The Times Australia
Fashion and Beauty

.

Skin Disorders on the Rise - How to Keep Them Under Control as We Mark World Dermatitis Day


Australia has one of the highest incidences of eczema in the world and sufferers of debilitating skin conditions seem to grow daily – the latest figures show that nearly one third of Australians will suffer eczema at some stage in their lives.

Melody Livingstone, CEO of MooGoo, an Australian skin care range treating skin issues like eczema and psoriasis, says she’s seen a dramatic rise in the number of people suffering skin issues.

“Australia has one of the highest incidences of dermatitis in the world, and it is only getting worse – 50 years ago, only one in 10 Australian children suffered from it,” said Livingstone 

“It can develop for a number of reasons, including climate, lifestyle, hygiene and genetics, and can become easily infected, causing pain, inflammation and lack of sleep, and research shows the number of cases of dermatitis is on the rise worldwide, but we don’t know why.

“There are more people with eczema than ever before and we’re selling an eczema cream every two minutes. In Australia, we’ve had an increase in people contacting us for skin care advice as COVID-19 and its impacts have wreaked havoc on people suffering from skin issues, and the constant handwashing and use of hand sanitiser has caused dermatitis to flare.”

Ms Livingstone shares tips on how to manage dermatitis:

Keep fingernails short to prevent scratching from breaking the skin and wear cotton mitts or gloves at night

Wear 100% cotton or soft fabrics – avoiding rough, scratchy fibres and tight clothing

Have lukewarm baths and showers

Using hypoallergenic products and avoiding anything perfumed

Gently pat, not rub, the skin dry with a soft towel

Apply a moisturiser within three minutes after bathing to ‘lock in’ the moisture

Avoid rapid changes of temperature and activities that raise a sweat

Use sensitive skin washing powders and detergents

Reduce daily stress

Learn your eczema triggers and how to avoid them

Develop and maintain a daily skin routine

She adds: “Studies have shown that up to 30% of infants with dermatitis, with a family history of allergy, will develop food allergy, and up to 40% develop asthma and/or allergic rhinitis (hay fever) – but while many people develop it as children and carry it into adulthood, there are instances where people spontaneously develop eczema as adults.

“It can take a huge toll on families, with research showing the impact of moderate and severe dermatitis on families is significantly higher than the impact of diabetes on families.

“Despite dermatitis becoming more common, there’s still surprisingly little understanding around how to manage it, and there is no proven cure, education and keeping the symptoms under control is critical.

“The importance of maintaining good gut flora is emerging as a link. Trying to get as much rest as possible and keeping skin cool, moisturised and hydrated is important, as is avoiding known allergens.”

I have a number of case studies, including Cherie Alexander, 87, who works as a dental assistant has had such severe eczema on her right hand that she could hardly work at times.

“My eczema was so bad that I would be in tears in the shower. I had to wear gloves to wash my hair and at work I was constantly in pain,” she says.

“Often my fingers or hands would split open, it looked like I had cut myself. Cortisone cream was the only thing that helped, but after even a day or two of not using it, the pus blisters and sores would be back – I didn’t want to keep using these heavy creams, but it was a never-ending cycle.”

Times Magazine

Building a Strong Online Presence with Katoomba Web Design

Katoomba web design is more than just creating a website that looks good—it’s about building an online presence that reflects your brand, engages your audience, and drives results. For local businesses in the Blue Mountains, a well-designed website a...

September Sunset Polo

International Polo Tour To Bridge Historic Sport, Life-Changing Philanthropy, and Breath-Taking Beauty On Saturday, September 6th, history will be made as the International Polo Tour (IPT), a sports leader headquartered here in South Florida...

5 Ways Microsoft Fabric Simplifies Your Data Analytics Workflow

In today's data-driven world, businesses are constantly seeking ways to streamline their data analytics processes. The sheer volume and complexity of data can be overwhelming, often leading to bottlenecks and inefficiencies. Enter the innovative da...

7 Questions to Ask Before You Sign IT Support Companies in Sydney

Choosing an IT partner can feel like buying an insurance policy you hope you never need. The right choice keeps your team productive, your data safe, and your budget predictable. The wrong choice shows up as slow tickets, surprise bills, and risky sh...

Choosing the Right Legal Aid Lawyer in Sutherland Shire: Key Considerations

Legal aid services play an essential role in ensuring access to justice for all. For people in the Sutherland Shire who may not have the financial means to pay for private legal assistance, legal aid ensures that everyone has access to representa...

Watercolor vs. Oil vs. Digital: Which Medium Fits Your Pet's Personality?

When it comes to immortalizing your pet’s unique personality in art, choosing the right medium is essential. Each artistic medium, whether watercolor, oil, or digital, has distinct qualities that can bring out the spirit of your furry friend in dif...

The Times Features

What Makes a Small Group Tour of Italy So Memorable?

Traveling to Italy is on almost every bucket list. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the sparkling canals of Venice, the country is filled with sights, flavors, and experiences ...

Latest data suggests Australia is overcoming its sugar addiction

Australia is now meeting the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines[1] on sugar, which recommend keeping sugar below 10% of daily energy intake. New data[2] published ...

Do you really need a dental check-up and clean every 6 months?

Just over half of Australian adults[1] saw a dental practitioner in the past 12 months, most commonly for a check-up[2]. But have you been told you should get a check-up and c...

What is a Compounding Pharmacy and Why Do You Need One in Melbourne?

Ever picked up a prescription and thought, this pill is too big, too bitter, or full of things I cannot have? That is where a compounding chemist becomes important. A compounding p...

Deep Cleaning vs Regular Cleaning: Which One Do Perth Homes Really Need?

Whether you live in a coastal home in Cottesloe or a modern apartment in East Perth, keeping your living space clean isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s essential for your health and...

Rubber vs Concrete Wheel Stops: Which is Better for Your Car Park?

When it comes to setting up a car park in Perth, wheel stops are a small feature that make a big difference. From improving driver accuracy to preventing costly damage, the right c...