"The most wonderful time of the year" may unfortunately become "the most stressful time of the year" for many people. One of the body's initial responses to stress is the release of hormones such cortisol that initially help a person to react or adapt to a stressful situation. High levels of cortisol can also lead to exacerbation of skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. We are here to help!
Treatments for eczema (atopic dermatitis) aim to control inflammation, decrease itching, and manage infections that may occur as a result of repeated skin irritation. Common treatments can cause significant side effects; for example, topical corticosteroids used to decrease inflammation and control itching may cause skin thinning and prolong the healing time of damaged skin, and topical tacrolimus can cause a burning sensation or itching.
Topical vitamin B12 offers a new therapeutic approach for eczema. A study showed that topical application of vitamin B12 cream (0.07% cyanocobalamin) reduced the severity and extent of eczema. Both physicians and study participants rated the vitamin B12 cream as significantly superior to the placebo cream, and the treatment was very well tolerated. Avocado oil has been added to improve the formulation so that vitamin B12 cream can be distributed more easily on the surface of the skin, or we can use a specialized base that is easily applied and cosmetically appealing.
For patients with localized psoriasis, and for many of those with moderate psoriasis as well, the mainstay of treatment is still topical therapy. Topical regimens, such as combination therapy with topical tacrolimus and salicylic acid, can be helpful. Vitamin B12 cream also has considerable potential as a well-tolerated, long-term topical therapy of psoriasis. Oral vitamin B12 is rapidly eliminated by the body, and oral vitamin B12 does not appear to be beneficial for psoriasis.
Methotrexate has been used orally as a treatment for psoriasis by dermatologists for over 30 years, but oral methotrexate can cause serious side effects. Interestingly, researchers from the Department of Dermatology, University of California-San Francisco, and three other locations note that if methotrexate is properly compounded into a topical gel and dosed appropriately, it can provide better results without the bad side effects. Furthermore, published data have indicated that 70% of patients prefer topical therapy for psoriasis. A placebo-controlled double-blind study evaluated methotrexate 0.25% gel applied topically to treat patients with psoriasis vulgaris. After four weeks, 83.3% of patients improved compared to 6.7% of patients who received a placebo. The treatment was well-tolerated by all the patients, with no adverse drug-related symptoms and no dropouts.
A new study has reported that children who take probiotics - "good" bacteria that normally live in our guts - are less likely to develop eczema. Researchers have found that infants on probiotic supplements were 50% less likely to develop eczema, and taking probiotic supplements daily could reduce the risk of eczema in older children by 58%. Study results vary, and one of the reasons is because different types of probiotics are used in various studies and produce different results. The best evidence for improvement of eczema is associated with the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG supplements are available in powdered or chewable forms.
Ask our pharmacist about customized medications to help relieve eczema and psoriasis and check out Suzy Cohen's book "Eczema, Itchin' For A Cure". We can also recommend the probiotic preparations that are best for each member of your family.
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