Eczema and food allergy are closely intertwined, particularly when it comes to questions of prevention. We know that eczema tends to be the first condition to emerge in the atopic march and there is growing evidence that controlling eczema may actually prevent some of these downstream conditions. Likewise, if we can learn how to prevent eczema so that it never manifested in the first place, we may be able to prevent all of the conditions in the atopic march: food allergies, asthma and allergic rhinitis. Find out more on this episode, hosted in partnership with the Food Allergy Fund 2022 Summit, with guests Dr. Peck Ong from Keck School of Medicine, Dr. Aikaterini Anagnostou from Baylor College of Medicine, and Dr. Jessica Hui from National Jewish Health as we delve into how to prevent atopic conditions, starting with eczema. P.S. If you like our podcast, consider supporting it with a tax deductible https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?id=3andname=E357477 (donation).

Are certain types of moisturizers better than others for eczema? What is the best way to apply it? In this episode we ask our guest speakers, both researchers who have studied this topic, to weigh in: Dr. Tina Sindher, Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics from the Allergy and Clinical Immunology group at Stanford University and Dr. Ian Myles head of the Epithelial Therapeutics Unit at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease. P.S. If you like our podcast consider supporting it with a tax deductible https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/4240150 (donation). Research covered in this episode: https://www.annallergy.org/article/S1081-1206(22)00015-1/fulltext (Optimizing emollient therapy for skin barrier repair in atopic dermatitis) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7951178/ (Pilot study on trilipid cream versus paraffin-based emollient) https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ski2.41 (The effects of common topical exposures on skin bacteria associated with eczema) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33678253/ (Frequent moisturizer use in infancy and later development of food allergy)

Globally, patients and caregivers are often left to figure out the daunting task of getting eczema under control by medical systems that provide limited direction. In a first-of-its kind http://www.improveeczemacare.com/ (collaboration) between patient organizations from eight countries coordinated by Global Parents for Eczema Research, we reveal the results of a 3,200 response survey which show how eczema patients are faring and to what extent medical care and treatments are meeting their needs. Our guests are Rachael Manion from the Canadian Skin Patient Alliance, Andrew Proctor from the National Eczema Society in the United Kingdom and Cheryl Talent from the Eczema Association of Australasia. (If you like our podcast consider supporting it with a tax deductible https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/4240150 (donation).) Research referred to in this podcast: Global Patient Initiative to Improve Eczema Care (https://www.improveeczemacare.com/ (https://www.improveeczemacare.com/))

In the last few months, a record FOUR new treatments have been approved for eczema in the United States, with other countries considering approval as well. At long last, kids with moderate-to-severe eczema will soon have new, effective options. What are these new treatments, their side effects and what do parents need to know about safety? Tune in as we discuss these emerging treatments with our expert guest speakers: Dr. Amy Paller, Professor of Pediatrics and Chair of the Department of Dermatology at Northwestern University, Chicago; and Dr. Aaron Drucker, Assistant Professor and Dermatologist at the University of Toronto, Canada. (P.S. If you like our podcast consider supporting it with a tax deductible https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E357477andid=3andfbclid=IwAR3kBgdyLBUgQcPofVj931OXOyHhRgBPOfonhBtTJz03YQgLN5JKIBmy0qE (donation)). Research and resources relevant to this podcast Novel treatments for pediatric atopic dermatitis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7281689/ (New and Emerging Systemic Treatments for Atopic Dermatitis. ) Eczema Treatment Comparison Tool

Studies by Global Parents for Eczema Research have shed light on the many mental health, quality of life, and life course impacts experienced by parents who care for children with moderate to severe eczema. The impacts are often hidden from view and take an enormous toll on caregivers who have the daunting challenge of controlling and managing eczema at all hours of the day and night, often without a break. Healthcare systems usually aren’t set up to address the needs of parents of children with serious medical issues. As a result, parents and caregivers are on their own, stressed, isolated, and without support. In this episode we discuss this common experience with several parents who are part of GPER’s Support for Eczema Caregivers Program, which was launched in 2020 to provide mentoring and listening support to parents and caregivers struggling with the many hidden challenges of living with eczema. For more about this program go to: www.parentsforeczemaresearch.com/caregiver Research in this episode: https://journals.lww.com/dermatitis/fulltext/2020/05000/insights_from_caregivers_on_the_impact_of.9.aspx (Insights From Caregivers on the Impact of Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis on Families: “I’m Tired, Overwhelmed, and Feel Like I’m Failing as a Mother”) https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jdv.17943 (Impact of Childhood Atopic Dermatitis on Life Decisions for Caregivers and Families)

