Birth marks effect up to 5% of the population and are notoriously hard to get rid of.

However a pioneering new treatment has found a way to quickly erase birthmarks without pain or trauma.

Birthmarks are caused when abnormal blood vessels form in the womb when the walls of the vessels weaken and then bulge. They are thought to be genetic.

Birthmarks can grow over time as they can swell with blood. They can occur anywhere on the body, but are common on the head and neck.

Laser removal of birthmarks can be successful in getting rid of or reducing the appearance of superficial birthmarks, but they do not work on deeper birthmarks.

Another removal method is injecting alcohol into the birthmark site to destroy them, but alcohol is very toxic and can cause ulceration and scarring.

But in Japan a pioneering new treatment that involves injecting a drug usually used for treating cancer called bleomycin into the site of the birthmark. Injecting bleomycin causes the abnormal blood vessels to seal and close.

The procedure takes about half an hour. The patient is either sedated or has a light general anaesthetic because the injection is painful, though there’s very little pain afterwards.

An average of four treatments at 3-6 weeks apart are required for full results.

The scalp is often the most ignored part of the body when it comes to skin, but in fact scalps are often very sensitive and highly vulnerable to skin conditions, especially dry scalp. Flaky scalps, dry scalps, itchy scalps, spotty scalps, these are common scalp problems but with few targeted solutions.

To add to the problem most every day hair products contain harsher chemicals and preservatives than normal skin products, so the scalp is constantly being bombarded with harsh chemicals. In addition sun exposure (no one puts sun cream on their scalp) dehydration and stress can also have cause extra dry scalp issues.

Below are the most common culprits that can lead to a dry scalp, sore scalp, spotty scalp or itchy scalp;

 Hair products/hair dyes

Most styling hair products such as mousse and hair sprays as well as heavily scented shampoos and conditioners contain extremely harsh preservatives and foaming agents, namely Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, which can lead to dry scalp and scalp irritation. Hair dyes are also a major culprit for contact scalp dermatitis and can cause anything from mild allergic reactions to extremely severe toxic shock allergies that, in the most extreme scenarios, can lead to death. Contact dermatitis of the scalp from hair products can cause extreme itching and flaking that is often mistake for normal fungal dandruff. If you have scalp psoriasis, these hair product preservatives can make the psoriasis much worse.

Anti-dandruff shampoos

Normal dandruff is caused by a fungus called Pityrosporum ovale that grows on the scalp. Anti-dandruff shampoos and treatments contain harsh anti-fungal agents to kill the fungus on the scalp.

If you use anti-dandruff shampoos on dry scalp dandruff or scalp eczema is can make the flaking and dryness a lot worse. Dry scalp dandruff is often very itchy and the scalp feels tight and sometimes sore. If you have recently changed to a new brand of shampoo or hair styling product or your flaking scalp is not quickly  improving with anti-dandruff treatments, then it’s more likely that you have dry scalp dandruff and you need to switch to a shampoo that treats this condition.

Blow drying

Stress

Stress tends to have a drying effect on the skin and the scalp is no exception. Stress can cause flare ups of both eczema and dermatitis as well as make psoriasis worse and the scalp. The scalp is one of the last places on the body to receive natural moisturisation oils plus the daily stripping of these oils from chemical hair products, makes the scalp especially prone to dryness from stress.

Dieting

 Sun

Sunburn on the scalp is very common as the head gets the most sun and very few people remember to either cover their heads or put an SPF on their scalps. Sunburn on the scalp can cause severe itchiness and flaking for many weeks after and can also trigger eczema flare ups. Remember the skin on your scalp is not accustomed to sun and if usually very pale so it burns very easily. The best sun protection for a scalp is a hat. But many hair products now contain SPF’s or you can purchase SPF sprays to protect your scalp from sunburn.

 Acne related scalp dermatitis

Scalp dermatitis from external irritants such as shampoos or styling products can lead to scalp acne because the small lesions or bumps from the dermatitis get infected with bacteria from the hair oils and turn into scalp spots. Wash your hair daily to reduce oil and try changing brands of shampoo or even better switch to a non-chemical shampoo for sensitive scalps and see if the spots clear up.

