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Allergies & Footcare Products

Discussion in 'General Issues and Discussion Forum' started by RStone, Jul 3, 2008.

  1. RStone

    RStone Active Member


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    Hi All

    I have an increasing number of patients who are exhibiting adverse reactions to common footcare products such as Sorbolene, Eulactol, Canesten and other general mositurisers, deodorisers, powders etc.

    I'm guessing most of us regularly suggest Eulactol & Sorbolene amongst other things but if we're going to keep pushing for prescribing rights and claim we have a trained in pharmacology we probably need to have a better understanding of the basic foot care products, their ingredients and their method of action.

    Dermatology is often not a favourite area for many podiatrists but it seems to be in high demand by the public judging by the number of questions I receive as to "do you know what this spot/rash/lump is?". Afterall for people with allergies and sensitive skin this is a health problem not just a cosmetic issue. :empathy:

    Personally I believe we need to have a better understanding of what to prescribe for different skin problems and how these treatments work, their side effects and interactions with other drugs - just for the general products let alone the antibiotics etc if we gain prescribing rights.

    I am doing some study on all this myself but was wondering about the thoughts/reactions of others on this topic.

    So my questions are:

    What do other podiatrists suggest for the person with sensitive skin and allergies to synthetic products.

    Is there a range of natural/organic products with reliable data as to effectiveness?

    What feedback have you received on products such as the Nemidon range?

    What natural/hypoallergenic ingredients are most beneficial for moisturising, antifungal, antibacterial problems?

    What ingredients are most likely to cause irritation and sensitivity issues?

    What do you say to patients when they ask about the effectiveness of "silver socks", aromatherapy impregnated socks, etc?

    Thank you in advance for your suggestions and advice.:drinks

    RStone
     
  2. kemplr

    kemplr Member

    Hi,

    One of my clients with super sensitive and anhidrotic skin uses an oatmeal body wash/soap. I don't know the brand but it's the only thing she can use and swears by it.

    Lauren
     
  3. Adrian Misseri

    Adrian Misseri Active Member

    G'day

    I believe the oatmeal one is Dermaveen, and I've found their range of products fantastic for sensitive skin. Some of th eless synthetic agents I've used with success with patients have been the good old tea tre oil as an antifungal, but there's new research (form Charles Sturt University in Albury I believe) suggesting that lavender oil is more effective. As for dermatitis/psoraisis presentations, tar is quite ggood, either as coal tar or pine tar (as in pinetarsol solution). Icthamol I've used successfully on my own dermatitis.

    Cheers!
     
  4. RStone

    RStone Active Member

    Thanks Adrian

    I had heard of Dermaveen but did not anyone who had used it or had feedback on its use. Thanks also for the psoriasis treatments as I've just had 4 new psoriasis patients walk in the door today looking for help :) Only question is - do you get the coal tar and pine tar solutions at the chemist and do they require a prescription?

    I'm assuming that we're talking about essential oils in regards to tea tree and lavender oil.

    Cheers
    RStone
     
  5. Wendy

    Wendy Active Member

    I would concur that Dermaveen is very effective on sensitive skins.
    Personally for general moisturising I like the CCS range as there is no lanolin in them - this can cause allergic reaction in some (myself included). I haven't had a looked closely at the ingredients on the afore mentioned creams but the patients may be reacting to any changes in the make up of the cream by the manufacturer.

    Natural remedies although in some cases are the best way they also need to be used with caution as there could be adverse reactions to them as well.....
    I have patients who are allergic to chillies so would be cautious prescribing anything for chillblains with capsicum in - maybe a bit too cautious but rather safe that sorry.
    Also with any patient for whatever treatment some things will work where another patient it may not......part of the fun of the profession, keeps us on our toes (sorry..:rolleyes:). If you have no first had experience of items such as silver socks etc finding research (if you can) and using that is quite effective.

    "Dermatology is often not a favourite area for many podiatrists".... I think this may be as there is not so much money to be made in PP!
    As I love dermatology I will never be rich!!!! I will be happy however....:dizzy:
    Wendy
     
  6. RStone

    RStone Active Member

    I've seen the information on the silver socks - I guess my questions (and that of my patients) are a little more pragmatic ie how many times can you wash the socks before they lose effectiveness, can you get the socks in different styles, should you wear the socks everyday or is several times a week effective enough. Finally I have not yet been able to obtain a price for a pair of socks - messages are not answered or if they are they include all kinds of interesting information other than the price. Maybe I've just been unlucky :confused:

    I'll look into the Dermatech products - still wondering about the Nemidon range.

