I was recently browsing the diseasome map of human diseases and genes, and it reminded me of the relationship between allergic rhinitis (hay fever), asthma and atopy (incl. eczema), or the ‘atopic triad’ as I like to call it. I also discovered that the gene related to Eczema is also connected to a rare genetic disorder called Netherton Syndrome, which seems to be similar to chronic severe eczema, not pleasant. In diseasome both atopy and allergic rhinitis are classified as immunological diseases, whereas Netherton Syndrome is listed as dermatological. This makes sense as both hayfever and eczema are allergic reactions, which the immune system is responsible for. While the cause of Nethertons syndrome is a dysfunction in the …

Another great Avene cream for extra sensitive skin types that I’m surprised I haven’t reviewed yet. This is a reliable cream that I have been using for years for extra dry, eczema afflicted skin. I recently took advantage of the strong AU dollar and bought some more recently from the Pharamundi amazon store here at a much better price that you find in Australian priceline stores and with a fairly cheap delivery fee too; international delivery is one thing that can negate the benefits of purchasing skincare overseas, but in this case it’s not a problem. I can vouch for the quality of the cream as it was the same old cream I have always used, really good at …

I’ve reviewed the Toleriane riche cream for dry skin previously and thought I’d add a review for the Toleriane lotion for normal-combinaiton skins that I have been using as well. I always use either of these toleriane creams in conjunction with the Cicaplast healing gel whenever I have an eczema break out because they never, ever cause even the slightest bit of irritation for me and the Cicalplast is almost as good as steroid creams at healing eczema. Basically my review for the riche version holds here, except I use the Toleriane riche cream when my skin is extra dry and the lotion for combination skin when it is on the oily side. This is usually a summer/winter …

Ah, red wine, full of health giving antioxidants such as resveratrol, a compound believed to have life-extending and weight loss benefits. Unfortunately for people with sensitive skin, red wine is also a common source of allergic-like reactions such as itchy skin and headaches. The main culprits here are the histamines and sulfates that most red wines contain. The good news is there are some wines that contain low amounts of these offending materials and if drunk in moderation should not cause too many problems. So what are these low histamines/low sulfate red wine varieties? Well, it really depends on where and how the wine is cultivated but I’ve been doing some experiments over the years and I have found …

I am surprised that I have forotten to review Avene’s Trixera cream! It is one of the creams I have been using on active eczema for sometime and find it is great. It is very similar to A-Derma’s exomega cream in constitution, however it is a little different in smell and texture all though not much. Avene products tend to have a similar scent to each other and that is present here although I don’t think it is an added fragrance. Both creams contain omega 9 oils which are beneficial for eczema and both protect the skin really well. Which you prefer is up to you, but in action they are equal in my opinion. I think I heard that …