Washing powder scalp dermatitis

Many people have mild allergies to washing powders and fabric conditioners.

Scalp folliculitis

Scalp folliculitis is a contagious condition that causes an inflammation of the hair follicles. It thrives in damp warm conditions and so is usually picked up from close contact with an infected person, public gyms (excessive sweating can raise risk) or in public warm bathing areas such as saunas or hot tubs. The risk of infection is far higher if there is already existing damage to the hair follicle. Once it’s damaged, bacteria, mites or fungus are able to invade the follicles. An excessively oily scalp can exacerbate scalp folliculitis.

Many types of scalp folliculitis are superficial, meaning the infection occurs within the portion of the hair follicle closest to the skin. Mild cases usually appear in the form of small, itchy whiteheads along the hairline and by the forehead or ears often with scalp flaking too.

This condition usually responds well to anti-bacterial scalp washes.

Treatments & management for flaky scalps

• For dry scalp dandruff caused by dermatitis or eczema stop using normal shampoos and switch to a non-chemical shampoo that specifically targets scalp dryness.

  Hair products containing the plant extract Cardiospermum have good evidence for helping to reduce the symptoms of dry scalp and scalp eczema or dermatitis.

•  For spotty scalps try Tea-tree and/or Eucalyptus based shampoos and conditioners that have natural anti-bacterial actions but without chemicals .
•  For moisturising a dry scalp after blow drying while also giving hair some texture and de-frizzing without the chemicals try Neem, Coconut or Starflower oil. After blow drying rub a small amount on the palm of the hand and run through hair and scalp.
•  Home made hair masques made from honey and oats can be hugely beneficial for dry scalps. Put natural honey and porridge oats in a bowl and add a little warm water until you get a putty. Rub into hair and wrap in warm towel and leave for 30 minutes. Rinse well and wash hair normally.
•  For scalp psoriasis stop using normal shampoos and switch to hair products that are specifically targeted at scalp psoriasis. Hair and scalp products containing the plant steroid Oregon Grape Root are particularly effective for relieving scalp psoriasis.

 Scalp-saving strategies:

•  Always patch test any hair dyes before using on the whole head
• Steer clear of heavily scented or foaming hair products
• Be gentle when brushing hair and use  natural bristle brush to avoid trauma to the scalp and hair follicle
• Avoid wearing restrictive hats or abrasive hair accessories
• After excessive sweating, wash hair immediately
• Let hair dry as naturally as possible and minimise blow dry heats and duration
• Minimize time spent exposed to heat and humidity by avoiding the sauna, hot tub, whirlpool or improperly chlorinated pools.
• Shampoo daily with very mild or specifically targeted non-chemical shampoos
• Regularly cleanse scalp using tea tree oil anti-bacterial hair washes
• Always wear an aerated sun hat in the sun

Skin Magazine asked one of our eczema testers to try Defensil and give us their verdict;

What is in Defensil?

Defensil combines two key natural ingredients. A concentrated extract from Cardiospermum seeds and cold pressed Echium Oil.

Cardiospermum is a commonly used herb for skin problems from Ski Lanka. Its botanical name is Cardiospermum halicacabum, but is locally known as balloon vine. It is found aplenty in markets and growing in many a home garden. This small and delicate wiry climber’s main medicinal powers lie mostly in its leaves. They have been used for hundreds of years in Sri Lanka as a poultice for skin diseases, especially eczema and dermatitis.

Stearidonic acid, which is found in very high concentrations (12%) in Echium Oil, has been found in trials to efficiently inhibit the 5- Lipoxigenase enzyme which is the inflammatory mechanism which causes eczema flare ups.

When mixed together these two plant extracts have been shown to quickly reduce itching. The anti-itching effects of Defensil are due to the presence of natural plant steroids called phytosteroles.

What’ s the evidence that Defensil works? 