    Cheers
    RStone
     
  7. RStone

    RStone Active Member

    Hi Wendy

    Forgot to ask - would you have any sources that you would recommend as really useful for expanding my dermatology knowledge?

    Aiming for happiness not wealth :) :drinks

    RStone
     
  8. Wendy

    Wendy Active Member

    Hi RStone
    I think it depends on what you know already. For a good introduction to podiatric dermatology the Text Atlas of Podiatric Dermatology R.Dawber, I Bristow, W Turner is invaluable. I also use the following websites
    http://dermatlas.med.jhmi.edu/derm/
    http://www.dermnetnz.org/
    As I am still finding my way in the world of dermatology the above have been really helpful..............if I find others I will forward on.
    Wendy:drinks
     
  9. Admin2

    Admin2 Administrator Staff Member

  10. Adrian Misseri

    Adrian Misseri Active Member

    RStone,

    The coal tar, Pine tar and Icthamol are available over the counter from the pharmacist as creams, ointments and solutions. Ego has a line of them which are reasonably prices and easily available
    Cheers!
     
  11. kemplr

    kemplr Member

    My boyfriend bought some silver sports socks. You can get them from Sports Fever stores in WA. He paid about $40 for them. He said that he really doesn't notice much of a difference in the silver socks compared to the normal cotton socks. Doesn't wear them all the time - just for sport.

    One of my clients also recommends using a very bland cream and adding lavender essence to it. Don't know if it works though!
     
  12. Elizabeth Walsh

    Elizabeth Walsh Active Member

    Rstone

    Glad to see this posting, :D
    I would like to hear more about your research in the future.

    Just wondering as well, what do other podiatrists use in place of betadine?


    I have been a podiatrist for seventeen years. For the past eight years I have also become very interested in nutritional, and environmental medicine.

    My way of looking at applications to the skin is to try and veer towards natural treatment as much as possible, and if that line proves to be non-effective, then to look to what pharmaceutical options are available, and what ingredients they contain.
    It can get a bit overwhelming and it is time consuming to research, and also finding resources that sit right with you, and trusting what they have to say.
    I suppose there are probably few, if any products on the market that don’t have some possible side effects when it comes to treating psoriasis etc.

    Here are some random ideas which may help with your questions, I think it might be a lengthy post but you have really hit on a topic that is important to me and I would like to share this information with others. I know that it can also depend on the patients’ budgets but like Wendy said through trial and error; one of these options might work out for them.



    What do you say to patients when they ask about the effectiveness of "silver socks", aromatherapy impregnated socks, etc?
    Never heard of them.

    What ingredients are most likely to cause irritation and sensitivity issues?

    An incredibly informative book, I would definitely recommend for research.
    The Chemical Maze written by Bill Statham.
    http://www.possibility.com.au/bookshelf/index.html
    It lists the potential health effects of ingredients in skin and personal care products.
    The emollients that he recommends as safe or beneficial are,
    Avocado oil
    Cetyl Palmitate
    Jojoba Butter
    Macadamia Oil
    Panthenol, Dexpanthenol (vitamin B5)
    Rosehip Seed Oil
    Shea Butter

    It appears that coal tar is not what we have been led to believe, unfortunately.
    Contains cresol, quinoline, xylene, naphthalene, phenol, pyridine, benzene, others.
    Code very hazardous; avoid at all costs
    Potential health effects
    Cancer, psoriasis, hives, dermatitis, skin rash, acne, phototoxicity.


    · Organic Rosehip seed oil and safe coconut soap is available from
    www.rosehipskincare.com the products are recommended by Elaine Hollingsworth.
    She only recommends these soaps, ‘most soap is toxic’.

