Babies Benefit from Evening Primrose

Evening Primrose Oil is a natural, and the richest, source of Gamma-Linolenic acid. It contains about 72% Linoleic acid and 9 percent GLA. Since it contains the essential GLA, evening primrose oil is highly valuable to those who cannot otherwise form enough GLA. This would include those who do not get enough essential fatty acids in their diet, in particular babies who may be starting to drink cow milk from breast milk.  The direct source of GLA takes the pressure off the body to produce the necessary amount of GLA for optimum health.What are essential fatty acids and what makes them so essential? EFA’s play important roles in our body‘s overall health. They are part of every cell and establish and control the cellular metabolism. EFA’s are essential in four primary body functions: 1) provide energy, 2) maintain body temperature, 3) insulate our nerves, 4) cushion and protect body tissues. Two key polyunsaturated fatty acids (EFA’s) are Linoleic acid and Gamma-Linolenic acid. LA is not produced by the body but must be obtained through the dietary intake. LA acts as an energy source and is what the body converts to GLA which in turn forms other substances such as prostaglandins (hormone-like substances found in every body cell). They are critical to the body’s overall health maintenance, but need to be replenished constantly as once they serve their purpose, they are destroyed.

The purposes of prostaglandins include lowering blood pressure, reducing risks of blood clotting, stimulating the immune system, and regulating brain function. Animal studies at the University of Pennsylvania have also shown them to prevent arthritis. This is also being studied in humans trials in Europe with similar results. The source of EFA’s in these studies has been Evening Primrose Oil.

Preliminary studies in Sweden are relating Evening Primrose Oil to an anti-oxidant in that it also counter acts the formation of free radicals. Free radicals are most often associated with the aging process. Maintaining health is just one of the benefits of Evening Primrose Oil. It is also being studied extensively in England and Europe for its pain reduction in association with arthritis, controlling complications of diabetes, controlling liver and kidney damage due to alcohol, depression, Multiple sclerosis, skin/hair/nail repair, and most impressively, controlling sever symptoms of PMS.  It is extremely effective as a natural skincare ingredient to treat dry skin and eczema.

A study at St. Thomas Hospital in London found that when PMS suffers were given evening primrose oil three times daily, 67% of the participants were symptom-free and 22% achieved partial relief. (In all total, 89% had positive results with the evening primrose oil.) Although not as popular in the United States, Evening Primrose Oil is available at most health food stores and nutrition centers. And, as more studies become available, we will find why Evening Primrose Oil was commonly called the “King’s Cure All” in 17th Century England.

Dry Skin and your Baby

Baby’s skin is sensitive but also very resilient and resistant because it’s the first defense barrier.  Dry skin can be a common skin condition.  If your baby has itchy red patches on his skin, it’s possible he has eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis. Sometimes even eczema will clear up with regular moisturizing, though, so you needn’t rush to the doctor unless the patches don’t get better or your baby seems itchy or uncomfortable.

In rare cases, dry skin can indicate a genetic condition called ichthyosis. Ichthyosis shows up as dry skin with scaling and, occasionally, redness. It’s also generally accompanied by a thickening of the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. If your doctor suspects that your baby has ichthyosis, she’ll probably refer you to a dermatologist for treatment.

Common Skin Care Conditions

Skin is the body’s largest organ, and skin problems can affect everyone from newborns to older adults. If your infant, child or teenager shows signs of skin problems, consult your pediatrician as soon as possible to determine the problem and treat it properly.

Here are just a few of the common skin conditions and problems affecting children and adolescents:

Birthmarks
Many babies have birthmarks that gradually fade away without treatment, although some may grow larger before they disappear. Some birthmarks may be permanent. Your pediatrician will advise whether a birthmark should be treated or left alone.

Rashes
Infants may develop a variety of rashes in their first months. Diaper rash, an infection caused by yeast or bacteria, is the most common rash affecting infants. The best way to avoid diaper rash is to change wet or soiled diapers promptly, clean the baby with plain water, pat dry, and apply a cornstarch-based powder. Expose the diaper area to air as much as possible and avoid plastic or rubber pants. If the rash doesn’t improve or gets worse, call your pediatrician. If your baby has a persistent or widespread rash, bring it to your pediatrician’s attention.

Eczema
Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema is a life-altering disease affecting people of all ages. It is a chronic condition of the skin typified by red, inflamed, swollen, dry and itchy skin that can significantly affect quality of life. The majority of eczema cases are diagnosed in early childhood. While 40 percent of children suffering from eczema outgrow the disease, others live with it throughout their lives.

Eczema should be diagnosed and treated by your physician. The traditional treatment has often been steroid creams, in conjunction with moisturizers and antihistamines to control itching. A non-steroidal topical ointment is also now available – again, check with your pediatrician to determine which treatment is best for your child.

Sunburn and skin cancer
The dangers of sun exposure are well known today. The most significant danger is skin cancer, a disease most often associated with over-exposure to the sun, especially at an early age. About 1 million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the United States each year.

Children, including infants, should wear sunglasses designed to block at least 99 percent of the sun’s rays and hats with a brim. Children and adolescents also should wear sunscreen at all times when involved in outdoor activities. For infants younger than 6 months of age, sunscreen protection is also advised when adequate clothing and shade are not available. Avoiding sun exposure and dressing infants and children in lightweight long pants and long-sleeved shirts are still the top recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics to prevent sunburn.

Acne
Almost everyone suffers from acne at some time, especially during adolescence, but the condition is treatable. Most people can control pimples by taking good care of their skin at home. Over-the-counter creams and lotions are also helpful. A variety of acne medications are available.

See your pediatrician for help when your child or teenager’s acne does not get better with home care.