smoking were 106,000 (2005) equivalent to 22% and 16% of all male and female deaths respectively.

Smoking can lead to cancers of the lung, larynx, pharynx, oesophagus, kidney, pancreas and bladder. Smoking is also a significant cause of cardiovascular disease. Mortality from coronary heart disease is 50% higher in smokers and up to 80% in heavy smokers compared to non-smokers.

Smoking is also the main cause of chronic obstructive lung disease and can aggravate a wide variety of non-fatal diseases such as asthma, peptic ulcer, chronic rhinitis, osteoporosis and multiple sclerosis.

It is important to understand that STOPPING SMOKING has major health benefits. Smokers that quit before the age of 35 years have a life expectancy only slightly less than a similar-aged non smoker and quitting at any time provides both immediate and long-term benefits.

Stopping smoking is difficult. To succeed, you must seek good advice, support and motivation. Willpower alone is not enough for the majority of smokers. This is because:

• Nicotine is chemically addictive
• There is a habit-forming aspect to the action of smoking itself.
• There is a psychological addiction whereby certain events and places can trigger a desire to smoke.

Banning smoking in the UK in public places has been effective in reducing the sales of tobacco-related products by around 15%. Many smokers used this ban to initiate their own attempt at quitting and it is hoped that the increased peer pressure to stop might lead to a futher reduction in smoking in future years.

It was National No-Smoking Day yesterday, so if you haven’t already, get down to your local pharmacy and have a chat about smoking cessation and get some encouragment to quit.

Good luck…

Smoking Cessation Help

Smoking Cessation Help. Ready to quit smoking and end all nicotine use?

Smoking Cessation and Weight Gain

There are other reasons as well though, and we’ll take a look at them, along with some tips on how you can keep your weight under control.

MoD News – Today is No Smoking Day!

Among those military units holding events today are Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose in Cornwall where ‘Big Cig’ from the Redruth smoking cessation service is joining medics

Technorati Tags: nicotine, quit smoking, Smoking, smoking cessation, stopping smoking

Earache

In adults, earache is often associated with an upper respiratory tract infection and, as long as the pain is not too severe, can be treated with oral analgesics. If the pain worsens or persists for more than 72 hours, referral to your doctor is advised.

Earache in children should always be referred to the doctor, as otitis media (middle ear infection) is quite common and if left untreated can lead to more serious problems. Until the doctor can be seen, an oral analgesic can be given.

Topical treatment of otitis media is ineffective and there is no effective anaesthetic ear drop preparation available.

Otitis externa

Otitis externa is inflammation of the external ear canal. It is either localised (often starts as an infection of a hair follicle that can progress to become a boil in the ear canal) or diffuse (swimmer’s ear), a more widespread inflammation of the skin of the external ear canal that can extend to the ear drum. The acute form is usually caused by a bacterial infection, but it can also be fungal or viral. The chronic form may be atopic eczema or a contact dermatitis.

Ear wax

Ear wax (cerumen) is a complex oily fluid secreted by the sebaceous and apocrine glands in the external auditory canal. This combines with the exfoliated skin cells in the ear to form a waxy protective layer. It is normally transported out of the ear canal as a result of jaw movements when chewing and speaking.

However, some people produce an excessive amount of cerumen with high cohesive properties which then forms a plug that affects hearing and causes discomfort. The diagnosis of impacted ear wax needs to be confirmed by examination with an auriscope so you you should see your nurse or GP if you think you have this problem.

Cerumenolytics can be used to soften this wax once a diagnosis has been confirmed and syringing may be necessary to remove the wax. Olive oil and sodium bicarbonate ear drops can be used for softening the wax before syringing.

Otic barotrauma

This is the pain in the ear that some people experience during an aircraft’s descent. The air behind the ear drum and the cabin air pressure (rising during a descent) fail to equalise and pain results. Sucking a boiled sweet can help (many airlines offer boiled sweets just before descent) as can yawning. Valsalva’s manoeuvre (pinch the nose and try blowing out with the mouth closed) can also help some people.

Technorati Tags: earache, otitis externa, otitis media, sore throat

On 28th February 2009, The Commission of Human Medicines (CHM) reported on a previous review of the possible benefits and risks of over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold remedies for children under 12 years old which was recently completed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

This report has lead to a radical change in the advice given to parents of children with coughs and colds affecting such areas as age ranges, child resistant packaging and new advice on labelling. The key points to come out of the report are:

• Cough and cold remedies containing certain ingredients should no longer be used in children under 6 years old as the lack of robust evidence of their benefits is lacking.
• Products for children from ages 6 to 12 years old will continue to be available in pharmacies. Medicines used to treat this group can be considered after trying basic principles of best care.
• Some combinations of products in currently available products which are seen as illogical (cough suppressants + cough expectorants) will be phased out.
• All liquid preparations containing medicines for cough and colds will be in a child resistant container.

