Category Archives: Eczema

Dealing with eczema is hard enough on its own. But because the skin conditionwhich causes an itchy, red, painful rashis so visible, people with eczema often also have to cope with insensitive comments from those around them. As a result, the condition can take a real emotional toll in addition to the already-frustrating physical symptoms.

"[Eczema] really doesn't help in terms of the patient's emotional wellbeing and confidence," says Gil Yosipovitch, MD, professor of medicine at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and author of Living With Itch ($19; amazon.com).

We asked people to weigh in on how you can be more thoughtful when it comes to talking about skin symptoms (if you have to say anything at all). Here, five things you should never say to someone with eczema (or any skin condition, for that matter).

Karina, 24, a medical student in Brooklyn, N.Y. who has had eczema since she was a child, tells us she was asked this question often growing up. "It's really a frustrating thing when you're a kid, and you don't even understand it much [yourself]," she says. "It's really hard to be confident."

Eczema is not contagious. Although experts don't know exactly what causes this skin condition, most believe a combination of a person's genetics and environment play a role in an abnormal immune reaction that affects the skin. The problem can't be cured, but sometimes avoiding certain thingsan allergen or irritating substancecan help keep the dry, sensitive, itchy rash under control. But it cannot be passed from person to person.

People often think they're reassuring a person with eczema by reminding them how lucky they are that their rash isn't a "more serious" medical condition. But while it's true that eczema won't kill you, this type of comment isn't particularly helpful, Karina says. "What people have to understand is just because it's not life-threatening, doesn't mean that it's totally benign," she explains. "People with eczema can have a really poor quality of life."

For people with chronic, severe eczema in particular, the condition requires a lot of self-care. You need to be constantly mindful of allergens, household items, animals, and other irritants that could cause eczema symptoms to flare upand treating those symptoms can also be extremely challenging.

"It can have a detrimental impact," says Karina.

Kathy, 59, from the Annapolis, M.D. area, has had eczema all her life, and she remembers being asked this when she was youngerand the insensitive remark has stuck with her ever since. "My face was so red and blotchy," she recalls. "I've never really forgotten [that comment]. It stays with me."

Dr. Yosipovitch says his patients will often hear this. But an eczema rash has nothing to do with a lack of cleanliness. And in fact, antibacterial soaps are often too harsh for people with the skin condition, since they can actually aggravate symptoms and make them worse. Instead, people with eczema should use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers to soothe dryness and repair the skin's barrier.

RELATED: 10 Home Remedies for Eczema

Karina finds this frustrating to hear, and she's even been asked it by doctors. "They're not always as sensitive to it as they should be," she says. There is no magic bullet for eczema, and people with long-term, chronic eczema have likely tried many different remedies. "[People] say, 'Have you tried this medicine?' and it's something you've tried four times before," Karina says.

The hardest thing for many people with eczema to deal with is often not insensitive comments, but rather looks of fear or confusion from strangers when they see the red rash.

"I wish people would understand a little bit better," says Kathy. "Ask me kindly, ask me politely, and show some compassion. It hurts me more than it hurts you to look at it."

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5 Things You Should Never Say to Someone With Eczema - Eczema ... - Health.com

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Finally, since we know beauty begins on the inside we have collated our favourite health and fitness tips including healthy recipes and super healthy snacks with a focus on skin, nutrition and healthy eating. It's not about the latest diet plan, it's about healthy food that you actually enjoy eating and leading a healthy life balanced with a focus on womens fitness. We profile the best fitness trends and exercise plans of some of the top models, style and fitness bloggers.

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5 Eczema Facts To Understand And Manage Irritated Skin - Beauticate (registration) (blog)

Eczema is a skin condition that can occur anywhere on the body, leading to itchy, red patches of skin that may become cracked or have blisters. The condition is frustrating wherever it occurs, whether on the arms, back, or hands. But eczema can be especially painful and debilitating when it appears on the face. Take it from social media star and fitness expert Carys Gray, who bravely shared a photo on Instagram last February to convey how serious an eczema flare-up on the face can be. Gray's photo showed a side-by-side comparison of her skin on a "normal" day versus how it looks in the middle of a bad flare.