    Is there a range of natural/organic products with reliable data as to effectiveness?
    · I think Missence could come closest to that, not sure about the data.
    The Director of Research and Development of this company, has written the foreword for The Chemical Maze. I have also seen in for sale in the practice of a G.P. who has ACNEM training.
    http://miessence.com/en/benefits, to compare the typical ingredients of a moisturiser with those of Miessence
    http://miessence.com/en/toxic lists ingredients and their side effects.
    This link also contains a useful link to a chemical ingredients online search database from the Department of Chemistry at the University at Akron.
    e.g. provides a data sheet on Ichthammol…




    · http://www.hippocrates.com.au
    “Take control of your health and escape the sickness industry”.
    I follow this book written by the director of Hippocrates Health Centre of Australia,
    Elaine Hollingsworth.
    In it she discusses the benefit of using
    1. Pure coconut oil as a skin cleanser and lubricant, as it is one of the few uncontaminated oils in the world. Granted she advocates their brand as being the safest, but this is due to the fact that a lot of coconut oils sold in shops in Australia are refined, bleached and deodorised oils (RBD Oils).
    She quotes Henry Bieler MD
    ‘If it isn’t pure enough to eat, it isn’t pure enough for your skin’
    And,
    Dr Mary Enig, PHD, an international expert renown in the field of lipid chemistry.
    Coconut oil is “antiviral, antimicrobial, antiprotozoal, anticarcinogenic, having adverse effects on various microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast, fungi and enveloped viruses”
    Dr Raymond Peat also recommends the use of coconut oil.

    2. Olive Oil as a cleanser and moisturiser.
    3. Vitamin E capsules pricked with a pin make an effective moisturiser.

    To keep skin well hydrated, drink copious amounts of pure water, no fewer than eight glasses a day.
    Also as an aside, to avoid skin creams containing polyunsaturated botanical oils as they promote ageing of the skin, intensifying the effects of the sun’s rays.

    Another book,’Detox and Live’ by Hilde Hemmes recommends the following.
    · Drinking organic carrot juice for dermatitis and psoriasis
    www.herbalsupplies.com.au
    “Skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis – even dry skin – will improve with the addition of organic carrot juice”….
    I, myself, have seen this work on a child who had dermatitis on the back of his knees.
    It had been present for four months and went after a week; it was taken occasionally in diluted form. It has returned though, so I will see if it will help again.
    Apparently, carrot juice is also successful for other ailments, e.g. ulceration.

    For healthy skin she also recommends
    “A wide variety of primary nutrition such as unprocessed food from nature’s table including a diet low in refined sugar and saturated fats for healthy skin”.
    She advises to try a health food shop, or naturopath for advice for a holistic, non-pharmaceutical approach for treatment.

    Another remedies she recommends are: -
    “Potato juice is also particularly effective for skin conditions such as eczema”

    “Stinging Nettle, It is the best blood cleansing herb known to herbalists and recommended strongly in the treatment of acne and eczema.”

    For a more convenient way to obtain your own organic fruit and vegetable juices
    http://www.biotta.ch/en/
    “From hydraulically – pressed organic fruit and vegetables, contain no colourings, preservatives, fertilisers, chemicals, are not preserved through heat treatment and recognised as probably the purest and most natural juices you can get in the world today.”




    What feedback have you received on products such as the Nemidon range?
    · Nemidon Gels

    I have used two of these gels, All Black and Blue and Footcare, and found them very refreshing on the skin.
    The other two are Ultrahydration Gel, and “Eze”, so I do not know their ingredients.

    Formulated upon their patented seaweed colloid gel.
    Alcohol and petrochemical free, non greasy, strapping can be applied immediately after application
    ‘The gel is able to bind, carry and deliver the worlds finest organic botanical ingredients. The gel is a hydropholic carrier that is insoluble in cold water, hence there is no affinity between the carrier and the solution it contains. Because of the molecular structure of the gel water readily passes in and out of the gel permitting uninhibited rapid delivery thereby allowing the skin to BREATHE”
    All black n’ blue
    Contains
    Witch hazel –20mg/g
    Clove leaf oil – 10mg/g
    Peppermint oil – 10mg/g
    Arnica Montana – 2mg/g. there has been some controversy over arnica, but this
    has been given the ok by The Chemical Maze

    Hypericum Penorat - .76mg/g.
    Antimicrobial agent…Brononpol, 1m/g
    2-BROMO-2-NITROPRO-PANE 1,3-DIOL
    Code very hazardous; avoid at all costs
    Potential health effects
    Skin and eye irration, liver toxicity; contact dermatitis; can produce carcinogenic nitrosamines and formaldehyde.