Two independent clinical trials have been carried out on Defensil in Switzerland against hydrocortisone creams.  Defensil compared well  against 0.1% hydrocortisone creams (which is the standard strength treatment offered to most eczema sufferers) at both reducing itchiness and redness. Defensil decreased skin sensitivity by almost 50% and skin redness by 35% just 15 minutes after application.

A UK consumer trial overseen by a UK doctor on Defensil on 25 testers indicated that Defensil reduced itchiness, dryness and skin sensitivity caused by eczema better or as well as prescribed treatments, while being nicer to use and less worrying in terms of negative side effects attributed to regular use of steroid creams.

How quickly did Defensil work?

Our tester said that Defensil reduced itching almost immediately, which was a huge plus point.  Within two days some redness had also readuced. Within a week the patch of eczema had reduced by approximately 40%, redness was down by 60% and most importantly itching reduced by 80%.

How nice is Defensil to use?

Our tester said Defensil was very smooth to apply and did not sting. It went on easily and was absorbed quickly and did not leeave the skin sticky. The only critisism was that at teh end of the tube the last little bit needs a really hard squeeze to get out.

Value for money?

The price is not high for this serum, and as it’s a serum not much needs to be used, although our tester found that for the first week three applications a day were needed to keep the itching away. Later less applications were needed.

Marks out of 10?

9/10

Defensil costs £9.95 for 50 ml and is available from www.skinshop.co.uk

Atopic eye dermatitis is the umbrella term for all types of eye eczema and eye dermatitis. However there are specific eye conditions that may come under the umbrella term of eye eczema, but are in fact something a little different.

Below is a guide to the eye conditions that can cause symptoms of eye eczema;

Seborrheic eye eczema

Seborrheic eye eczema is a form of skin inflammation of unknown cause. The signs and symptoms of seborrheic eye eczema include yellowish, oily, scaly patches of skin on the eyelids and redness.  Dandruff in the eyebrows is also a classic sign of seborrheic eye eczema. It is commonplace for seborrheic dermatitis to inflame the skin around the eyes and at the creases under the eyes and at the corners of the eyes. Seborrheic dermatitis is not necessarily associated with itching. This condition tends to run in families. Emotional stress, oily skin and weather conditions may all increase a person’s risk of developing seborrheic eye eczema.

Contact eye eczema 

Contact eye eczema (contact dermatitis) is a localized reaction that includes redness, itching, and burning in areas where the skin has come into contact with an allergen or with a general irritant such as a chemical in an eye product or cosmetic. Other examples of contact eczema include reactions to laundry detergents, soaps, nickel (present in jewellery), fabrics, clothing, and perfume.

Atopic kerato conjunctivitis

Although rare, atopic kerato conjunctivitis is the most severe type of allergic eye disease. It occurs more often in men and is often severe. This persistent condition results in constant itching, dry eyes and blurred vision. It’s associated with corneal swelling and scarring. Eyelid eczema and infection are common.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is an eye condition that causes chronic inflammation, itching and flaking of the eyelid and if often mistaken for eye eczema. The condition can also cause crusting along the eye lids and redness in the eyes. The onset of blepharitis can be acute and stay for 2-4 weeks.

There are two different types of Blepharitis;

Staphylococcal blepharitis is caused by infection of the skin on the eyelid by Staphylococcal bacteria.

Rosacea-associated blepharitis is very common and found in people with a rosacea. The oil glands in the lid of rosacea sufferers secrete an oil which leads to inflammation at the meibomian gland openings which are found at the edge of the eye lid.

Hayfever eye eczema

 Food allergy eye dermatitis

Food allergies such as gluten intolerance and dairy allergies can cause eye dermatitis.

 Pet eye dermatitis

Allergies to pets are a very common cause of eye dermatitis

 Washing powder eye allergies

People with very sensitive skin often experience mild skin reactions to washing powder residue left on their clothes after washing.