"When my eczema isnt under control, its very blotchy, sore, and I cant wear any makeup," Gray told her followers. She added that she hoped her photo would act as a reminder that things aren't always what they seem on social media.

In a more recent post, the Instagram star shared another side-by-side photo of her face before and during an eczema flare.

"Eczema (or any insecurity) is such a small part of my life and I shouldn't allow it to control me," she wrote.

It can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of eczema, but experts believe environment and genetics both play a role. Something triggers the immune system and the result is that the protective barrier of the skin becomes dry, sensitive, and irritated. The problem isn't curable, but certain things can make the symptoms worse, whether an allergen such as dust, household products like soap or synthetic fibers, cold weather, or stress.

Experts say that soothing and concealing eczema on the face can be a challenge, since the skin on this area of the body is often very delicate.

"The most common areas for eczema on the face are the eyelids and the lips, given how thin and sensitive the skin is in these areas," explains Shilpi Khetarpal, MD, a dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic and clinical assistant professor of medicine at Case Western Reserve University.

There are a few key ingredients in skincare and makeup products that people with eczema should look for. "Ceramides, which are part of the skin barrier, are a key component to treating eczema," says Amanda Doyle, MD, a New York City-based dermatologist. Dry skin lacks hydration, she explains, and ceramides help trap water in the skin, which may ease an eczema flare-up. You dont need to spend a fortune on an eczema-friendly moisturizer; some of Dr. Doyles favorites include drugstore finds like CeraVe Moisturizing Cream ($12, target.com) and Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair Unscented Lotion ($6, target.com).

RELATED: The 7 Best Lotions for Eczema, According to Dermatologists

Use caution when applying makeup on an eczema rash on the face, since it can sometimes lead to further irritation. If you do decide to use makeup, choose a liquid foundation instead of oil-absorbing powders, which can exacerbate existing dryness. "The liquid is more moisturizing, so it can help to accelerate the healing process, explains Dr. Khetarpal.

Dr. Doyle often recommends makeup from Clinique or bareMinerals for patients with eczema. "These [brands] tend to be a bit more friendly to eczema patients and those with sensitive skin who are looking for coverage, she says. One product to try: bareMinerals bareSkin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation Broad Spectrum ($30; sephora.com), which contains SPF.

RELATED: 10 Home Remedies for Eczema

If you experience an acute case of facial eczema, an over-the-counter topical steroid like 1% hydrocortisone may help relieve short-term itching and irritation. Just dont use it for longer than two days, and always avoid contact with the eyelids, warns Dr. Doyle.

To protect against future facial flare-ups, skip soaps, moisturizers, and laundry detergents that contain fragrances. Dr. Doyle recommends Vanicream Cleansing Bar for Sensitive Skin ($4, walgreens.com), a mild, fragrance-free cleanser thats ideal for people with sensitive skin.

The bottom line? "Less is more," says Dr. Doyle. "People often want to apply all kinds of things when they get these types of rashes on their face, but its really best to use minimal, gentle products that rehydrate the skin so it can heal itself."

Read more:
The Best Ways to Cope With Eczema on Your Face, According to Dermatologists - Health.com

If you have eczema, I bet youre willing to do just about anything to soothe your itchy, irritated skin. Unfortunately, many of the topical remedies for this condition offer little relief. But an inside-out approach" focused on dietary changes may help considerably.

If you search for eczema diet online youll find a number of different protocols. But the standard approach is to begin with an elimination diet, which entails cutting out foods that may be triggering inflammation for at least four weeks, sometimes longer.

Most elimination diets start by nixing the top eight allergens: wheat; milk and milk products (think cheese and yogurt); eggs; soy; fish; shellfish; tree nuts (almonds, walnuts, pistachios); and peanuts. However, an elimination diet for eczema typically adds additional layers, such as all sugary and processed foods and anything artificial; gluten or possibly all grains; alcohol; caffeine; nightshade vegetables; seeds; and foods that are high in histamine.