Products affected

The OTC (non-prescription) cough and cold remedies containing the following ingredients are affected by the advice:

• Antitussives – dextromethorphan and pholcodine
• Expectorants – guaifenesin and ipecacuanha
• Nasal decongestants – ephedrine, oxymetazoline, phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine and xylometazoline
• Antihistamines – brompheniramine, chlorphenamine, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, promethazine and triprolidine

Single ingredient pain relief products for children are not affected by this announcement.

Background to the Change

As a parent, you will know that coughs and colds occur frequently in children. They are usually self-limiting and rarely harmful to the child even when left untreated. Coughs also have the physiological function of removing mucus secretions from the airways.

Whilst the combination products have not raised any particular concern about their safety, it is the case that many of the existing products have been in use for a long time and when introduced, the requirement to demonstrate safety and efficacy was less robust than now.

There is no current evidence that the products containing the above ingredients actually help. Given that there have been some reports of side effects with these ingredients, their risks outweigh ther benefits. For children over 6 years old, the risks are less since they have fewer incidences of cough and cold, they are bigger (somewhat obvious, but true nonetheless) and they can tell you if the medicine is working or not. For this group of children, the above products will continue to be available but only through a pharmacy.

Current advice on treating coughs and cold in children

It is hard to believe but it is quite normal for a child to have a cold or upper respiratory tract infection, eight or more times a year. The vast array of viral infections are infectious in children who have not had time to build immunity and thus get fewer colds. The current best advice is:

• Since colds are caused by viruses and not bacteria, antibiotics do not help.
• Most colds will improve within 5 to 7 days.
• Cough and cold remedies have not shown to be effective and can cause side-effects in younger children. The risk of poisoning is a danger if your child accidently takes too much medicine.
• Decongestants do not work effectively and can make the stuffiness worse. (Saline nose drops can help in infants)
• An increase in fluid intake is helpful and should be encouraged.
• A raised pillow can help babies breathe more easily.
• Fever and pain can be treated with paracetamol and ibuprofen (alternate dosing) using the correct liquid preparations for your child’s age.
• Wash your hands frequently (and the rest of the family) to reduce the spread of colds from infected secretions.

Children will also often cough when they have a cold. As long as they are eating and breathing normally without wheezing it is usually nothing to worry about. For more severe coughing see your GP. Also, if your child has chronic coughing worsened by exercise or worse at night, see your GP since it may be a sign of asthma. Any signs of trouble breathing should be referred immediately.

Plenty of warm, clear liquids should be given such as lemon and honey. Vapour rubs can be applied to childrens clothing to relieve a blocked nose.

Conclusions

Provided you have given the recommended dose of the above medicines to your child you do not need to worry. These changes will take place gradually over the next few months and any medicines that you have at home at present that are affected can be returned to your pharmacy for disposal.

The most common OTC medicines that will be unavailable for use in under 6 year old children include:

Veno’s Honey and Lemon
Veno’s Expectorant
Benilyn Childrens Range
Calcold
Calpol Night
Cofsed Linctus
Junior Meltus
Medised for Children
Actifed Multi-Action
Sudafed Childrens/Linctus/Expectorant
Otrivine Childrens Drops
Robitussin Chesty
Tixylix Cough and Cold/Chesty/Night
Vicks Cough Syrup for Dry Coughs
Vicks Cough for Chesty Coughs

Technorati Tags: antihistamines, antitussives, CHM, expectorants, MHRA, nasal decongestants, OTC cough and cold remedies for children

Dandruff is a common scalp condition and whilst it may seem like a minor complaint, it can often make sufferers feel embarrassed and lead to loss of confidence.

It is the build up of dead cells on the scalp and it is estimated that one in four people in the UK will suffer at some time in theeir lives. It affects both men and women and is most common in people in their 30’s and 40’s.

The skin cells are shed from the scalp at a quicker rate than normal and then clump together to form visible white flakes. It is also linked to the presence of higher levels of a fungal yeast called Malassezia furfur on the scalp. The presence of this yeast accelerates the rate of skin shedding and causes irritation and inflammation. 

Seborrhoeic dermatitis

This is a more severe condition that affects both the scalp and other parts of the body such as the nose, ears, eyebrows, face and forehead. It is thought that the condition may be due to a reaction to the fungus Malassezia furfur.

The symptoms are red and inflamed skin, white flakes, patches of red scaly and greasy skin and occasionally yellow brown crusts on top of these patches. It is quite common for newborn babies to the condition where it is referrred to as ‘cradle cap’.

