Category Archives: immune system

How safe are topical steroids during pregnancy ?

Posted on September 28, 2013 by admin

An estimated 6% of pregnant women receive prescription topical corticosteroids (TCS), which are pregnancy risk category C. Animal studies show teratogenic effects, but data are limited and conflicting regarding use in pregnant women. Investigators performed a retrospective cohort study using … Continue reading →

Posted in allergy, eczema / dermatitis, health care, immune system, psoriasis | Leave a comment

Having a dog reduces risk for childhood eczema (atopic dermatitis)…

Posted on July 27, 2013 by admin

A meta-analysis indicates that early exposure to dogs, but not cats, decreases risk for childhood atopic dermatitis by 25%. The hygiene hypothesis was proposed in 1989 as a possible explanation for the rapidly increasing prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) and … Continue reading →

Posted in allergy, eczema / dermatitis, immune system | Leave a comment

Hives after cold exposure (cold urticaria)…

Posted on January 13, 2012 by admin

From Dermatology Daily of the American Academy of Dermatology: Bloomberg News (Jan 12, Cortez) reports, “A single gene mutation causes some immune system cells to shut down at body temperature and sends others into overdrive in the cold, creating a mix … Continue reading →

Posted in allergy, immune system | Leave a comment