DKV Writing 4 U

Posted By Karen on February 7, 2011

Occasionally, we’ll post the type of business and health articles we ghostwrite. This is to give you an idea of our writing style and versatility. Today we have one about allergies:

Eczema and Bleach Baths
by Karen Cioffi

According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases atopic dermatitis (AD), also known as eczema, “is a chronic (long-lasting) disease that affects the skin. It is not contagious; it cannot be passed from one person to another. The word “dermatitis” means inflammation of the skin. “Atopic” refers to a group of diseases in which there is often an inherited tendency to develop other allergic conditions, such as asthma and hay fever.”(1)

The most common symptom of AD is very itchy skin, which the patient usually ends up scratching. This can lead to redness, swelling, cracking, and discharge, which then crusts and scales. Sometimes the affected area will become infected.

Staphylococcus aureus colonization and infection is a common complication of (AD), due to defective epidermal barrier and decreased antimicrobial peptides.(2)

The treatment for this type of infection is a two-week course of cephalexin (antibiotic), and then a diluted bleach bath. Interestingly, “irrigation with dilute bleach was first used for infected wounds and as a perioperative antiseptic during World War I.”(2)

The AD bleach bath is believed to kill bacteria growing on the skin. This helps reduce the itching associated with AD, therefore reducing the other symptoms. Usually, the bleach bath is most effective is used in combination with other AD treatments, including medication and moisturizers.

The Mayo Clinic recommends the following dilution for best results:

• Add 1/2 cup (118 milliliters) of bleach to a 40-gallon (151-liter) bathtub filled with warm water.
• Soak the affected areas of skin for at least five to 10 minutes.
• Dry your skin thoroughly and apply a thick layer of moisturizer.
• Take a bleach bath no more than twice a week.3

It should be noted that bleach baths can cause dry skin, so it’s best to discuss any type of AD treatments with your doctor.

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Sources:
(1) http://www.niams.nih.gov/health_info/atopic_dermatitis/default.asp#e
(2) http://allergynotes.blogspot.com/2010/09/bleach-baths-improve-atopic-dermatitis.html
(3) http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/eczema-bleach-bath/AN02003/

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Until next time,

Karen Cioffi
Author, Ghostwriter, Freelance writer, and
Acquisitions Editor Intern for 4RV Publishing

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Categories: Ghostwriting, Health
Tags: allergies, eczema, ghostwriting, health, writing