Histamine causes an inflammatory response in the body, which is why anti-histamine medications are used for allergy relief. Some foods are high in histamine or trigger histamine release, including avocado, tomatoes, spinach, pickled or canned foods, pulses, nuts, cheese, chocolate, and vinegar.

RELATED: 15 Healthy Gluten-Free Recipes

By this point you may be thinking, Yikes, what can I eat on this plan? The good news is that an elimination diet isnt a forever diet. In the first phase, a number of foods are nixed. But after 30 or more days, the excluded foods are added back one at a time.

If the reintroduction doesnt result in the recurrence of symptoms, the food may be rotated back into the diet, although possibly not as a daily staple. Some of my clients find they don't tolerate dairy and gluten well, but can eat chickpeas, avocado, or nuts a few times a week without suffering a flare-up. What works for one person may be different for others.

It's also important to note that during the elimination phase, what you consume is just as important as what you dont. Eating anti-inflammatory, whole, fresh foods, and a diet balanced in macronutrients (protein, fat, and carbs) is essential. A nutritious diet not only supports immunity and supplies nutrients involved in skin maintenance and healing, it also improves the health of your gut, which is critical for immune function.

RELATED: 14 Inflammation-Fighting Foods

If you're considering trying an elimination diet, I cant overstate the value of working with a professional throughout the process. Some of my clients whove tried elimination diets on their own wound up with too few calories, or not enough protein or fat. Those imbalances can weaken immunity, prevent improvements, or even worsen eczema.

A dietitian can also help you identify hidden or sneaky sources of things that need to be eliminated. For example, while corn is a plant, its categorized as a grain, not a vegetable. So if youre going grain-free, you need to skip corn too.

Finally, a dietitian can help you meal plan, offer recipes, monitor your symptoms along the way, lend support, and guide you through the reintroduction phase. (You can search for an RD in your area through the the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics online referral service.) An elimination diet is a big commitment. But identifying and managing your dietary eczema triggers has the potential to transform your skin, and your quality of life.

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That said, dietary changes are not a panacea. Eczema is a condition I struggle with myself, and even when my diet is spot on, I still get flare-ups. Mine are primarily triggered by stress, a lack of sleep, or both. In other words, diet alone isnt the only solution.

Bottom line: Because tests for food allergies and sensitivities can be imprecise (Ive personally had results come back as inconclusive while I was still battling flare-ups), an elimination diet is one of the most effective tools for uncovering precisely which foods are at the root of chronic inflammatory problems like eczema. But a healthy overall lifestyle that includes stress management (through techniques like meditation, acupuncture, and yoga), healthy sleep habits, and positive social support are also indispensable pillars of wellness.

Cynthia Sass isHealths contributing nutrition editor, a New York Times best-selling author, and consultant for the New York Yankees.

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Got Eczema? Here's Why You Might Want to Try an Elimination Diet - Health.com

Id been eyeing the dress for a while. It was a red T-shirt dress with a simple cut and short sleeves, just as Id imagined it. Id been looking for a dress like this for ages, bored with all the dark colors in my wardrobe; this dress would liven up my style considerably. But I knew I wouldnt buy it. It was probably too expensive, I told myself, and I bet they wouldnt carry my size anyway.

Still, I needed proof that this dress wasnt meant for me, so I went inside the shop and touched it. It was just as I expected. The rough fabric was a shock to my fingers, and I knew it would be hell on the rest of my skin. This was not the first piece of clothing I couldnt buy because of my skin condition. It wouldnt be the last.

I have atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema. The National Eczema Association estimates that over 30 million Americans are affected by this skin condition. Symptoms include dry, itchy skin and rashes, which range from slightly annoying to basically hell. Eczema comes in several types, the most popular being contact eczema, and thats exactly the one I have. This particular type is not caused by anything I eat or inhale. Instead, it flares up at random moments throughout the year. Sometimes its better and sometimes its worse, but it never really goes away. There is no cure for atopic dermatitis. All I can do is to care for my skin and try not to scratch myself. I use special creams to relieve my symptoms, but that only takes me so far. And while I dont have to change my diet, I did have to change my lifestyle to work with the condition. That includes how I dress.

