Health advice - Here to help

E45.com launches new dermatological site for common dry skin complaints

2010-11-17T03:14:00.000-08:00

You can find out more about common dry skin complaints and what you can do to help keep your or your family's skin smooth, soft and healthy.

e45.com

Dry skin is a very common skin condition which can affect the whole body, but usually appears on the face, hands, arms and legs. While it is not harmful from a medical point of view, it can make you feel very uncomfortable. In mild cases, the skin may feel dry and tight. There may be red or white patches which can feel itchy. The skin can also appear scaly or flaky. In the worst cases, there can be bleeding or even pain.
Dry skin is not always a symptom of disease. It can be the result of a dry environment, use of harsh soap products, insufficient fluid intake or excessive sunbathing. Dry skin can run in the family and age is a factor, too: over the years, the skin loses its ability to retain moisture, while oil-producing sebaceous glands reduce in number. Dry skin tends to get worse in autumn and winter.
Dry skin can also be a symptom of other skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis or ichthyosis. If you suspect this might be the case, consult your doctor as soon as possible.
E45 Cream is a trusted formula suitable for the whole family, including adults, children and the elderly. This effective, non-greasy emollient is quickly and easily absorbed by the skin. Suitable for eczema, dermatitis and other dry skin conditions, E45 Cream works by replacing lost moisture and forming a protective barrier, leaving your skin feeling soft and comfortable again.
• Clinically proven to treat and soothe dry, itching, flaking, chapped and rough skin.
• Suitable for dry skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis.
• Available in 50g, 125g, 350g and 500g.
E45 cream is a medicine. Always read the label.

For more information on how E45 works please go to
e45 Emollients

Toddlers and Childhood Constipation - A growing problem

2010-10-06T02:55:00.000-07:00

When a child complains it is painful to go to the toilet, it must be taken seriously. The child may subconsciously hold back the stool to prevent a painful evacuation. As they accumulate in the rectum, only watery stools manage to get through, often by accident - the child may appear to have diarrhoea but it is actually caused by "overflow" constipation. This could leave the remaining stools even drier, harder and more painful to pass.

Childhood constipation can be caused by diet, lack of fluid intake, illness or medication, but there may also be emotional reasons:

potty-training - trauma at this time can start the habit of becoming nervous or stressed

nursery or school - it can be quite worrying when starting school to have to use a noisy, unfamiliar school toilet, so it's no surprise when children decide to wait until they get home

"My son comes home from school and straight to the toilet. He won't go at school. That is bad, that a child has to wait all day."

How to treat
For whatever reason, a child may refuse to go to the toilet, or lie about having already been. Of course the longer children leave going to the toilet, the more painful it can be when they finally do go and this can put them off going again. Children pick up parents' anxiety, so it is important not to appear worried.

If your child is affected, try to make the same lifestyle changes as you would for yourself by getting him/her to:

-eat more fibre
every parent knows how picky children can be about what they eat, so sneaking high-fibre foods into their diet requires some ingenuity. That said, you should try not to make a behavioural issue out of eating - food should remain a pleasure
-drink more water or juice
-take more exercise
-cut down on high-fat and high-sugar content foods
-encourage regular bowel habit
setting aside a specific time of day to go to the toilet, such as after breakfast or the evening meal, will teach your child not to put off bowel movements and may help to establish regular habits. A footstool can put the toilet at a comfortable height, while putting out storybooks or comics may help them relax and take their time.

Children's Constipation Remedies

It's hard to sit by while your child is suffering, so if necessary a gentle constipation remedy can be given.
Children over 12 years may take two 5ml spoonfuls of Senokot syrup in 24 hours which can bring effective, predictable relief.

Children under 12 should only be given Senokot syrup on medical advice, when recommended the dose is as follows:
- children aged 2-6 half-one 5ml spoonful of Senokot syrup and
- children aged 6-12 one 5ml spoonfuls of Senokot syrup in the morning.
(contains senna - always read the label)

If your child prefers to take tablets then Senokot tablets can be taken by children aged 12 or over. Two-four Senokot tablets should be taken at night. (contains senna, always read the label)

Lack of fibre is a common cause of constipation and it can be difficult to get a child to eat enough fibre. Your child's diet should be the first thing you address. Fybogel is a suitable remedy for treating constipation in children.
Children 12 and over may take one sachet or two level 5ml spoonfuls in the morning and evening.
Children aged 6-12 take may take half to one level 5ml spoonful, depending on age and size, in the morning and evening.
Under medical supervision children under 6 years can take half to one level 5ml spoonful, depending on age and size, morning and evening
(Contains ispaghula husk - always read the label).

