HEALTH NOTES: Adhesive tape eczema test for newborns –

Scientists have developed a simple test using duct tape that can predict whether babies will develop infantile eczema.

Italian researchers used the tape two months later and two years later to collect skin cells from the children’s hands.

They found that infants with higher compound thymus levels and activation-regulated chemokines were more than twice as likely to develop eczema.

Eczema affects one in five children and causes cracked, itchy skin that can become infected.

Research author Dr. Anne-Sofie Halling said that detecting the risk of eczema early will help doctors treat and prevent the skin problem.

Asthma lungs aided by a “kettle”

Inhaling steam from a high-tech kettle can help strengthen the lungs of asthmatics.

In one study, Finnish lung disease patients used a WellO2 inhaler for 15 minutes per day.

The breathing exercise involves inhaling the steam gently and then returning it to the device. A valve in the regulator partially blocks the airflow, so the chest and neck muscles have to work harder to pass the hot air.

It has been found to increase lung volume by up to 20% in just four weeks.

Breathing steam from a high-tech kettle can help strengthen the lungs of asthmatics.

Athletes have long sworn to ice baths to aid recovery after strenuous exercise, but the practice can halt muscle growth and reduce strength, according to a new study.

Scientists from Norway, New Zealand and Australia, who have studied the physiological effects of ice baths, have concluded that those who use them need to “rethink”. Other research suggests that ice baths may relieve muscle soreness after exercise, but extremely cold temperatures may inhibit the production of cells and proteins that support muscle repair. Alternative healing techniques include massages and hot baths.