I was diagnosed as a teenager. First, I noticed ugly blotches on my hands and wrists. Then, they moved to my feet. I noticed that when I wore certain shoes on bare feet, they left itchy patches on my skin. Recently I noticed that it was getting worse, and I ended up getting rid of most those pairs, except for the few I wear with nicer outfits once in a while.

Then I went through my wardrobe and started cleaning it out. Everything with ruffles had to go. Ditto for lace, artificial fabrics, cinched tops, and tight skirts. Not that I ever wore them that much anyway. My wardrobe has now become emptier, and certainly more boring. And I feel ambivalent about that: On the one hand, I no longer have to worry whether a piece of clothing will cause my skin to break out. I can just put on whatever I grab first thing in the morning. But I really enjoy the look and feel of a nice piece of clothing. Id actually enjoy shopping for nice clothing if it wasnt for the fact that potential itchiness is always on my mind.

And there is the price issue, of course. Natural fabrics, which irritate my skin less, often cost more than artificial ones. Wool scratches, and cashmere, the only warm fabric I can wear, is expensive. I dont wear earrings because my skin only accepts gold. Anything else causes infection in my earlobes. A way out of it would be, of course, to not wear earrings, but I just happen to have a particular love for this piece of jewelry. I have a pair from all the countries Ive visited, and I love all of them. But theyre mostly not made of gold. Taking a moment to admire them from time to time is the best I can do.

Sometimes I wish I could just buy whatever clothing I want without having to wonder whether it will cause itchiness.

Sometimes I think of shopping like I think of drinking wine or coffee: I love the idea of it, but I dont actually like doing it. The images of luxury and pleasure they conjure appeal to me. In my mind, I often imagine going on shopping sprees, picking out the most adorable outfits. The reality couldnt be more different. Its getting excited about a piece of clothing, then realizing its way over your budget, it probably wont fit you, and even if it does, it will probably make your skin scream in protest.

There are a few go-to items I know I can always wear: jeans, cotton T-shirts and underwear, soft bras. In other words, things that have been part of my regular outfit for years. Maybe a part of me always intuitively knew to avoid certain fabrics and styles.

On one hand, having eczema makes my life easier. I dont face the same shopping choices that many women have because Im so focused on just feeling comfortable in my skin, in both the metaphorical and literal sense. The only thing I do is liberally slather myself up in body lotion. I dont know how to use most makeup products, and my morning routine consists of brushing my teeth, washing my face, putting on day cream, and getting dressed in the nearest jeans and T-shirt ensemble I can find. It saves me money as well.

But sometimes I wish I could just buy whatever clothing I want without having to wonder whether it will cause itchiness. I wish that I could go back to that store, take but one look at that perfect dress, and know that it could be mine.

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My Eczema Makes Shopping Hell - Racked

Entrepreneur and skin expert Roxy Marosa unpacks some of the causes of eczema and how to identify the skin condition

Marosa explains that eczema is classified as a condition that causes the skin to become irritated, red, itchy or inflamed.Its irritated, dry skin that looks like to has been bruised or discoloured, she says.

The severity of the skin condition differs from person to person while some people have mild cases, others have red, inflamed skin all over the body. Sometimes it can be so bad that when scratching, the skin cracks and bleeds, she says.

Symptoms of eczema include scratching, a very fine itchy rash, cracked skin, or discolouration of the skin inflamed. It usually shows up in softer parts of the skin like inside the elbow, behind the knees, the neck or even the face, she says.

Marosa says the causes of eczema vary. Environmental factors such as dry or cold weather play a role in triggering symptoms.

Some people suffer more in areas with dry summers, she says. In summer, the skin dries out to the point that it cracks and becomes constantly itchy, she says.

She further explains that even though eczema is a dry skin patch, its not aggravated by dry skin and can affect all skin types even oily skin.