Talking about the problem
It's important to explain to your child why you're changing their diet or giving them a constipation remedy, and to tell them when the remedy might start to work. Most children won't talk about their bowel habits or their constipation, even to close friends. And many parents also keep the subject to themselves. But it's crucial children don't feel constipation is their fault.
Your GP, health visitor, nurse or pharmacist can offer support and will try to reassure you that the problem is very common and that there are practical solutions.

Constipation during childhood>>>

Feeling clogged up?

2010-09-13T04:15:00.000-07:00

Ever considered that your digestive system is like a waste disposal system and sometimes, it gets clogged up? If you suffer from constipation, you know exactly how that feels. A healthy lifestyle is the best way to maintain a free flowing digestive system, but life isn’t always that simple. It is important to know what you can do to keep your body healthy on the inside. After all, maintaining an efficient digestive system is one key element in achieving inner health.

This website provides information on constipation and how to help keep your digestive system healthy.

Constipation Advice IE>>>>

Self Help tips

2010-01-08T06:51:00.000-08:00

Teething can be a difficult time for babies. Here are some things you can do to relieve their discomfort...

Cuddle therapy
A little extra tender loving care goes a long way when your baby is having a hard time teething. Hugs and cuddles will help comfort and reassure your baby if they are distressed.

Rubbing their gums
Lightly massaging your baby's gum with a clean finger can be soothing and help alleviate some of their discomfort. Take the chance to do this while applying a topical teething gel like Bonjela Teething Gel which will have the added benefit of helping to provide ongoing relief afterwards too. (Always read the label)

Teething rings
Teething babies love to chew and bite - on anything! Many mums find that sterilised teething rings can be useful for and they can actually help the teeth to cut through. Why not pop a liquid-filled teething ring in the fridge first to cool it down? Just make sure that it's clean and definitely not frozen.

Food for chewing
If your baby is over six months old, try offering them a sugar-free teething biscuit or unsweetened rusk. Alternatively, some like to gnaw on chilled bread slices or carrot sticks. Whatever you choose to give your baby make sure they are supervised and that they cannot bite chunks off, which could cause your baby to choke. It is also preferable to avoid foods that are too hard as these could bruise the gums and cause further pain.

Cold foods
Cold helps to numb the pain, so chilled yoghurts, unsweetened apple puree or other baby foods could help. Make sure the food isn't frozen and will cause any chills.

Cold drinks
Likewise, cool drinks can help soothe the whole mouth. Try cooling boiled water or extra breast or formula milk in the fridge.

Teething gel
Teething gels massaged into the gums with a clean finger can provide fast-acting and targeted relief. Look for ones that are sugar-free and colour-free such as Bonjela Teething Gel and make sure you check the dosage instructions and expiry date. (Always read the label). Click here for more information about Bonjela Teething Gel

Infant medicine (analgesics)
A medicine (analgesic) designed especially for babies, such as Nurofen for Children , can be used for babies who are three months (over 5kg) or more to help relieve the pain associated with teething and bring down a raised temperature. In fact, Nurofen for Children can be administered alongside Bonjela Teething Gel for more complete control of symptoms. However, if a raised temperature persists, a visit to a doctor is advisable so that other possible causes can be excluded. (Contains Ibuprofen, always read the label)

Soothing sore chins
Excessive dribbling caused by teething can irritate babies' chin, neck and chest which may become dry, chapped and sore. Try to keep their skin as dry as possible (a bib will help) and change any wet clothing. Applying a simple barrier cream can also help keep their skin soft and smooth and may ease any chapped skin.

Link to Teething-Babies.co.uk

New Advice on Teething Products

2009-12-21T04:12:00.000-08:00

There is new advice from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) that topical products containing choline salicylate - the main active ingredient in bonjela and bonjela cool mint gel - should no longer be used by children under the age of 16.

This advice is purely precautionary because of a theoretical risk. There are no new safety concerns.

bonjela and bonjela cool mint gel continue to be suitable and effective treatments for mouth ulcers in adults and adolescents 16 years or over. Parents whose children have previously used the products can be assured that there is very little risk of adverse reaction.

bonjela teething gel is totally unaffected by this new advice and remains suitable for teething babies over 2 months.

For further information on the MHRA's new advice, click here. If you have any further questions, please contact our Medical Information Unit on 0500 455 456.

Always read the label.