    Footcare
    Tea Tree Oil – 10mg/g
    Lemongrass oil – 10mg/g
    Lavender oil – 10mg/g
    Code very hazardous; avoid at all costs
    Potential health effects,
    Helps to reduce skin scarring
    Allergic reactions
    Photoallergy
    Dermatitis
    Rosemary oil - .333mg/g
    Antimicrobial agent…Brononpol, 0.1m/g


    · Ayruveda claims that neem oil can help fungal conditions so it may be helpful to apply neem oil in a coconut or sesame-oil base.
    · An article link on psoriasis and eczema from Dr. Mercola
    http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2004/12/01/ease-that-itch.aspx



    · From The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, Continuing Professional Development Series…
    Inflammatory skin conditions: psoriasis and eczema.

    “The condition can be exacerbated by frequent washing of the skin as this tends to remove epidermal lipids. Many emollients can be used as soap substitutes, helping the skin to rehydrate. Regular application of emollients, in many cases, is sufficient to control water loss but may additionally reduce the symptoms of pruritis and decrease scaling. Regular emollient use also enhances the delivery of other medications such as topical steroids.
    Conclusion- Inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis are commonly encountered, and for many sufferers are long-term chronic conditions adversely affecting their quality of life. Understanding and support for the patient are often as important as actual treatment. Various topical therapies are available but the mainstay of treatment is the use of emollients and topical steroids”

    · I recently completed the Core update in dermatology with Total CPD
    and found it satisfactory. http://www.cpd-istotalcpdltd.co.uk/

    It is an eighty pages booklet with good colour photos, updating knowledge of common skin pathologies.
    ‘Revises skin structure and function, examines skin as we age, the affect of systemic diseases and the different pathogenic mechanisms of disease. The module then moves on to more specific problems, and looks at eczema, psoriasis, bacterial, fungal and viral infections.’
    To assist me in the assignment, I found the following websites useful.
    http://merck.com
    http://dermnetnz.org
    http://emedicine.com
    http://fpnotebook.com
    http://dermatlas.med.jhmi.edu/derm
    http://medscape.com
    http://symptoms.wrongdiagnosis.com
    http://www.skinatlas.com/contents.htm



    Wendy,

    Here is some further info on Lanolin, (I would be interested to find out the ingredients from the CCS range.)
    Code questionable
    Wool fat often contaminated with pesticides and herbicides; of animal origin.
    Potential health effects
    Allergic skin rashes, contact dermatitis, drying and cracking of lips.



    Ok that’s all!

    Elizabeth
     
  13. Wendy

    Wendy Active Member

    Elizabeth
    Wow....thanks for all the info you have posted there, might take a while to digest but will definitely be doing so.
    I recently completed the Core update in dermatology with Total CPD
    and found it satisfactory. http://www.cpd-istotalcpdltd.co.uk/

    I did wonder why the above was only satisfactory, would you recommend it?
    Wendy
     
  14. RStone

    RStone Active Member

    Elizabeth
    Wow ... no other word for the fantastic information you've supplied. I'm about to start going through it slowly and in depth - it'll probably take time to learn it all but I'm guessing it took a lot longer to get it all together in the first place.

    I do agree that in a society that is rapidly recognising the benefits of natural products we should quickly explore and discover the natural options that are effective and safe.

    Once again thank you & I'll let you know what else I find out.

    Cheers
    RStone
     
  15. Elizabeth Walsh

    Elizabeth Walsh Active Member

    Wendy, RStone

    You are both welcome,
    I am very happy to have found like-minded thinkers.:drinks

    I would recommend the Total CPD course,

    Elizabeth
     
  16. Elizabeth Walsh

    Elizabeth Walsh Active Member

    Just like to add that "The Chemical Maze"
    is available in the UK as "What's Really In Your Basket?".
     
  17. prim

    prim Welcome New Poster

    Elizabeth thanks for this information!

    Footcare
    Tea Tree Oil – 10mg/g
    Lemongrass oil – 10mg/g
    Lavender oil – 10mg/g
    Code very hazardous; avoid at all costs
    Potential health effects,
    Helps to reduce skin scarring
    Allergic reactions
    Photoallergy
    Dermatitis
    Rosemary oil - .333mg/g
    Antimicrobial agent…Brononpol, 0.1m/g


    · Ayruveda claims that neem oil can help fungal conditions so it may be helpful to apply neem oil in a coconut or sesame-oil base.
    · An article link on psoriasis and eczema from Dr. Mercola
     
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