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How the skin becomes inflamed

The study identifies a protein called IL-36 as a key player in inducing skin inflammation in response to bacteria on the skin surface. This finding has significant implications for developing alternative treatments for atopic dermatitis, a condition affecting 20% of children and 5% of adults.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateNov 8, 2017

Black children less likely to see doctor for eczema despite being more severely affected

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania found that black children with eczema are 30% less likely to see a doctor for treatment compared to white children. Despite having more severe disease, minority children experience lower healthcare utilization rates due to various barriers.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·DateSep 29, 2017

Countering atopic dermatitis immune reactions

Researchers from Hokkaido University successfully treated mice with atopic dermatitis using HLA-G1, a protein that inhibits immune responses. The treatment showed marked improvement in skin lesions and reduced immune response compared to untreated mice.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalInternational Immunopharmacology·DateAug 3, 2017

TWEAKing inflammation

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology pinpoint TWEAK as a common driver of skin inflammation in both diseases. The protein plays a major role in inducing pro-inflammatory signaling molecules that recruit immune cells to the skin.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 22, 2017

Vitamin D levels not linked to asthma or dermatitis

A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that genetic alterations associated with lower vitamin D levels do not predispose individuals to asthma, atopic dermatitis, or high IgE levels. The researchers looked at data from over 100,000 individuals and found no statistically significant difference between rates of these conditions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 9, 2017

Reasons for eczema susceptibility uncovered

Researchers at Newcastle University have identified the key role of filaggrin in triggering eczema by creating a human model system that mimics the skin condition. This discovery provides new understanding of the mechanisms involved and suggests targets for future drug development.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateMay 4, 2017

Silk clothing did not improve eczema in children

A randomized controlled study found no significant difference in eczema severity for children wearing silk garments compared to their usual clothing. The results suggest that silk garments are unlikely to provide additional clinical or economic benefits over standard care.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 11, 2017

Stem cells from umbilical cord blood may help treat eczema

A clinical trial showed that stem cells from umbilical cord blood significantly reduced Eczema Area and Severity Index scores by 50% in high-dose patients. Immune-related markers of atopic dermatitis also decreased, with persistent improvement throughout the 12-week follow-up period.

SourceWiley·JournalStem Cells·DateJun 7, 2016

Hard water linked to risk of eczema in infants

Research suggests that high levels of water hardness in homes may be linked to the development of eczema in early infancy. Living in a hard water area was associated with an up to 87% increased risk of eczema at three months of age, independent of domestic water chlorine content.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateMay 18, 2016

Childhood asthma may increase risks of shingles

A population-based study published in JACI found that adults with asthma are at a 70% greater risk of developing shingles compared to those without asthma. Additionally, individuals with atopic dermatitis also showed a higher risk of shingles, even when other factors were accounted for.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateDec 28, 2015

'Hidden' fragrance compound can cause contact allergy

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg found that linalyl acetate, a common fragrance chemical, can react with oxygen to form allergenic hydroperoxides. Approximately 2% of tested individuals had allergic reactions to oxidized linalyl acetate, highlighting the need for broader testing and declaration on cosmetic products.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalContact Dermatitis·DateMay 27, 2015

Eczema woes not just skin deep

Adults with eczema are more likely to experience health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and insomnia due to the emotional toll of the disease. Physicians need to address these lifestyle risks alongside skin treatments.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJan 15, 2015

Study finds eczema, short stature not associated overall

A study published in JAMA Dermatology analyzed data from nine population-based studies and found no overall association between eczema and short stature. However, a small group of children with severe eczema who experienced sleep disturbances showed potentially reversible growth impairment.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateDec 10, 2014

Accident prone eczema patients

Adults with eczema are more likely to experience accidental bone fractures and other injuries, according to a new Northwestern University study. The increased risk may be linked to the side effects of steroids and sedating antihistamines commonly prescribed for eczema.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateOct 29, 2014

New diagnostic test to distinguish psoriasis from eczema

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have created a diagnostic procedure that uses only two genes to reliably differentiate between psoriasis and eczema. The new test is expected to pave the way for personalized medicine in chronic inflammatory skin diseases, reducing the need for expensive treatments.

Wet wraps cut need for drugs in kids with eczema

A new study shows wet wrap therapy can reduce eczema symptoms by 71% and eliminate the need for medications in children. The technique involves soaking, applying lotions, and dressing in wet clothing to seal in moisture, resulting in significant improvements in skin health.

SourceMediaSource·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJul 8, 2014

First genetic mutations linked to atopic dermatitis identified in African-American children

Researchers have identified two genetic variations associated with persistent atopic dermatitis in African-American children, shedding light on the skin disorder's mechanisms. The study found that loss-of-function mutations to Filaggrin-2 were linked to increased risk of AD in African American children.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateNov 11, 2013

Researchers identifies gene associated with eczema in dogs

A novel gene associated with canine atopic dermatitis has been identified by researchers. The gene encodes a protein called plakophilin 2, which is crucial for the formation and proper functioning of the skin structure. This finding opens new possibilities in understanding the disease mechanism leading to atopic dermatitis.

SourceUppsala University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMay 9, 2013

JCI early table of contents for Jan. 25, 2013

Researchers found that stress accelerates prostate cancer development in mice, while a genetic mutation in the NESP4 gene disrupts a cellular complex essential for hearing. Combining green tea extract with vardenafil enhances anti-cancer effects in a mouse model of multiple myeloma.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 25, 2013

Eczema in infants linked to gut bacteria

A new study published in BMC Microbiology reveals that children with eczema have a more diverse set of bacteria in their guts than healthy children. The types of bacteria present were also more typical of adult gut microbes, suggesting an early change towards adult-type bacteria may be a risk factor for eczema.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Microbiology·DateJan 22, 2013