Eczema : New Research

Atopic Eczema:: the rise since 1940

In May 2011 an article appeared in the Independent News paper reviewing research carried out by Professor Richard Cork, head of academic dermatology at the School of Medicine and Biological Sciences at Sheffield University.

The research revealed that eczema has increased from 4% in newborns to around 25% since 1940.  It suggests that once a condition has begun it can lead onto other skin conditions such as psoriasis and make sufferers more prone to conditions such as asthma.

It is thought that there is a six week “window” after a baby is born where the immune system is triggered in those who are genetically predisposed.  The triggers are environmental factors and in particular the harsh soaps and detergents that come into contact with our skin.  Babies predisposed to atopic eczema  have a defective skin barrier which is sensitive to an allergic response to irritants found in skincare cleansing products.

What is alarming is that he believes that some of the GP prescribed creams actually make the condition worse.  The frequency of washing has increased over the past 50 years from 11 litres per day to over 50 litres per day.  Along with heavy marketing of skincare cleansing products has contributed to the increase in eczema.

Margaret Cox, chief executive of the National Eczema Society said that the eczema typically develops around two months and leads to other conditions such as asthma and food allergies.  She urges doctors to prescribe other types of emollients particularly those without sodium lauryl sulphate.

Professor Cork also warns against using natural or organic products as he believes that they don’t have preservatives and can be contaminated with bacteria.  He goes on to urge for proper trials in finding products that are suitable for babies skin.

I am delighted to see the article in the Independent, showing research that the natural skincare  movement have been voicing for years.  The Professor also states to be careful about natural and organic skincare products as they don’t have preservatives

May I just say that top certified natural and organic skincare companies such as Lavera, Barefoot Botanicals, Inlight and so on, have included natural preservatives to their products and are processed in carefully monitored conditions.  If this wasn’t adhered to the shelf life of the products would be minimal and totally uncommercial.

This why at What’s the Alternative we suggest the Lavera’s  Neutral Range for children and creams by Inlight.  To purchase some of this range please click here –    For the adult range please follow this link –

To see the full transcript of the article as seen in the Independent Newspaper click on this link:

Tags: Acne, atopic, babies, clinics, Cork, dublin, eczema, Natural Treatment