It is important to try and relieve the itching associated with the underlying condition. There are several shampoos available containing one or more of the following ingredients.

• Ciclopirox olamine and ketoconazole are topical antifungal agents. They also have anti-inflammatory properties to sooth a sore and itchy scalp.
• Salacylic acid is often added to help remove the dead skin cells from the scalp.
• Selenium sulphide reduces the output of natural oils on the scalp
• Coal tar clears the scales and relieves the itching.

The aim of any treatment  is to slow down the shedding and kill the fungus causing the condition.

Scalp psoriasis

This is a long term hereditary scalp condition most often appearing between the ages of 10 and 30. Skin cells are produced at up to six times the normal rate on the scalp (and other areas such as the elbows and knees).

Understanding What Causes Dandruff

Dandruff is such a common condition for many around the world. Most individuals experience it as a result of having hair scalp that is itchy.

Beauty Tips: Remove Dandruff with the this simple tip

Remove Dandruff with the this simple tip.

Managing dandruff attack

Dandruff symptoms are caused by quite a few factors – excessive oil production by means of sebaceous glands, scalp as well as skin allergies due to paraben preservatives or ruthless surfactants, product build-up, or inflammation. 

Let Us Treat Dandruff

Dandruff has been aggravating humans for many centuries and at different times people were coming up with different ideas to improve the conditions of their scalp.

Technorati Tags: dandruff, fungus, psoriasis, salacylic acid, scaly scalp, selenium

Emollients are made up of water, oils, fats, waxes often containing one or more of the following active ingredients:

• Liquid paraffin
• White soft paraffin
• Emulsifying ointment

They work by providing an oily layer over the surface of the skin, trapping water underneath the oily layer thus preventing evaporation and rehydrating the skin. This leads to a reduction in the penetration of irritants and allergens, soothes irritated and itchy skin and crucially avoid the use of soap products as the emollients themselves have cleansing properties.

A number of formulations are available and where possible, they should be fragrance-free.

Creams

Emollient creams contain a mixture of oils and water and feel cool on the skin. They soften and rehydrate the skin. A pump dispenser is better to avoid the possibility of contamination.

Lotions

They contain more water than creams and are especially useful for covering large areas of the body. They keep the skin soft and supple.

Soap substitutes

People wth eczema should avoid using soap as it is very drying to the skin and can cause flare-ups. It is recommended that you use a soap substitute. They do not foam like a traditional soap product but they still clean the skin.

Bath additives

They help to soothe itching, rehydrate and  cleanse the skin. If possible, you should try and bathe once or twice a day for 10 to 20 minutes each time if possible. Use lukewarm water and one to three capfuls of the additive. Afterwards, the skin should be patted dry and not rubbed, followed by an application of emollient cream or lotion. Normal bubble baths should be avoided.

Wash gels

They offer the same benefits as bath additives but, since they require a shorter contact time with the skin, they can be used in the shower.

Emollients should be stroked onto the skin in the direction of the hair growth but never rubbed and should be applied liberally (250-500g per week is not unusual). They should also be applied to all parts of the body and not just the affected areas.

• Apply emollient cream after a bath with additives
• Warm emollient cream in the hands before applying
• Apply extra amounts in severe or cold weather
• Apply frequently – ideally three or four times a day
• Continue to use emollients even when the eczema has improved

Technorati Tags: bath additives, creams, emollients, lotions, soap substitutes

The first line of treatment in managing eczema is ‘complete emollient therapy’.

It is a simple effective treatment and is known to be effective in improving symptoms and minimising the risk of flare-ups. The fragrance-free products are usually better and less likely to cause irritation.

Emollients are therapeutic moisturisers that help to keep skin moist and allow it to feel more comfortable and less itchy. However, they are not often used appropriately leading to a greater use of topical steroids.

NICE (National Institute of Clinical Excellence) have issued guidelines on using a stepped approach to eczema treatment.

Mild atopic eczema – Emollients + Mild Potency Topical Corticosteroids

Moderate atopic eczema – Emollients + Moderate Potency Topical Corticosteroids + Wet or Paste Bandages

Severe atopic eczema – Emollients + Potent Topical Corticosteroids + Other Topical Treatments + Wet or Paste Bandages + Phototherapy + Systemic Therapy

Stepped-care plan

The basis of complete emollient therapy is the use of a combination of emollient creams, ointments, bath oils and soap substitutes to manage the symptoms. It is important that the correct quantity of emollient is applied throughout the day by using a combination of products applied at the appropriate time and in adequate quantities.

Topical corticosteroids are useful in speeding up healing and reducing inflammation. They are usually applied twice a day and should be used in conjunction with the emollient therapy. At least 15 minutes should be left between each treatment type.

Technorati Tags: atopic eczema, corticosteroids, emollients