What is eczema?

Eczema is the name used to describe conditions that cause the skin to be red and itch. Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema. AD causes rashes from dry, itchy skin that can lead to swelling, crusting, rough areas of skin and oozing. This condition is caused by a combination of genetics and triggers from our environment like irritants, allergens, temperatures, and stress.The location of where eczema occurs depends on the age of the person. For example, in infants, rashes are located on the folds of skin and cheeks, whereas with adults, rashes are found on the hands.

Now that we have a general idea of eczema, lets look at the two most common myths:

Myth #1: Eczema can be cured with natural household items 

No, eczema cannot be cured with oils, food, and household products. Natural household items are viewed as easily accessible and in some cases are actually shown to be effective for symptom relief. However, these remedies are in fact temporary due to the flare up and remission cycle of eczema. There is also no actual evidence within peer reviewed literature that indicates a natural cure for this life long condition. Since there is no cure, treatment focuses on moisturization, recognizing triggers and controlling the itch.

Moisturization:

• Moisturize daily after bath and when skin is dry.
  • Luke warm water assists with skin hydration.
• Use emollients 4-5 times per day.
  • Apply emollients when skin is wet and/or moist.

Trigger management:

• Knowing triggers and avoiding them if possible.
  • Common irritants : soaps, household cleansers, fragrances, wool and polyester.
• Use antihistamines for allergens. If you have food allergies, see a dietitian.
• Be aware of the effects of weather:
  • Winter months cause dryness and sweating can make eczema worse.
• Patch test skincare products
• Stress management

Itch control

• Use topical steroids.
• Apply cold compress to skin.
• Wear loose, breathable clothing.

Myth#2 : Eczema is contagious

No, eczema is not contagious. People are more likely to have eczema if their parents had inflammatory conditions like asthma and allergies. Rashes from eczema are caused by the immune systems response to inflammation. That inflammation is triggered by factors within our environment like food, fabrics, weather, pets, and stress. If rashes persist and the skin does not respond to topical treatments, infection can occur. Antimicrobial emollients can be used when the skin becomes infected as well as antibacterial, antiviral, and immunomodulatory medications for severe cases. Therefore, people that have eczema are more prone to infection rather than transmitting rashes.

Bottom line- eczema is a life long skin condition. Not only does eczema affect people physically, but it also affects them socially and emotionally. The next time you suspect someone has eczema, know that they can only manage their symptoms and you cannot “catch” eczema from them.

References:

Even though in the United States medicinal marijuana is legal throughout the country, there is still a continued stigma for individuals who use marijuana. Unlike other prescription drugs, such as common painkillers and Opioids, medicinal marijuana is prescribed differently. According to the article, “Medical Marijuana: Does Cannabis Offer Health Benefits,” it states how medical marijuana can be easily abused, however all drugs can be easily abused when not taken regulatory measurements for the prescription, (2017). 

There is a constant stigma in movies, shows, and other media emphasizing the negative effects of Marijuana use however not much is said on the opioid crisis, which is at an all time high. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse in 2019 there were around 50,000 deaths due to the overuse of opioids, which is commonly prescribed by medical professionals, (2021).  There are numerous ways in which medical marijuana can benefit multiple diagnoses, such as depression, Cancer, Seizures, neurological disorders, or for pain/sleep regulation. 

In the article, Medical Marijuana: Does Cannabis Offer Health Benefits, (2017), Elizabeth, a 53 year old female who is a survivor of cancer, underwent two lumpectomies. In the article she discusses her journey from utilizing radiation and suffering from anxiety, insomnia, and chronic back pain. She reviews her daily utilization of medical marijuana in order to relieve these side effects due to her breast cancer, stating that she uses a topical cream for her pain, and vapes to relieve her anxiety.  This article goes on to state specific examples of laws that demonstrate the increasing acceptance of medical marijuana in the United States.  The author provides information on which population generally uses marijuana by certain states. Older adults were the more common age bracket that used medical marijuana in those states, specifically Montana and Oregon. The author then provides a chart of the mass majority of voters in the United States who approve of medical marijuana (Mantel, 2017). 

According to the article, Chronic Pain Patients’ Perspectives of Medical Cannabis, the preferred way of taking marijuana was through a joint, pipe, or bong, which is illustrated in the previous video. This way of ingesting marijuana is commonly seen in movies, and TV shows, which is much more expensive than other types of medicinal marijuana, such as  topical marijuana, tinctures, edibles, and vaporizers (Mantel, 2017). Even though medicinal marijuana is largely available, it is important for primary care physicians and their patients’ understand different costs, and alternative ways they can ingest marijuana in order to benefit their condition. The video provides educational information on the difference between THC versus CBD. It also provides information on ways medicinal marijuana can benefit certain diagnosis, conditions, and replace other prescription drugs patients are utilizing currently.

In the article, Medical Cannabis for the Primary Care Physician (2019),  they give an example of a medical marijuana user who is 54, who has had chronic back pain, irritability, and insomnia. She then visits a dispensary to manage her symptoms, and would like an opinion from her primary care physician. This article states that even though certain areas of the country you do not need to go to your primary care physician in order to receive a prescription it is important to receive some input on the matter from them, because PCP’s know the basic pharmacology behind marijuana and therefore will suggest a strain that is right for the client (Slawek, Meenrajan, Alois, Comstock Barker, Estores, & Cook, 2019). The video below states the importance of understanding different strains of marijuana from a primary care physician’s  perspective who has prescribed previous patients medical marijuana, and discusses different laws that are current to 2021.  

References 

Mantel, B. (2017, July 21). Medical marijuana. CQ researcher, 27, 605-628. http://library.cqpress.com/

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021, March 11). Opioid Overdose Crisis. National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/opioids/opioid-overdose-crisis. 

Piper, B. J., Beals, M. L., Abess, A. T., Nichols, S. D., Martin, M. W., Cobb, C. M., & DeKeuster, R. M. (2017). Chronic pain patients’ perspectives of medical cannabis. Pain, 158(7), 1373–1379. https://doi.org/10.1097/j.pain.0000000000000899 

Slawek, D., Meenrajan, S. R., Alois, M. R., Comstock Barker, P., Estores, I. M., & Cook, R. (2019). Medical Cannabis for the Primary Care Physician. Journal of Primary Care & Community Health, 10, 215013271988483. https://doi.org/10.1177/2150132719884838