Eczema –a skin disorder characterized by rough, red, scaly and itchy skin — is on the rise. It is estimated that up to 20% of children in the United States suffer from varying forms of this disorder.
Recent research has given new strategies to help prevent this uncomfortable skin disorder.
1. Daily application of emollients from birth: Applying moisturizer from birth has been shown to significantly reduce the development of eczema. The benefit is due to enhancement of the skin barrier. Researchers propose that daily application of moisturizer to all babies constitutes an effective, safe and cheap strategy to help prevent eczema.
2. Home water softeners: A study in England determined in children genetically prone to eczema, that hard water exacerbated the condition. Further studies are underway.
3. Probiotics: Maternal consumption of probiotics, especially during the third trimester, may reduce the development of eczema. The science shows that probiotics increase the development of diverse gut microbes. These microbes have a protective strategy against eczema.
Simple and effective strategies for eczema are easy to incorporate into our daily lives and can help protect the next generation against this itchy and uncomfortable skin disorder.