The consumption of dairy products also contributes to eczema. Marosa adds that strong chemicals like chlorine can aggravate the condition. Eczema may be highly aggravated after swimming. You may find that eczema flares up due to the swimming pool chemicals, she says.

She says eczema can be treated and sometimes goes away on its own.

Marosaadds that chemical products, such as harsh soaps, should also be avoided. Gentle, hydrating cleaners that dont have chemicals are recommended. Use nourishing products.

Due to the unpredictable nature of eczema, Marosa says its important to pay attention to when you get flare-ups. Pay attention to what youre eating and when you experience problems, because youll become aware of what you need to cut from your diet, she says.

Try: Roxy Marosa Anti-Imflammotory Gel, R435

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Everything you need to know about eczema - DestinyConnect

By Kristin Canning

Eczema is a skin condition that shows up as itchy, dry, red patches, and can result in peeling, blisters, and sores. According to the National Eczema Association, it affects more than 30 million Americans. Eczema tends to show up in childhood, usually on the cheeks, chin, elbows, or knees, and symptoms usually lessen over time. Still, some people will have eczema as they grow older, and adults can develop it as well. Its tricky to narrow down exactly what causes eczema, since there are so many different forms of the condition, and different triggers can exacerbate each type. For example, allergens such as pet dander or pollen could cause the irritating rash appear, or it could be linked to other health conditions such as high blood pressure. For most forms, the cause isnt clear and its linked to a combination of factors.

What researchers do know, however, is that the most common form of eczema, atopic dermatitis (AD), seems to be passed down in families, says Debra Jaliman, MD, a dermatologist in New York City. Its also part of the atopic triad, three common conditions that are linked together (though they may not necessarily show up in people at the same time): AD, asthma, and hay fever. If your family has a history of asthma or hay fever, youre more likely to develop AD.

With this particular kind of eczema, something has triggered the immune system, which then goes into overdrive, causing the skin irritation. The symptoms usually improve and worsen in waves (called flare-ups), but theres no cure and it never totally goes away. Symptoms very from person-to-person, and although some people are able to manage their eczema, it can be more difficult to treat for others.

RELATED: The Best Lotions for Eczema, According to Dermatologists

According to the National Eczema Association, there are six types of eczema, including AD. These are the other forms:

Several factors can make eczema symptoms worse. Basically, anything thats drying or non-hypoallergenic can aggravate symptoms, since the skin barrier is already irritated. Heres what to watch out for:

RELATED: 10 Home Remedies for Eczema

Dr. Jaliman recommends using a mild cleanser made for sensitive skin, and following with a moisturizer, particularly one with shea butter, hyaluronic acid, glycerin or ceramides, to help rebuild the skins protective barrier. Using a humidifier while you sleep can also help put moisture back into the air and your skin, she says.

Theres also the option of prescription topical steroids or creams, which can help for a short period of time, says Amanda Doyle, MD,of Russak Dermatology in New York City. For an over-the-counter solution, she recommends Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair Hand Unscented Lotion, as its accepted by the National Eczema Association as a safe option for eczema-prone skin. You can see more of the associations product recommendations here. For those who aren't able to manage their symptoms with topical treatments, the FDA recently approved a new injectable drug to help alleviate symptoms like itchiness.

New York City dermatologist Francesca Fusco, MD, says to look for gentle soaps, like Dove or Caress, and to moisturize rough patches with Vaseline. For eczema on the scalp, she recommends Dove DermaCare Scalp Dryness and Itch Relief Anti-Dandruff Shampoothe zinc pyrithione hydrates and gets rid of flakes.

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What Causes Eczema? - Health.com

Posted on June 29, 2012 at 5:27 pm.

Some of these triggers may originate from your home and others may not. Either way, you can find many solutions to these triggers in your home.

Here are 10 of the best home remedies for eczema that experts recommend using to stop the itch, reduce the swelling, and erase the redness.

The soap you clean your clothes with could be amplifying the burn in your skin. Avoid laundry detergents that use harsh ingredients, and instead choose those that are fragrance-free and neutral pH. You may even want to put your clothes on the double rinse cycle to ensure that all the soap gets washed out of them.

