Mouse Mommy Treats

Many of us are aware that allergies and related conditions are on the rise around the world. Among these, atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common chronic conditions globally, with up to 20% of children and up to 8% of adults in most countries living with AD. Not only is the estimated global prevalence a significant number at 230 million people, this number continues to grow, particularly in Asia, Africa and also in Western Europe and parts of

Northern Europe^,.

“However, despite general awareness that the condition has become more common, its pathogenesis remains poorly understood. In addition, it is also crucial for new and better treatments for AD to be made available to people living with the condition, when we consider that AD has many economic costs, including direct costs like medical fees borne by patients and their families and expenses borne by the healthcare system overall. There are also indirect economic costs such as lost productivity and absenteeism among patients and caregivers, and a poorer quality of life for the patient due to physical discomfort or feeling embarrassed about the condition, as well as

negative psychological impact. Thus, Menarini is pleased to introduce our Relizema™-Dermarel™ range to Malaysians with AD to help treat the condition more effectively,” said Christy Phang, Group Product Manager for Respiratory, Dermatology & Pain Portfolio, A. Menarini Singapore Pte Ltd.

Atopic dermatitis – what and why?

Atopic dermatitis (also known as atopic eczema) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterised by intense itching and scaly patches of skin. The itching can be so intense that it disrupts sleep, daily activities, study and work. It typically presents differently at different ages, and can be divided into three phases – the infant or toddler phase (4 months to two years); the childhood phase, (2 to 10 years); and the adolescent and adult phase, (10 years to adulthood). In infants, AD may start with the so-called cradle cap on the head, later spreading to the face and limbs, and also developing in the skin folds. Meanwhile, in adults, AD commonly affects the face and upper part of the trunk.

More recently, oxidative stress has also been linked to the pathogenesis of AD. Oxidative stress occurs when the formation of reactive oxygen species (reactive molecules and free radicals derived from molecular oxygen) in a cell exceeds the cell's capacity to remove them. Oxidative stress promotes tissue inflammation by causing an increase in the genes involved in the production of proteins that promote inflammation.

“As atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition that is not curable, treatment should be planned with a long-term perspective and special attention must be given to long-term safety aspects. Through the four major components, namely trigger avoidance; daily skin care; anti-inflammatory therapy; and other complementary modalities, treatment for AD aims to minimise the number of flare-ups and reduce the duration and degree of the flare-up if it occurs,” Phang added.

Treating atopic dermatitis

To prevent flare-ups, efforts are made to reduce skin dryness, primarily via daily use of skin moisturising creams or emollients along with avoidance of irritants such as allergens and fabrics that cause irritation. When dryness is reduced, the desire to scratch will lessen and the risk of skin infection will decrease. Avoiding long, hot baths also prevents skin dryness, and when a bath is taken, an emollient should be applied directly after the bath to create a moist epidermis and augment the skin barrier function, while bath oils may also help to reduce flare-ups.

The use of emollients in the management of atopic dermatitis is pivotal, as it is associated with skin barrier anomalies that facilitate an easier allergen penetration into the skin with an increased proneness to irritation and subsequent cutaneous inflammation. Meanwhile, medical treatment for flare-ups often involves the use of corticosteroid creams, while severe AD may require systemic immunosuppressant drugs or phototherapy with ultraviolet light. Meanwhile, any skin cleanser used should be non-irritating with a low allergenic formula and a pH in a physiological cutaneous range around 5-6.

Relizema™- DermaRel™

Amidst the stress of keeping AD in control, Menarini is introducing a comprehensive range developed and dermatologically tested in adults and children to treat atopic dermatitis, diaper dermatitis and erythema, by calming, repairing and protecting dry-sensitive skin. New to Malaysia, this new generation range from the Relizema™ and DermaRel™ brands builds on the Relizema™ integrated treatment system.

Relizema™ Cream (40ml and 100ml)

The key product in this range, Relizema™ Cream is a new generation targeted topical treatment enriched with an antioxidant ingredient (furfuryl palmitate). With its special formulation offering dermo-protective action, it helps restore and maintain your physiological skin barrier, while protecting and moisturising the skin with a soothing effect. This clinically proven cream provides rapid relief for itching and flushing associated with dermatitis, including atopic and contact dermatitis, and erythema.

DermaRel™ Lipid Replenishing Cleanser (400ml)

DermaRel™ Lipid-Replenishing Cleanser is a daily cleansing gel formulated for sensitive and dry face and body skin, suitable for both adults and children. Containing an innovative combination of compounds that act in synergy to replenish the hydrolipidic skin film, this cleanser helps to restore the natural skin barrier, increase skin water content and promote faster hydration. It is rich in glycerine, nicotinamide, ceramides and amino acids – such as arginine, proline and glycine – forming the Natural Moisturising Factor (NMF).

DermaRel™ Ultra Hydrating Lotion (400ml)

The rich formulation of DermaRel™ Ultra Hydrating Lotion makes it the ideal daily care for dry and sensitive skin in adults and children. Its innovative formulation combines a compound with three different types of ceramides that helps restore the natural skin barrier; a blend of vegetable oils which increases skin hydration and skin elasticity; and a fat-soluble complex of lipo-soluble ceramides which protects the skin.

DermaRel™ Spray & Go (100ml)

DermaRel™ Spray & Go is a no-gas spray specifically formulated to protect the delicate and sensitive skin of children as well as the elderly and immobilised patients from rash in the genital area and buttocks.

Formulated with zinc oxide, zinc gluconate, taurine and panthenol, the spray soothes and prevents reddening and burning sensations. It can be sprayed directly on the affected area and does not require rubbing, thus promoting hygiene and causing less irritation when applying or removing the product.