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What do microplastics, dishwasher rinse-aid, air pollution and processed foods have to do with eczema? Join us as we explore why allergic diseases were rare for our grandparents but now affect two billion people worldwide.   Explaining the link is our guest, Professor Cezmi Akdis. He is a global leader in immunology, specializing in allergic diseases, editor-in-chief of Allergy, and a Professor at the University of Zurich in Switzerland.  (If you like our podcast consider supporting it with a tax deductible donation.) Research discussed in this podcast: Scrubbing away our collective health Does the epithelial barrier hypothesis explain the increase in allergy, autoimmunity and other chronic conditions? Gut epithelial barrier damage caused by dishwasher detergents and rinse aids Epithelial barrier hypothesis: Effect of the external exposome on the microbiome and epithelial barriers in allergic disease

Have you ever wondered if there is anything you can do during pregnancy to lower the chance of your baby developing eczema? Join our discussion with Dr. Suzanne Barshow from Stanford University who is overseeing the SUNBEAM study which investigates which factors lead to the development of allergic diseases, and Kortney Kwong Hing, co-host of The Itch Podcast and eczema sufferer who would like to avoid passing on her allergies to her future children. (If you like our podcast consider supporting it with a tax deductible donation.)

In our very first “Big Ideas” competition, we asked those who live with eczema for big ideas that could lead to better treatments or a cure. Learn about three brilliant ideas from the winners to help kids with eczema in the future. Our guests are Armando de la Libertad, Nic Novac and Angela Tiru, parents and patients who used their experiences and insights to come up with innovative research ideas. (If you like our podcast consider supporting it with a tax deductible donation.) Have a Big Idea of your own? Enter this year’s Big Ideas competition here. More information about Big Ideas 2022

Could allergy drops (or shots) be the answer to reducing eczema flares? Recent research suggests that immunotherapy can improve eczema symptoms, and it is safe for kids, easy to use and inexpensive. We discuss how the treatment works and it’s potential to improve lives, especially for kids who can’t access expensive treatment programs. Our guests are Dr. Derek Chu, professor of medicine at McMaster University in Canada, and Dr. Sarah Langer, a pediatric immunologist from the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil. (P.S. If you like our podcast consider supporting it with a tax deductible donation). Research in this podcast: Allergen immunotherapy for atopic dermatitis: Systematic review and meta-analysis of benefits and harms Efficacy of House Dust Mite Sublingual Immunotherapy in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Imagine if doctors could use a non-invasive test on newborns to predict their risk of developing eczema?   Now it might be possible.  What’s more, new research suggests there is something you can do for high risk babies. Join us as we learn about an innovative test for eczema and what you might do with this information.   Our guest speakers are Dr. Anne-Sofie Halling who is completing a PhD on biomarkers of atopic dermatitis at Copenhagen University, Denmark; Prof. Alan Irvine a professor of dermatology at Trinity College, Dublin Ireland; and, Prof. Jonathan Hourihane a professor of pediatrics and child health at Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. (If you like our podcast consider supporting it with a tax deductible donation.) Research discussed in this podcast: Skin biomarkers predict development of atopic dermatitis in infancy Early initiation of short-term emollient use for the prevention of atopic dermatitis in high-risk infants—The STOP-AD randomised controlled trial Skin care interventions in infants for preventing eczema and food allergy Preventing Atopic Dermatitis and ALLergies in Children-the PreventADALL study. Daily emollient during infancy for prevention of eczema: the BEEP randomised controlled trial

Until recently, the mental health impacts of eczema were hidden and under recognized. However, there's been a spate of new research that shows an association between eczema and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. And those impacts extend to parents and caregivers as well.   Join the discussion with Dr. Mohammad Jafferany, Professor of Psychodermatology Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Central Michigan University; Prof. Andrew Thompson, Professor of Clinical Psychology Cardiff University in the UK; and Dr. Katrina Abuabara, Associate Professor at University of California, San Francisco. A special thank you to Incyte, a member of GPER's Corporate Council, for support of our programs, including the Eczema Breakthroughs Podcast. (P.S. If you like our podcast, please consider making a tax deductible donation to GPER!) Research discussed in this episode: Predictors and age-dependent pattern of psychological problems in childhood atopic dermatitis Association of Atopic Dermatitis and Mental Health Outcomes Across Childhood: A Longitudinal Cohort Study Effects of family constellation seminars on itch in patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis: A patient preference controlled trial Mindful parenting intervention for parents of children with skin conditions: a single group experimental cases series GPER's Free Caregiver Support Program Susan Bögels Mindful Parenting Workshops (UK)

