Nanoparticles in eczema cream

Health risk due to nanosilver in atopic dermatitis creams?

02/09/2011

Atopic dermatitis is relatively common in Germany, especially among children. Countless supplements are approved for treatment, but some may present significant health risks. The experts are currently warning against eczema creams that contain so-called nanosilver.

In general, the silver additives in the atopic dermatitis ointments have little objection, but nanoparticles have different physical properties than normal silver, so that a health risk can not be ruled out, warned the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment already in April. The pharmacist Prof. Rolf Daniels from the University of Tübingen added to the news agency „dpa“, that creams and ointments though generally „Improve the skin quickly“ can, however „only if the bases of the medicine and care products fit the skin condition.“

Note the composition of atopic dermatitis creams
Since especially children often suffer from atopic dermatitis, parents are encouraged to pay special attention to the composition of atopic dermatitis salves, warned Prof. Daniels. For example, according to the pharmacist's statement, aqueous creams are more likely to be recommended for acute inflammations, whereas fat-rich ointments are more suitable for chronic atopic dermatitis. Instead of independently testing various preparations for the treatment of skin disease, affected or the parents of those affected should seek better medical advice and then get an extra manufactured atopic eczema ointment in the pharmacy, advises the expert. In consultation with the doctor, the pharmacists can make a cream that is optimally adapted to the complexion of the patient, explained Prof. Daniels. By trying different eczema creams on their own, the expert advises against urgent, because „In the worst case, trying the skin even more harm than good“ can.

Warning about uncontrolled use of medicated creams
Dermatologists tend to prescribe cortisone-containing ointments and creams for the treatment of atopic dermatitis to relieve the symptoms of the disease. However, medications containing active ingredients should by no means be used in an uncontrolled manner, said pharmacist Prof. Rolf Daniels. For example, when prescribing cortisone-containing creams for children, the clear medical prescription generally only applies once a day. According to the expert, relief of symptoms is usually relatively quick when using the cortisone-containing preparations, but due to the imminent side effects of cortisone, this can only be used for a limited time anyway. Also, cortisone should not be used on children's face or diaper area, warned Prof. Daniels. However, according to the pharmacist, „the cortisone anxiety of many parents when used properly unfounded.“ Thus, the cortisone after about a week gradually discontinued and then often replaced by an interval treatment, the affected areas of skin are rubbed twice a week with the cortisone-containing preparations and strengthened on the remaining days, the loaded skin with skin care products.

Potential health risks from nano-silver particles
According to the Tübingen pharmacist, the manufacturers of cosmetics have for some time been increasingly using silver to minimize the growth of bacteria on the skin and thus to achieve positive health effects. Both micro- and nanoparticles are incorporated into the atopic dermatitis creams, explained Prof. Daniels. According to the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, however, these fundamentally differ in their physical properties. Thus, the microsilver can only enter the bloodstream via wounds, while the nanosilver particles with a diameter of less than 100 nanometers may also be able to enter the bloodstream directly because of their tiny dimensions. According to Prof. Daniels, cosmetics with microsilver could be useful in cases of atopic dermatitis „but from the individual skin picture and the basis.“ On the other hand, ecodermatitis creams containing nanosilver are best avoided entirely, not least because of the warning from the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment.

Naturopathy without cortisone and nanosilver
In contrast to the drug treatment, which usually serves only to alleviate the symptoms of illness, but the causes of atopic dermatitis leaves untouched, stands at the beginning of the naturopathic treatment of atopic dermatitis a thorough amnesia, in order to get the triggers of skin disease on track. Subsequently, depending on the causes of the disease, various treatment methods are used, such as the methods of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), psychotherapy or homeopathy. In particular, with the help of TCM, clear treatment success has already been achieved in the past. Simplified shown the TCM pursues the approach that atopic dermatitis is a detoxification of the body, in the blood and lymphatic system existing inflammatory products, the so-called „cloudy heat“ , to be excreted via the skin. However, since the elimination possibilities of the skin are very limited, occurs in the atopic dermatitis patients on a congestion of metabolic end products, which in turn causes inflammation and causes the typical clinical picture of atopic dermatitis. With the help of the administration of traditional Chinese medicinal herbs supported by acupuncture and moxibustion (heat treatments of acupuncture points), the „dull heat“ reduces and the excretion of the skin can be improved. Under certain circumstances, atopic dermatitis can be successfully treated without cortisone-containing ointments or even nano-silver particles. (Fp)

Also read:
Naturopathy: TCM therapy for atopic dermatitis
Protect cats from eczema?
Eczema: Children should be self-sufficient
Connection between atopic dermatitis & psyche
An ointment for atopic dermatitis?

Picture: Birgit H.