 Glasses/sunglasses eye dermatitis

 People who wear glasses or sunglasses a lot can develop eye eczema symptoms due to the contact irritation caused by the phalates in the plastic of the glasses rims or from the metal in glasses rims.

 Contact lens solution eye dermatitis

People who wear contact lenses can develop eye eczema symptoms dude to the lens solution running around their eyes when putting in contact lenses.

 Syringoma

Syringomas are harmless sweat duct tumors, typically found clustered on eyelids. They are skin-coloured or yellowish firm rounded bumps and can sometimes be mistake for seborrheic eye eczema

 Xanthelasma

Xanthelasma is a yellowish deposit of cholesterol underneath the skin which usually appear on or around the eyelids as crusty yellow bumps. They are common in people of Asian origin and those from the Mediterranean region.

Helpful treatments & management for eye eczema

• Steroids creams – are usually avoided as the skin around the eye is so thin and delicate and steroids can cause skin thinning and discolouration. However mild steroids are sometimes prescribed for very limited periods of time if the eye eczema is severe
• 

• Non-steroid anti-inflammatory eye creams - are often the best solution for eye eczema or eye lid irritation and itching as they are mild enough to use around the eye without damaging the skin and are usually more effective in the eye area than elsewhere on the body due to the thinness of the skin around the eyes.

• Topical antibiotics – are often prescribed for bacterial infections around the eye
• Non- perfumed or chemical anti-bacterial washes & creams – are a very effective way of reducing the risk of secondary bacterial infections around the eyes and on the eye rims.

• Chemical-free cream cleansers – are the most effective way to remove make up from around the eye without the risk of causing a reaction. Eye make up removers are often harsh and contain chemicals can cause irritation to eye prone to eye eczema and eye dermatitis.

• Warm water eye compresses – are helpful for de-crusting infected eyelids and softening scabs that may have forms on the eye lids or in the eye lashes.
• Non-chemical brow smoothing serums – are helpful for sticking down or smoothing flakes that appear in the eyebrows in association with eye eczema
• Non-chemical under eye concealers – are the most effective way to cover up under eye redness. Make sure the products used are chemical and perfume free so as not to risk causing further irritation. Once eye eczema flares up, eyes become hyper sensitive so may react easily to chemicals and perfumes in cosmetics and other eye products.
•  Non-chemical de-sensitising creams – can help make skin around the eye less reactive while at the same time moisturising dryness and flaking.

Dry Eye Gel is a natural gel for calming and soothing red, itchy, dry or inflamed skin around the eye and on the eyelids.

In women, cosmetics and make up remover products are largely responsible for irritation, redness and itchiness around the eyes.

In addition other eye conditions that affect men and women as well as children including eczema, contact dermatitis, blepharitis, rosacea, dust mite allergens and other air born allegens, contact lens solution, hay fever, washing powder allergies from bedding and pillows and some food allergies can also cause skin around the eye and on the eyelids to become itchy, red, swollen and dry.

Few itchy or dry skin remedies are suitable for use in the delicate and thin skin around the eye as most contain steroids or are too harsh for in this area.

Skin Magazine reviewed Skin Shop’s Cardiospermum Dry Skin Eye Gel, which is a light non-steroid gel that contains a plant extract of Cardiospermum, which comes from a vine grown mostly in South American regions and both its seeds and leaves have been used for centuries for use on skin allergies.

What’s the evidence Dry Eye Gel works?

Two UK trials and more than 12 published research trials have been carried out on Cardiospermum due to it’s medicinal effects on inflammatory skin conditions of the skin including eczema and dermatitis, so the research behind the main ingredient in Dry Eye Gel is convincing.

What is Dry Eye Gel like to use?

Our tester  found the Dry Eye Gel to be a light non-sticky formulation. It was pleasant to use on very sensitive, itchy, red and dry skin around the eye and was instantly soothing and cooling.

How long does it take the Dry Eye Gel to work?

Our tester found the eye gel worked immediately to reduce itching and irritation. The gel soothed  inflammation after 24 hours and dryness and redness were improved within 3-4 days. Wrinkles and under-eye creases from dry skin were less visible and softer after two weeks of use.

