Daily intake of Jeju groundwater improves the skin condition of the model mouse for human atopic dermatitis.

Jan 2013

Tanaka A, Jung K, Matsuda A, Jang H, Kajiwara N, Amagai Y, Oida K, Ahn G, Ohmori K, Kang KG, Matsuda H.

Source

Laboratories of Comparative Animal Medicine, Tokyo, Japan; Laboratory of Cooperative Major in Advanced Health Science, Graduate School of Bio-Applications and System Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan.

Abstract

Drinking water is an important nutrient for human health. The mineral ingredients included in drinking water may affect the physical condition of people. Various kinds of natural water are in circulation as bottled water in developed countries; however, its influence on clinical conditions of patients with certain diseases has not been fully evaluated. In this study, effects of the natural groundwater from Jeju Island on clinical symptoms and skin barrier function in atopic dermatitis (AD) were evaluated. NC/Tnd mice, a model for human AD, with moderate to severe dermatitis were used. Mice were given different natural groundwater or tap water for 8 weeks from 4 weeks of age. Clinical skin severity scores were recorded every week. Scratching analysis and measurement of transepidermal water loss were performed every other week. The pathological condition of the dorsal skin was evaluated histologically. Real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis was performed for cytokine expression in the affected skin. The epidermal hyperplasia and allergic inflammation were reduced in atopic mice supplied with Jeju groundwater when compared to those supplied with tap water or other kinds of natural groundwater. The increase in scratching behavior with the aggravation of clinical severity of dermatitis was favorably controlled. Moreover, transepidermal water loss that reflects skin barrier function was recovered. The early inflammation and hypersensitivity in the atopic skin was alleviated in mice supplied with Jeju groundwater, suggesting its profitable potential on the daily care of patients with skin troubles including AD.

Pub Med

Systemic antioxidants and skin health.

Sept 2012

Nguyen G, Torres A.

Abstract

Most dermatologists agree that antioxidants help fight free radical damage and can help maintain healthy skin. They do so by affecting intracellular signaling pathways involved in skin damage and protecting against photodamage, as well as preventing wrinkles and inflammation. In today's modern world of the rising nutraceutical industry, many people, in addition to applying topical skin care products, turn to supplementation of the nutrients missing in their diets by taking multivitamins or isolated, man-made nutraceuticals, in what is known as the Inside-Out approach to skin care. However, ingestion of large quantities of isolated, fragmented nutrients can be harmful and is a poor representation of the kind of nutrition that can be obtained from whole food sources. In this comprehensive review, it was found that few studies on oral antioxidants benefiting the skin have been done using whole foods, and that the vast majority of current research is focused on the study of compounds in isolation. However, the public stands to benefit greatly if more research were to be devoted toward the impact that physiologic doses of antioxidants (obtained from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) can have on skin health, and on health in general.

Journal of Drugs in Dermatology

The Role of Skin Care in Lymphedema Managementt

The Role of Skin Care in Lymphedema Management

Skin care plays an essential role in both prevention of lymphedema in those patients at risk of developing this condition, and in the management of existing lymphedema. Current methods of cancer treatment lower the risk of developing lymphedema. However, if a patient had surgery involving the lymphatic system – a radical mastectomy for example – even many years ago, the risk for developing lymphedema will always be present, even if this patient never had any arm swelling. 

Prevention is in the patients’ best interest and a great tool to avoid the onset of lymphedema. The skin is the first line of defense against foreign invaders and is usually impermeable to bacteria and other pathogens. However, any defect in the skin such as burns, chafing, dryness, cuticle injury, cracks, cuts, splinters, and insect bites can present an entry site for pathogens or infectious agents and cause infection.

Patients who already have, or had lymphedema are susceptible to infections of the skin and nails. Lymphedematous tissues are saturated with protein-rich fluid, which serves as an ideal nutrient source for bacteria and other pathogens. Lymphedematous skin also tends to be dry and may become thickened and scaly, which increases the risk of skin cracks and fissures.  

Editor's note: See the full text of this article in

Lymphedema Today

This is an excellent website and you may want to take time to wander through it

The Role of Skin Care in Lymphedema Management

Skin care plays an essential role in both prevention of lymphedema in those patients at risk of developing this condition, and in the management of existing lymphedema. Current methods of cancer treatment lower the risk of developing lymphedema. However, if a patient had surgery involving the lymphatic system – a radical mastectomy for example – even many years ago, the risk for developing lymphedema will always be present, even if this patient never had any arm swelling.

Prevention is in the patients’ best interest and a great tool to avoid the onset of lymphedema. The skin is the first line of defense against foreign invaders and is usually impermeable to bacteria and other pathogens. However, any defect in the skin such as burns, chafing, dryness, cuticle injury, cracks, cuts, splinters, and insect bites can present an entry site for pathogens or infectious agents and cause infection.

Patients who already have, or had lymphedema are susceptible to infections of the skin and nails. Lymphedematous tissues are saturated with protein-rich fluid, which serves as an ideal nutrient source for bacteria and other pathogens. Lymphedematous skin also tends to be dry and may become thickened and scaly, which increases the risk of skin cracks and fissures.

The process of inflammation may not only make lymphedema much worse by increasing the swelling, but can also develop into a serious medical crisis. The basic consideration in skin and nail care is therefore the prevention and control of infections, which includes proper cleansing and moisturizing techniques with the goal of maintaining the health and integrity of the skin.

Suitable ointments or lotions formulated for sensitive skin, radiation dermatitis and lymphedema should be applied before the application of lymphedema bandages while the patient is in the decongestive phase of the treatment. Once the limb is decongested and the patient wears compression garments, moisturizing ointments should be applied twice daily.

Ointments, as well as soaps or other skin cleansers used in lymphedema management, should have good moisturizing qualities, contain no fragrances, be hypo-allergenic and should be in either the neutral or acidic range of the pH scale (around pH 5). To identify possible allergic reactions to skin care products, they should be first tested on healthy skin before the initial application to areas affected by lymphedema.

Tight fitting compression sleeves or stockings, as well as materials used in compression bandaging may also cause skin irritation. Some patients may be allergic to a certain material used for compression therapy. This situation can be remedied by switching to other materials.

In mosquito infected areas it is necessary to apply insect repellents to the affected extremity (some moisturizers contain natural repellents) to avoid bites, which are a common cause for infections.

For an excellent resource regarding all aspects of skin care, I would like to refer you to this link: http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/wiki/doku.php?id=skin_care

For a more in-depth look at other measures to avoid the onset of lymphedema, stay tuned for future blogs on this site.

**Editor's note: This is a great site for dependable, trustworthy information on lymphedema. The author/creator is Joachim Zuther, founder of the Academy of Lymphatic Studies (ACOL)

Lymphedema Today