Episode 16: The surprising relationship between COVID risk & eczema At the beginning of the pandemic, the prevailing theory was that people with eczema would be at higher risk for COVID-19 infection and severe symptoms because they were taking treatments that suppress the immune system or because they also had asthma which was thought to complicate symptoms. But, in a rare bit of good news, research is suggesting the exact opposite may be true. Tune in to learn how the immune system abnormalities associated with eczema may actually protect against COVID-19 infection and how one treatment may reduce the risk of severe symptoms after infection. Our guests are Dr. Emma Guttman-Yassky, Professor of Dermatology and Immunology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; Dr. Benjamin Ungar Assistant Professor of Dermatology also at Mount Sinai; and Dr. Adrian Martineau Professor of Respiratory Infection and Immunity Sciences in the School of Medicine at Queen Mary University of London. Research referenced in this episode: COVID-19 Symptoms in Patients Treated with Dupilumab Risk factors for developing COVID-19

Many parents receive conflicting advice about how and how often to bathe a child with eczema, which leads to confusion around this common ritual. On the one hand, baths can quell itch, and hydrate the skin prior to moisturization; on the other, over-bathing may actually dry out the skin and compromise the skin barrier. In this episode, we delve into the research on bathing and eczema with special guest Dr. Tom Marrs, a pediatric allergist at St Thomas Hospital in the United Kingdom. Dr. Marrs studies how the microbiome influences the development of allergic diseases. Research referenced in this episode: https://www.medsearchuk.com/bathing-babies-more-than-once-a-week-ups-eczema-risk-bathing-babies-more-than-once-a-week-ups-eczema-risk/ (Bathing Babies More Than Once a Week Ups Eczema Risk) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31733336/ (Frequent Versus Infrequent Bathing in Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4852987/ (Enquiring About Tolerance (EAT) Study)

When children are young, parents have to manage their eczema care, and it’s a role that usually lasts a decade or more. But when children reach adolescence, parents must hand over the reins and learn to let go. In this episode we explore some pitfalls with this sometimes-tumultuous period as well as tips and best practices for navigating it with patience and skill. We examine the issues from the perspectives of both parents and young people. Our guest, Dr. Miriam Santer, studies this topic at University of Southampton. Tune in to learn more. Research mentioned in this episode: https://eprints.soton.ac.uk/cgi/eprintbypureuuid?uuid=8d083810-f34d-45ef-a859-c6bd9f07f599 (Children’s views and experiences of treatment adherence and parent/child co-management in eczema) https://eprints.soton.ac.uk/cgi/eprintbypureuuid?uuid=9067b190-98c1-4481-92dd-92d6d223d259 (Taking charge of eczema self-management: a qualitative interview study with young people with eczema).

In this episode we explore the promise of an emerging therapy for inflammatory conditions like eczema: transplanting the fecal matter of a healthy person into the gut of a person with eczema. It sounds far-fetched (and even a little off-putting!) but this therapy has actually been around for 2000 years and was first used in ancient China to treat infections. More recently, FMT has been shown to cure difficult-to-treat intestinal infection and is emerging as a promising approach for a range of immune system related conditions (including eczema). Our guest is Dr. Siew Ng, a fecal microbiota transplant researcher with the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Tune in to the dialogue to learn more! (If you like our podcast consider supporting it with a tax deductible donation.) Research mentioned in this episode: https://www.nature.com/articles/s12276-021-00627-6 (Gut microbiota restoration through fecal microbiota transplantation: a new atopic dermatitis therapy)

Parents of children with eczema often end up on a long journey to determine what triggers their child’s flares, and food is often suspected to be a culprit. But restricting food too early can confuse the immune system and create problems later on. In this episode, co-hosted with Susan Weissman of the https://foodallergyfund.org/may-2021 (Food Allergy Fund (FAF)) and produced as part of the FAF Annual Summit, we ask our panel of experts how and when to introduce foods like nuts, dairy, eggs, and wheat in children with eczema and what the implications are for the development of food allergy. Our panelists include Dr. Michael Pistiner, Director of Food Allergy Advocacy, Education and Prevention at Massachusetts General Hospital and Dr. Corinne Keet, professor of pediatrics at Johns Hopkins University. Research referenced in this episode: https://www.niaid.nih.gov/news-events/nih-study-early-predictors-mechanisms-food-allergy-and-eczema-has-begun (The Sunbeam Study on Early Predictors, Mechanisms of Food Allergy and Eczema) Randomized Trial of Peanut Consumption in Infants at Risk for Peanut Allergy