 Value for money?

The tube looks small when you get it but in fact we were suprised to see that it holds 15ml. When you use the gel you have to use very little as it goes a long way due to the light gel formula. Our  tester found it lasted far longer than they thought it would. And at under £7 a tube  it’s not expensive, especially for an eye product.

Marks out of 10!

8/10

Dry Eye Gel costs £6.95 for 15ml and is available from www.skinshop.co.uk

If you suffer from rosacea but also experience red, dry, itchy and inflamed eyelids. Then it’s likely that you have a little-known condition called rosacea-associated blepharitis

This eye condition is common in people with rosacea. Often the two conditions are not associated with each other by doctors.

The rosacea-associated blepharitis occurs because the oil glands in the lid of rosacea sufferers releases an oil which leads to swelling of the tiny glands on the eye lids, making eye lids itchy, dry, red & swollen.

The treatments for this eye condition are limited and the problem is usually recurrent.

These steps can help dampen flare ups of rosacea-associated blepharitis and decrease their frequency;

• Apply warm clean compress to eye lids for several minutes to melt any waxy deposits on lids that may cause blockage and inflammation.
• Cleanse around the eye with a non-chemical non-perfumed gentle sensitive skin cleanser and soft cotton pad
• Gently apply non-steroid soothing and anti-inflammatory eye treatmentto eye lids
•  Avoid use of eye make up during blepharitis flare up
•  Some evidence suggests that Omega 3 fish oil or flaxseed oil supplements can help reduce the intensity and frequency of rosacea-associated blepharitis flare ups

Usually sun is associated with making eczema worse as skin dryness, irritation and increased sweating can all make eczema symptoms worse. Some people even suffer from a specific form of eczema, known as photo sensitive dermatitis, which means they are actually allergic to sunlight and that direct sunlight triggers eczema-like symptoms.

The scientists suggested that it was the vitamin D that is gained from UV exposure which was probably responsible for the reduction in eczema and allergies but they said that  more research was needed to establish the exact reason.

Other factors that could be responsible are temperature and infectious diseases, which differ according to hours and frequency of sunlight.

However researchers warned that any form of sunburn or sun aggravation on eczema prone skin would almost certainly have a negative effect and that parents of children with eczema should take extreme care to make sure their skin is not burned or over exposed to sun.

Psoriasis on and around the genitals is more commonplace than most would like to admit, with penis psoriasis being more common than vaginal psoriasis.

Genital psoriasis can appear spontaneously like any other type of psoriasis. It usually appears as red shiny skin without the usual silver scaling and it may feel tight and sore especially at the edges where it meets normal skin. Genital psoriasis is usually also quite itchy. If it appears in the public hair it can cause ‘dandruff’ like flakes in the pubic hair.

Penis psoriasis usually appears as many small, red patches on the tip of the penis or the penis shaft. The skin is usually smooth and shiny and sometimes also scaly.

Vaginal psoriasis is smooth, not scaly and usually causes vivid red patches of skin that may itch.

Most people who get genital psoriasis also have patches of psoriasis elsewhere on their body, scalp or nails. However in rare cases psoriasis can only appear on the genitals.

Penis psoriasis can appear on the penis and the scrotum and on women it appears on the vulva. In both sexes psoriasis can also appear in the pubic hair, on the skin between the genitals and the anus, around the anus and between the buttock cheeks.

There are some trigger factors that may raise the risk of genital psoriasis in both sexes, they include;

• Tight clothes that rub or chafe the skin
• Condoms
• Diaphrams
• Spermicides
• Tampons & Sanitary towels
• Thongs
• Abrasive or scented toilet paper
• Genital thrush
• Chaffing or tears from sexual intercourse

Sex & Genital Psoriasis

You can continue to have sex with genital psoriasis, although chaffing or abrasions may make the condition worse. Lubricants help although they can also make the condition worse if the skin reacts to the lubricant.

