The Japanese & Skin Disease

[Samurai_Jerk]

So what is the deal with large percentage of people in Japan that seem to be suffering from skin disease? It's starting to gross me out more and more.

[F_O_R_E_X]

So what is the deal with large percentage of people in Japan that seem to be suffering from skin disease? It's starting to gross me out more and more.

maybe some secret biological clouds en route from north korea?

care to provide any links or statistics to back your quote?

[Taro Toporific]

So what is the deal with large percentage of people in Japan that seem to be suffering from skin disease? It's starting to gross me out more and more.

Oh, the "atopi" (ア]dani[/I]).

[INDENT]
Endogenous factors - "Atopy" Atopic Dermatitis

Atopy is an inherited predisposition which causes a tendency to suffer from one or more of the following “atopic diseases”: allergic asthma, allergic rhino-conjunctivitis and atopic dermatitis. The diagnosis of “atopy” is not based on one single distinctive clinical feature or laboratory test, but rather results from a combination of patient and family history and clinical findings. These features include:

Family and patient history with regard to eczema, allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma Patient history with regard to milk crust, sweat-induced pruritus, intolerance of certain cloth fabrics or metals, photophobia Present or past clinical findings such as xerosis cutis, ear fissures/ eczema, dyshidrosis or dyshidrotic hand eczema, pityriasis alba, atopic winter feet, nipple eczema, angular cheilitis Atopic stigmata such as palmar hyperlinearity, Hertoghe’s sign, “dirty neck”, keratosis pilaris White dermographism, acrocyanosis Laboratory tests such as total IgE, phadiatop

As mentioned above, atopy may lead to the eczematous disease “atopic dermatitis”. It may also facilitate the development of irritant contact dermatitis.

Genetics of atopic dermatitis The risk for AD is doubled in children whose father or mother have a history of atopy and it is more than 50% if both parents have at least one atopic disease. Interestingly AD is rather associated with maternal than paternal atopy. Several genes are suspected to be linked to AD such as 5q31-33 with a cluster of cytokine genes.

Immunology of atopic dermatitis The best funded explanation for the increase of AD is the so called “hygiene hypothesis”, which assumes that atopic diseases are prevented by infections in early childhood contracted e.g. through contact with other siblings or playing outside. This theory is supported by the already known potential risk factors for AD like small family size, increased income and use of antibiotics or migration to urban environments. Also immunological findings sustain the “hygiene hypothesis“. Allergic responses are pushed by the T helper-cell type (TH) 2 immune response. On the other hand infections are induced by TH 1 immune responses. TH 1 responses antagonise the development of TH 2 cells. This could be the explanation why a decreased number of infections during early childhood could boost the TH 2 allergic responses.

Triggering factors of atopic dermatitis Although the predisposition for atopic dermatitis is genetically determined, several trigger factors may influence the outbreak of skin changes. These trigger factors include: Respiratory allergy. In affected individuals, respiratory allergy to house dust mites, pollen and animal epithelia may cause an outbreak or worsening of skin changes if they come into contact with the allergen Food allergies. Food allergy is more frequent in infants and children with atopic dermatitis. In affected individuals, common allergens such as cow milk, eggs, fish, soy or peanuts may cause an outbreak or worsening of skin changes if they come into contact with the allergen. Microbial agents. Staphylococcus aureus colonises more than 90% of AD skin lesions. Proteins of Staphylococcus aureus may function as foreign antigens, their exotoxins operating as superantigens and thus exacerbate AD. Dry skin induced e.g. by long bathing, cold dry climate, insufficient use of emollients may lead to exacerbation of eczema. Itching and subsequent scratching Sweating induced by e.g. impermeable clothing, hot work places or stress may lead to worsening of skin changes. Chemical/physical irritants like smoking or clothes also may lead to exacerbations. Psychological stress

