The Contact and Occupational Disease clinic at Ohio State University Medical Center tests for reactions to up to 300 substances to narrow down the cause of itchy, red and scaling skin that has not responded to previous treatment options. What they're finding is no real surprise to those in the field of environmental toxins: the problems are usually caused by the chemicals we come in contact with every day of our lives. However, there is good news on the horizon - shielding lotion, a new breakthrough in skin care treatment technology, may be able to help.

After intensive and thorough investigation into their patients' lives - symptoms, medical history, employment, hobbies, travel history, family life, clothing, shoes, diet and personal care products -- doctors at the clinic determine what substances their patients have been exposed to and begin the process of elimination. Patches are placed on the skin and the reactions monitored until the doctors finally narrow it down.

What are they finding? Nothing esoteric: glues, dyes and other chemicals in our clothing, fragrances, preservatives and lathering agents in soaps -- the things we come in contact with every day, with which we are increasingly bombarded and to which we are becoming increasingly sensitive.

Factually, we live in a toxic environment and we need skin care treatment that can protect us.

What can you do about it? Eliminate every chemical you can in your own household and use a shielding lotion to protect you from the rest. Originally formulated as skin care treatment to protect the hands of chemists dealing with dangerous chemicals, a good shielding lotion bonds with the outer layer of the skin to form a protective layer that keeps chemicals out.

Thousands of doctors now recommend a shielding lotion for dry skin, eczema, psoriasis and a myriad of

If you have a severe rash, you should definitely get tested to find and eliminate the cause but, first, try this simple approach: after washing your hands or body very thoroughly with a natural, fragrance free soap to ensure all chemical residue is removed, apply a shielding lotion to help protect you from any further contact with chemicals. It may be all the skin care treatment you need.