Our skin protects us from our environment, and global warming is changing that environment. In turn, new research suggests this changing environment can alter our skin. In this episode we explore the impact climate change has on children with eczema and allergies.  Our guests are: Dr. Mary Prunicki, Director of Air Pollution and Health Research at the Sean N Parker Centre for Allergy and Asthma Research, Stanford University; Dr. Marc Rothenberg, Director of Allergy and Immunology at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital; Dr. April Schachtel, chief of dermatology for the VA Puget Sound healthcare system in Washington State; and Dr. Markus Boos, pediatric dermatologist at Seattle Children's Hospital. If you are interested in this topic and would like to learn more, attend our virtual fall research symposium. Register here: www.parentsforeczemaresearch.com/symposium

Topical corticosteroids (TCS) use is controversial in our community and generates a lot of concern among caregivers. Yet, it is the mainstay of eczema treatment for children and nearly every child who sees a doctor for eczema is likely using topical steroids. TCS do usually help with eczema symptoms, but it can be hard to wean off them and then there are side effects. In the first segment, we talk with dermatologist Dr. Steven Feldman from Wake Forest Baptist in North Carolina and two eczema parents who had very different experiences with topical corticosteroids. In the second segment, we discuss the very latest findings on steroid use with UK dermatology nurse Sandra Lawton who is a contributing author on the 2022 Cochrane Review, "What is the best way to use topical corticosteroids to treat people with eczema". (Please consider supporting our podcast, with a tax deductible donation) https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?id=3&name=E357477 . Research related to this episode: What is the best way to use topical corticosteroids to treat people with eczema? https://www.cochrane.org/CD013356/SKIN_what-best-way-use-topical-corticosteroids-treat-people-eczema Combined antibiotic, steroid and moisturizer for atopic dermatitis https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/pde.14458 Topical steroid withdrawal reactions: a review of the evidence https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/topical-steroid-withdrawal-reactions-a-review-of-the-evidence/topical-steroid-withdrawal-reactions-a-review-of-the-evidence?fbclid=IwAR0SERPj4RVykRAf9SRJ2BIRGUq1_NbiZ34hE_5BDxdzPrfmsrGDAcCN9VE

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 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 donation. Research covered in this episode: Optimizing emollient therapy for skin barrier repair in atopic dermatitis Pilot study on trilipid cream versus paraffin-based emollient The effects of common topical exposures on skin bacteria associated with eczema 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 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 donation.) Research referred to in this podcast: Global Patient Initiative to Improve Eczema Care (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 donation). Research & resources relevant to this podcast Novel treatments for pediatric atopic dermatitis. 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: 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” Impact of Childhood Atopic Dermatitis on Life Decisions for Caregivers and Families

At the beginning of the pandemic, the prevailing theory was that people with eczema would be at higher risk for COVID-19 infection and impacts because so many are using steroid treatments and also suffer from asthma, which many guessed would make respiratory infections worse. But, in a rare bit of good news, 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: Bathing Babies More Than Once a Week Ups Eczema Risk Frequent Versus Infrequent Bathing in Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial 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:   Children’s views and experiences of treatment adherence and parent/child co-management in eczema   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: 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 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: The Sunbeam Study on Early Predictors, Mechanisms of Food Allergy and Eczema   Randomized Trial of Peanut Consumption in Infants at Risk for Peanut Allergy

New research suggests a link between eczema and learning disabilities in children. But how can we tease out the effect of itch, sleep, treatment and other factors to know if the learning disability is real? Join us for this enlightening discussion with Dr. Joy Wan, dermatologist and researcher with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and lead author on a recently published study that looked at this complicated relationship.  Research referenced in this episode: Association of Atopic Dermatitis Severity With Learning Disability in Children Increased attention-deficit/hyperactivity symptoms in atopic dermatitis are associated with history of antihistamine use

In this episode we talk about parents’ concerns with topical steroids and what we do and don’t know about the risks and benefits of using this mainstay of treatment. We also explore NEW topical treatments for eczema that may be safer to use long term. Our guest is Dr. Elaine Siegfried, Director of the Division of Pediatric Dermatology At Saint Louis University and Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital and our co-host is parent Angela Tiru. Join us for a deep dive into all the controversial questions and more.  Research referenced in this episode: Long-term safety of topical corticosteroids and topical calcineurin inhibitors Bacteriotherapy for Atopic Dermatitis Treatment of Eczema with a JAK inhibitor cream