Rule #1 of eczema prevention is no scratching. When youre awake, this is something you have complete control over, but what happens when youre asleep? Wearing gloves to bed can help you avoid unconsciously scratching in your sleep.

Long hot showers dry out your skin quickly, which causes your eczema to flare up. To minimize the itching, take warm showers for no longer than 15 minutes. Thoroughly dry your skin when you get out of the shower and seal in your skins moisture with a gentle, fragrance-free lotion.

If you happen to have some hydro-cortisone or calamine lying around, these creams make great home remedies for eczema. Besides providing you with instant relief from the burn and itch of eczema, these creams can eliminate the rash.

A dry, hot climate is not a conducive environment for skin that is affected by eczema. If moving to a better climate isnt an option, use a humidifier to put some moisturize back into your surroundings. Make sure to clean the humidifier often to prevent the growth of harmful germs.

When mercury goes up, it could cause your eczema symptoms to go up too. Apply a cold compress to the areas of your skin that are affected by eczema. Stay inside air-conditioned buildings as much as you can. Wear clothes that are cool and lightweight to minimize sweating.

Unfortunately, you cant shed your scaly skin like a snake does, but you can reduce the scales by rubbing olive oil into your skin. Olive oil also has anti-inflammatory properties that could help reduce the redness and itching.

If you dont plan on eating those strawberries in your refrigerator, you can use them to make a great home remedy for eczema. Blend up the strawberries to make a paste and apply it to your eczema. This should reduce pain, redness, and inflammation.

Although the underlying cause of eczema is unknown, some experts say its caused by a weak immune system. The probiotics that are found in live culture yogurt and kefir can help boost your immune system; making you less likely to break out.

Use a quality eczema treatment. Exzaderm is full of skin-conditioning oils that moisturize, soothe, and heal eczema-afflicted skin. This leading eczema treatment is also 100% safe and natural so it should cause any reactions or skin irritation. You can visit exzaderm.com to learn more!

With these home remedies for eczema in hand, you can effectively reduce the itching, swelling, and redness that come along with this troublesome skin condition. The best news is that these remedies work quickly; theyre affordable; and most of them can already be found in your home.

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10 Home Remedies for Eczema - eczema.net

Having a little one with eczema is hard enough, but finding a sun cream to protect their vulnerable skin can be a minefield.

As with eczema creams, finding the right sunscreen is a matter of trial and error - as what works with one child, won't work for another.

However, there are some pointers that families can follow to give them a better chance of finding the right one.

As part of Sun Awareness Week, we've been taking a look at the advice to follow.

The National Eczema Society (NES) says parents should consider the same things that you would when choosing an emollient - for example, it is recommended that you avoid fragrance and other ingredients that are commonly associated with sensitisation.

Ingredient labels on products will help you to avoid substances to which you have a known sensitivity, but you should always be careful and make sure that you test any new sunscreen, in advance of going away, by dabbing a test area on the forearm before applying it to the whole body, just in case it causes a reaction or stings.

It is recommended that you do this once a day for five days as sensitisation can take some time to develop. It is also recommended that you patch test creams that you have used in the past since the formulation, or indeed your skin, may have changed.

There are two types of sunscreen:

1. Chemical absorbers, which absorb UV radiation.

2. Mineral-based reflectors (usually titanium dioxide), which reflect UV radiation.

Many people with eczema seem to find that mineral-based sunscreens are less irritating to their skin than chemical absorbers.

The NES does not recommend any one sunscreen product as what suits one person does not necessarily suit another, but it does give a number of suggestions for mineral-based, unfragranced products which 'seem to suit many people with eczema'.

These include...

It is recommended that any emollient is applied half an hour before sunscreen.

This is to prevent the sunscreen from becoming diluted by the emollient and to ensure that the sunscreen keeps its protective properties.

If you are using a moisturiser that is greasy or oily, be careful not to overdo the application of the moisturiser as this can cause a frying effect in the sun.

