The Hidden Cost of Eczema

Though similar, eczema is often an overlooked cousin when talking about allergies or asthma. Like the latter, eczema has no definitively known cause. Also like the other two, it’s a chronic condition, one that acts differently with different people, and…

Allerdent – A New Alternative to Immunotherapy

Medical Clowns for Allergies? Helpful or Just Creepy?

After watching the second episode of American Horror Story: Freak Show, I found a study in this month's Allergy Journal about using ‘medical clowns’ to help entertain and distract children while receiving skin prick tests (SPT) and allergy shots. With…

Swimming, Chlorine and Pregnancy

Last week we saw a flurry of articles written about the release of a study in the British Journal of Dermatology. The reason for publicity is that part of the research takes aim at an activity that pregnant women commonly…

New Research on BPAs and Health Effects

This August has seen the release of two new studies involving bisphenol A (BPA) and potential health effects. Since both deal with different subjects, I'll address them separately, but each contribute to a growing body of work that focuses on…

Fatty Acids Linked to Increase Risk of Allergies

An article recently published by a group of Swedish researchers calls into question some of the zeal over fatty acids in our diet. With the seemingly endless parade of ads for supplements rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, this latest…

Pacifiers: Not Just for Kids to Enjoy?

I came across this on the drive in to work yesterday morning, and it reminded me of just a few short years ago.

Genetics Plays Key Role in Eczema

Like many health issues and conditions, the primary determining factors are genetics and the environment. Both are not weighted equally in any given situation, but both play a role in the development of most medical conditions and diseases. Even when…

Studies Support ‘Hygiene Hypothesis’ on Allergies

As the prevalence of asthma and allergies continues to climb in most Western societies, the causes of these chronic conditions are still not known. Though, with a collection of news stories, research pieces, and press releases coming in over the…

Allergic to… Bacteria?

Can you be allergic to bacteria? A study released in this month’s issue of the Journal of Leukocyte Biology suggests that some instances of asthma may be related to what could be classified as an allergic response to bacteria. _The…

Stressed Infants More Prone to Allergies

We've previously discussed factors that influence the development of allergies and asthma in children. For instance, children born by c-sections and aren't exposed to as much bacteria during their birth are more likely to develop allergies. Those whose mothers take…

Asthma and Household Dust

Study: High Allergen Levels in U.S. Homes.A new study associates endotoxins, a bacterial allergen commonly found in household dust, with asthma. The study was conducted by the University of Iowa Environmental Health Sciences Center, and included nearly 2500 people in…