December 16, 2008 on 4:09 pm | In Uncategorized | Comments Off
A recent Taiwanese study has found out that people with psoriasis have higher levels of the obesity-related hormone leptin than those without psoriasis. The hormone leptin plays a role in immune and inflammatory processes, as well as helps control food intake, body weight and fat stores.
After the researchers gathered for health information and analyzed blood samles for leptin, as well as adjusted for sex, body-mass index and cardiovascular risk factors, they concluded that psoriasis was independently associated with high leptin levels (hyperleptinemia). They also found that hyperleptinemia in psoriasis patients was associated with an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome (a set of cardiovascular risk factors that includes high blood pressure and high cholesterol), a finding that links the chronic inflammation of psoriasis with metabolic disturbances.
The high blood levels of leptin in people with psoriasis may come not only from fat tissue but also from inflammation. Body weight loss could potentially become part of the general treatment of psoriasis, especially in patients with obesity.
December 3, 2008 on 1:23 pm | In Uncategorized | Comments Off
Eczema, which is also known as atopic dermatitis, is a form of allergic inflammation. Research and studies on eczema has yet to yield the cure for this life-long allergy, but for now eczema sufferers can get relief through various medication and treatments offered which can soothe and prevent unwanted flare-ups. At least for now, we can’t pin down any particular treatment for eczema that will work for everyone. But for those who are suffering, here are a few facts and tips to consider.
1.Evening primrose oil, or EPO, is a source of gamma linolenic acid, or GLA. GLA is a type of omega-6 fatty acid, which means in theory it is from the family of fats that can increase inflammation. By that logic, you would think it would make the itching and redness of eczema worse, but the reality is that truth is the opposite: GLA incorporates into the membranes of the skin, helping to maintain its moisture and integrity. While healthy individuals can produce GLA from its precursor, linoleic acid, eczema sufferers lack a particular enzyme whose job it is to convert linoleic acid to GLA.
2.Fish oils have been used for eczema due to their anti-inflammatory properties. They have been taken as a supplement because they have a variety of potential benefits other than for skin health, so like EPO, they might be worth a try. nfortunately, despite using higher doses for a longer period of time than in many of the EPO studies, the results simply haven’t panned out.
3.Taking in Vitamin E is also beneficial for eczema patients. Taking vitamin E through foods such as almonds, olive oil, and other nuts, seeds, and vegetable-based oils might provide some relief, since they not only contain vitamin E, but a variety of healthy fats that could help lubricate the skin.
4.Although the mechanism is still not understood, probiotics have been shown in some studies to help in the prevention of eczema in infants. Keep in mind, however, that this review combined many different strains; one particular strain, known as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, seems to show the most promise, but better designed research is needed.
Finding relief from eczema can be difficult because everyone reacts to treatments differently. Understanding more about your skin is the best way to help you achieve better eczema relief.