Eczema is a universal term for many types of skin inflammation. Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema and the two terms are often used interchangeably; however, there are many different forms of eczema—Seborrheic eczema, Nummular eczema, and Neurodermatitis. People of any age can be affected by eczema, but it most commonly affects infants. Usually people with eczema have a family history of allergic conditions.

Seaweeds are remarkable for the sheer number of nutrients they contain. A more accurate term would be sea vegetable. Of course, now that we are aware of their value, they are grown commercially. Some of the wild versions are actually in danger of being over harvested and there are laws about when and who can harvest them. Luckily, you cannot patent an entire plant and, so for not much money, you can receive amazing health dividends by consuming sea vegetables.

Turns out Posh Spice and I are both tea totallers. Who knew! I'm wondering who schooled her to the benefits of pu-erh tea? Maybe she reads this blog. I'm sure of it. Nowadays pu-erh is being hawked as a weight loss aid but the traditional benefit is reducing cholesterol levels in the blood. Yep, pu-erh tea is great stuff, although it's definitely a taste for those with sophisticated palates--like me and Posh.

I haven't done a rant in a while so I'm overdue. Why didn't anyone remind me? This particular rant is inspired by a recent visit to Perez Hilton and will take the form of a quiz. Just ask yourself, Am I smarter than a celebutante?

Scenario A

You're having a spa day at a trendy day spa in Hollywood when in walks Paris Hilton. You notice that she picks a striking color polish--Slutty Red. However, as a regular reader of this blog you know the brand has enough formaldehyde to pickle a prairie full of gophers. What would you do?

A. Paris is a kindred spirit. I want slutty red toes too.
B. Let her go with her choice. She's too far gone for it to make a difference anyway.
C. I need to hip this chick to Priti polishes before she kills herself.

Honestly, there is no reason anyone should die for the sake of sore muscles, but that’s just what happened to a high school girl from New York last year. I know you don’t think those over-the-counter rubs could be dangerous but they can be. The most common chemicals-lLidocaine, methyl salicylate, and hydrocortisone–can be lethal in high amounts.

Chattem Inc. is recalling its Icy Hot Heat Therapy products, including samples, due to reports of burns and skin irritations.

Chattem is recalling these products because it has received some consumer reports of first, second, and third-degree burns as well as skin irritation resulting from consumer use or possible misuse of these products," states a Chattem news release posted on the FDA's web site.

The recall applies to all lots and all sizes of the following Icy Hot Heat Therapy patches:

* Icy Hot Heat Therapy Air Activated Heat -- Back
* Icy Hot Heat Therapy Air Activated Heat -- Arm, Neck, and Leg

Please take this seriously. There have been cases of people dying from reactions to sports creams. You know I'll be following this up with more information.

Phthalates are back in the news. Don’t bother to look for them on product labels–they’re not listed. That’s because cosmetics manufacturers aren’t required to list individual ingredients of fragrances, which are a common phthalate source. The newest controversial study is in February’s Journal of Pediatrics. One hundred sixty three babies from California, Missouri, and Minnesota had the urine in their diapers tested. All had at least one phthalate and most had more than one. The highest levels were in the youngest babies.