However studies have found that erectile dysfunction can accompany penis psoriasis due to the inflammatory effect of the condition causing cardiovascular complications that reduce the ability to maintain an erection.

Studies also show that erectile dysfunction and female sexual dysfunction is common in people with genital psoriasis due to psychological factors.

Treatment for penis psoriasis and vaginal psoriasis

The genital area is very sensitive so normal treatments for psoriasis are not appropriate;

• Protopic and Elidel are two topical immunosuppressive drugs that can work well for penis psoriasis. These drugs suppress the activity of the T-cells, which positively effects psoriasis. There is less risk of skin thinning with these treatments than with steroid creams.
•  Mild steroids, such as 1% Hydrocortisone creams, can be used on the genital area but with great caution. They are generally discouraged due to the fact that the skin on the genitals is so thin. They should be used only when completely necessary and for as short a period of time as possible.
•  Dovonex cream can be used on the genitals, but once again with caution and only for limited periods of time.
•  

  Non-steroid anti-plaque creams are particularly effective on the genital area as the skin is thin and often warm and moist making the active ingredients more effective than elsewhere on the body. Due to the fact that the steroids sources are plant based, these treatments can be used on a permanent and regular basis and so can help keep flare ups to a minimum or even prevent them altogether. They should be applied once or twice daily (preferably after washing) onto clean dry skin and also after sexual intercourse.

•  Coal tar treatments, namely creams or soaps, work for some people with genital psoriasis. Coal tar does have an unpleasant smell, but it can be easily washed off. Coal tar medicines may also further irritate the genital skin as they are quite harsh and should only be used on a temporary basis.
• Sun is very beneficial for psoriasis and the genital area rarely gets much sun, so exposing the genital area to UV light for limited periods of time can be very beneficial but be very careful not to burn the skin.
• 

  Specific anti-plaque body washes are also very beneficial for genital psoriasis as the genital area is regularly washed but normal soaps and body washes can aggravate the problem as they tend to contain harsh foaming agents and perfumes.

• Using condoms (as long as they do not make the psoriasis worse) may be helpful for males with penis psoriasis and women can use lubricating jelly to reduce further aggravation of their vaginal psoriasis.

Thin eyebrows from over-plucking or eyebrow loss from conditions such as eye eczema or eyebrow dermatitis are a common problem.

Over-plucking eyebrows is an easy mistake to make, and yet in many cases it’s a mistake that can effect you for the rest of your life as eyebrows do not always grow back.

However a new natural eyebrow enhancing serum claims it can repair and re-grow over-plucked, flaky or thinning brows using a combination of vitamins, amino acids, proteins and fruit extracts.

The serum, called Rapid Brow, costs £37 for a small bottle but promises over 100% improvement of the appearance of thinning or lack lustre eyebrows in less than two months.

The eyebrow serum was tested on 61 women, mainly in their 40s, 50s and 60s, over a five-month period. 90% said the density of their eyebrows increased after use, while 75% said that their eyebrows were thicker and 63% said their brows were longer.

The bark from French pine trees that grow near the ocean could be the latest secret weapon for younger and healthier skin as well as dry skin and eczema.

The pine bark extract, which has been put into a cream, claims to improve skin elasticity by 25% and skin hydration by 8%, making it an ideal everyday natural moisturiser for dry and eczema-prone skin.

The pine bark extract, called Pycnogenol, is a super antioxidant.

In a study published in the journal Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 20 women aged 55 to 68 were treated with the pine bark extract. They were monitored for levels of skin hydration, skin elasticity and skin fatigue.

At the end of the study, a biopsy was carried out to see the levels of hyaluronic acid, which is the substance in the skin what gives the skin plumpness and elasticity. Hyaluronic acid decreases with age. The makers of Pycnogenol claim that the natural pine bark extract stimulates the production of hyaluronic acid.

Pycnogenol taken as an oral supplement has already been found to be effective in the treatment of those suffering from diabetes, impotence, menopausal symptoms, asthma, osteoarthritis and hypertension.