Several treatment options for eczema are available. But primarily, it is most important to diagnose correctly and to identify the underlying aetiological factors (e.g. allergens in case of allergic contact dermatitis). Avoidance of the aetiological factors is one important therapeutical approach. Symptomatic treatment includes topical and systemic treatment regimens. The treatment depends on the underlying type of eczema and on its localisation. The following general guidelines have proved helpful in eczema patients:
[floatr][/floatr]
Avoid factors that aggravate dry skin such as excessive exposure to water, long bathing in hot water, alkali, soaps, detergents, irritant topicals containing alcohol Use mild, non-alkali soaps Have short-lasting showers or bath in temperately warm water not longer than 10 - 15 minutes at a time adding bath oil, tar, colloid or permanganate Don’t rub your body dry after washing, rather dab at it with a soft towel After showering or bathing, immediately apply a moisturiser to the skin Regularly moisturise your skin on a daily basis with a non-specific emollient If eczema lesions also affect the scalp, use bland shampoos or tar shampoos Wear appropriate clothing such as cotton clothing (no wool or synthetic fabric) Avoid factors that increase the itching by increasing the blood circulation such as heat, hot food and hot liquids Avoid stress and anxiety as far as possible

Emollients should be selected depending on the individual skin condition and in consideration of the patient’s compliance. Rich emollients may be used at night time, whereas creams are more appropriate for daytime use because they enable the patient to wear clothing without any restriction. An effective use of emollients can replace the natural oils to a certain extent, cover tiny fissures, and restore a protective film over the skin. In case of severe pruritus, adequate methods of how to interrupt the itch-scratch cycle should be performed (e.g. application of a cold wash cloth, gentle pressure). In case of atopic dermatitis (AD), contact allergens such as house dust and dust mites should be avoided.

.[/INDENT]

[AssKissinger]

I got some kind of weird and very painful fungal growth on my fingers (that I finally got rid of) from giving kids five at yochien. I also had very bad athlete's foot for awhile. I mean, it wasn't no ordinary athlete's foot.

[Samurai_Jerk]

care to provide any links or statistics to back your quote?

No I don't. I'm talking purely from my own observation. I see shit loads of people with what looks like eczema. I've know people back in the US with eczema, but never saw them walking around scabbed up and flaking skin all over the place the way I do here. I wouldn't be surprised of their shit doctors can't treat it effectively.

[GuyJean]

Oh, the "atopi" (ア]dani[/I]).

Yeah, I've heard the mold factor, and also for some reason, soy sauce contribute to skin irritation..

Had a friend whose wife and young child had itchy atopi that was literally driving them crazy; moved them to Australia - been clear-skinned ever since.

GJ

[Samurai_Jerk]

Yeah, I've heard the mold factor, and also for some reason, soy sauce contribute to skin irritation..

Well, according to the info Taro posted soy beans are one of the common allergens that affects it. That would make it tough in Japan since just about every kind of processed food contains soy. That and pork extract.

[F_O_R_E_X]

No I don't. I'm talking purely from my own observation. I see shit loads of people with what looks like eczema. I've know people back in the US with eczema, but never saw them walking around scabbed up and flaking skin all over the place the way I do here. I wouldn't be surprised of their shit doctors can't treat it effectively.

well i have not been to japan since 1983 so i suppose you have observed
the reality over there .

[Mini_B]

AK - Did you know that urine kills athletes foot? So piss on your foot in the shower and you'll be all good. And you should probably give a little squirt on that hand of yours as well. Couldn' hurt...

Some dude in my Jiu Jitsu class has funky skin. I can't wrestle with that guy...I'm sorry. How gross is that?

[AssKissinger]

Are there any health benefits for drinking piss?

[dimwit]

Are there any health benefits for drinking piss?

Drink water from your own cistern, flowing water from your own well. (The Book of Proverbs 5:15)*

But Rabshakeh said, Hath my master sent me to thy master and to thee to speak these words? hath he not sent me to the men that sit upon the wall, that they may eat their own dung, and drink their own piss with you? (Isaiah 36:12)* (See also 2 Kings 18:27)*

More than three million Chinese drink their own urine in the belief it is good for their health, according to the official Xinhua news agency.

http://skepdic.com/urine.html