Questions and answers>>>

Advice for Parents to help their teething baby

2009-12-21T03:23:00.000-08:00

Teething baby?...Teething is one of the great milestones of your baby’s development and memories of your baby's first big toothy grin will be treasured forever. Some babies sail through the process and are showing off their first teeth before you know it, but for others it can be a more uncomfortable time, causing distress to both you and your baby.
It’s impossible to tell how your baby will react until that first tooth begins to cut, but we hope that the information and advice provided on this website will help to reassure you and ease you both through the teething process.
Within this website you’ll find information on everything from spotting the first signs that your little one is actually teething, to helping them deal with the discomfort to ideas for nutritious meals they can chomp on with their new found teeth!

Teething Babies website>>>

How do I know what's wrong?

2009-12-07T06:34:00.000-08:00

As a parent you will probably already be very good at noticing when something is not quite right with your child. However, deciding exactly what is wrong can be more difficult and often assessing young a child’s symptoms can be hard because they often cannot tell you how they feel.

In addition, infants can become seriously ill very quickly, so you need to be aware of the symptoms that may indicate serious problems and require urgent medical attention.

These include:
•fits or convulsions
•turning blue or very pale (check the palms of dark skinned infants)
•refusing feeds
•unusually frantic or prolonged crying
•a purple/red rash anywhere on the body (this can indicate meningitis)
•a very high temperature (over 39°C), especially if there is a rash
•a fever with cold and clammy hands and feet
•difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
•unusually drowsy or difficult to wake
•severe or prolonged diarrhoea.

If you are unsure whether your infant requires medical attention, speak to your doctor or call NHS direct on 0845 46 47 – they are available 24 hours a day. You should always visit your doctor if you are worried about your child’s health. Try not to worry if you don’t leave with a prescription, it doesn’t mean your visit was a waste of time. Doctors and nurses are there to help you learn about your child’s health and reassure you if you have concerns.

Having a sick or upset child to look after can be hard work, so make sure you look after yourself too. Try to ensure you find time to sleep, relax and if possible remember to share the burden of care. If you do find yourself are struggling to cope, contact your doctor or health visitor who will be able to offer you support. Alternatively, you may wish to call the charity-run telephone helpline Cry-sis (Telephone: 020 7404 5011).

Click for more>>>>

Common Childhood Complaints - Eczema

2009-11-20T03:58:00.000-08:00

What is eczema?

Eczema is an unpredictable skin condition which can flare up at any time. Normal healthy skin acts as a barrier to prevent water and heat from getting out and irritants and bacteria from getting in. When your child has eczema the skin fails in its role as a protective barrier and becomes dry, itchy and cracked.

Dry and irritated skin can lead to sleepless nights for you and your child. Eczema is becoming more common - as many as one in five children suffer from eczema at some point in their childhood

More information>>>

Your Well-being

2009-10-21T03:52:00.000-07:00

Advice on

Keeping kit - Exercise is an essential part of living a healthy lifestyle.

Eating well- You are what you eat. That's why it is essential you eat a healthy, balanced diet.

Holistic therapies- In this section you'll discover more about the main types of holistic therapies available and where to go for more advice.

Coping with stress- There are a number of simple steps you can take to help manage stress and stressful situations.

Well-being>>>>

Child Health - Expert advice on baby / child health problems

2009-10-20T07:24:00.000-07:00

Offering expert health advice on common children ailments, such as teething, pain & fever, eczema, cough & colds, possetting and much more. Includes competitions and free information leaflets.

Child health UK>>>

Eyecare Advice

2009-10-20T02:35:00.000-07:00

Optrex Eye Care Advice, Info on all kinds of eye conditions from dry eyes to bloodshot eyes

As a leading eye care expert, Optrex has created a comprehensive range of effective products to help, treat & prevent a range of eye conditions, helping maintain your eye health.

Eyecare advice>>>>

Nurofen Pain Relief Advice

2009-10-19T03:16:00.000-07:00

This is a fantastic website which offers so much help and advice.

Nurofen.co.uk>>>

I especially like 'THE NUROFEN TREATMENT ADVISOR' which provides solutions for a range of different pain types.

There is also a section which advices on the effects of wearing high stilettos or carrying around large bags. We all suffer for our fashion ;)

Good look, bad back>>>>>>

The site includes an in-depth nationwide research¹ from Nurofen, that has identified the UK's summer pain hot-spots.

Pain Hot Spots>>>>>>

Welcome!

2009-10-19T03:11:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my new blogging site, in which I gather all the helpful websites on health. Anything from baby advice, such as teething and fever, to more specific advice, such as constipation or eyecare.
Please be adviced that all advice is given through the help of the websites listed and, if you have a medical issue you are concerned about, professional advice should be sort.