September 2026

Antihistamines Fall Short for Eczema

Oral antihistamines like Benadryl and Zyrtec have long been a common add-on for calming eczema itch. A new analysis pooled 47 trials involving 6,230 children and adults with mostly moderate-to-severe eczema. Antihistamines did reduce itch, but only by 0.89 points on a 10-point scale. The researchers used a previously established 3-out-of-10-point change on the scale as the smallest difference a patient would actually notice/care about. They found that antihistamines did not improve sleep disturbance related to eczema, nor did they reduce the risk of future eczema flares. First-generation antihistamines (like Benadryl) can increase cognitive impairment and cause dryness. Among the second-generation options, loratadine (Claritin) showed no added cognitive impairment, while cetirizine (Zyrtec) and levocetirizine (Xyzal) showed a small increase.

Dr. Neuman says: It can be important to reconsider medications from time to time. Antihistamines are a very safe class of medications, relatively. Still, for those with brain fog or memory loss who are looking for help with allergies or allergic symptoms, I would recommend a trial of loratadine (Claritin) before cetirizine (Zyrtec) or diphenhydramine (Benadryl).

New Blood Test to Screen for Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the US, and it's highly preventable with early screening. Still, up to 60 million Americans are overdue for their recommended screening. The FDA just approved SimpleScreen CRC, a blood test for average-risk adults 45 and older, which should be available this fall. In a trial of 48,000 adults scheduled for colonoscopy, the test correctly detected 8 in 10 colorectal cancers and correctly ruled out 9 in 10 people without cancer. The catch is that it only caught 14% of advanced precancerous polyps (growths in the stage before they turn into cancer), which colonoscopy finds and removes before they ever turn into cancer. A positive result still means getting a colonoscopy.

Dr. Neuman says: For folks looking for a non-invasive option for colon cancer, SimpleScreen beats not doing any screening easily. We will offer it as soon as it comes out. (Note, SimpleScreen is a novel blood-only based test and does not require a stool sample.)

Stair Climbing Helps Prevent Illness and Death

Small bits of everyday movement may matter more than we give them credit for. A new review combining 5 studies of 455,619 people examined whether something as simple as taking the stairs makes a difference. People who regularly climbed stairs had a 39% lower risk of dying from cardiovascular causes and a 24% lower risk of dying from any cause. They also had fewer heart attacks, strokes, and cases of heart failure. 

Dr. Neuman says: It is worth noting that these were mostly observational studies, and the reductions are relative, so people who take the stairs may just be healthier and more active overall to begin with. I take the stairs every day and recommend you do too!