A better solution may be to use a UV sun suit to minimise the need for sun creams.

Practical advice and tips

Swimming pools

When it comes to swimming some children's skin can face further irritation.

Dryness of the skin after swimming is likely to occur if the pH of the pool water is raised. Chlorine can also cause dryness, but since it is a bleach, and recent research in eczema has recommended diluted bleach as a way of reducing bacteria on eczematous skin, it is not all bad.

Suggestions for avoiding swimming-related skin problems

Avoid swimming if the eczema is flaring badly.

If swimming indoors, apply your usual emollient cream or, better still, an emollient ointment, before entering the pool. It is a good idea to put on more cream than you usually would, so that it acts as a good barrier to the water.

Apply emollients about half an hour before applying sunscreen this will prevent the sunscreen becoming diluted by the emollient and ensure that the sunscreen keeps its reflective properties and protects your skin. Try not to overdo your emollient when outdoors as it may produce a frying effect in the sun if it hasnt been properly absorbed.

As soon as possible after swimming, shower off using your usual emollient wash/oil/gel. Then apply more leave-on cream than usual. (If the pool showers use chlorinated pool water, it is best to go home and take a shower/bath immediately you get there.)

Information from the National Eczema Society. For more details call the helpline on 0800 089 1122, email helpline@eczema.org or visit http://www.eczema.org .

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The best sun creams for babies and children with eczema - Manchester Evening News

The team at Newcastle University, in collaboration with scientists at Stiefel, a GSK company, have identified how a key skin barrier protein called filaggrin impacts on other proteins and pathways in the skin, which in turn drive the development of eczema.

This has also lead them to identify potential targets for future drug development which could treat the underlying cause rather than treating the symptoms.

Common condition

Atopic eczema is one of the commonest skin conditions in the UK, affecting up to 10% of adults and 20% of children in the UK. Its more common in children, often developing before their first birthday and often persists into adulthood with severe itching that has profound effects on well-being and may lead to sleep disturbance.

The research builds on the important discovery by scientists in Dundee which showed that lack of the protein filaggrin in the skin caused an inherited dry skin condition known as ichthyosis vulgaris that is strongly linked to the development of atopic eczema, as well as other allergic diseases such as hayfever and asthma.

Nick Reynolds, Professor of Dermatology at Newcastle University who also sees patients with skin conditions including eczema at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary, is the lead investigator of the study. He said: We have shown for the first time that loss of the filaggrin protein alone is sufficient to alter key proteins and pathways involved in triggering eczema. This research reinforces the importance of filaggrin deficiency leading to problems with the barrier function in the skin and predisposing someone to eczema.

New skin model

Publishing in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (JACI), researchers at Newcastle University, in collaboration with scientists at Stiefel GSK, report on their development of a human model system. In this, the upper layer of skin (epidermis) was modified, using molecular techniques, to become filaggrin-deficient, directly mimicking the situation observed in the skin of patients with atopic eczema.

This model enabled the team to discover proteins and signalling pathways directly down-stream of filaggrin, and most importantly, identified a number of key regulatory mechanisms. These included regulators of inflammatory signalling, cell structure, barrier function and stress response. These pathways were found to map to those networks observed in the skin of people with active eczema.

This mapping provides researchers with new understanding of the mechanisms involved and suggests targets for future drug development.

Nina Goad of the British Association of Dermatologists said: This latest research from Newcastle is crucial as it expands on our knowledge of how filaggrin impacts on other proteins and pathways in the skin, which in turn trigger the disease. This type of research allows scientists to develop treatments that target the actual root cause of the disease, rather than just managing its symptoms. Given the level of suffering eczema causes, this is a pivotal piece of research.

Reference:

Elias, M., Long, H., Newman, C., Wilson, P., West, A., McGill, P., Wu, K., Donaldson, M. and Reynolds, N. (2017). Proteomic analysis of filaggrin deficiency identifies molecular signatures characteristic of atopic eczema.

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Link:
Lack of Fillagrin Triggers Eczema in Human Skin Model ... - Technology Networks