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Eczema fault discovery offers new treatment hope
16 Feb 2008
One of the most common forms of eczema could be linked to a defect in the skin's protective outer layer, latest research suggests.
Dermatologists believe that children with atopic dermatitis, could have a flaw in their epidermal barrier allowing microbes and allergens to penetrate the skin, the Sun Sentinel reports.
Researchers found a connection between eczema and the disease ichthyosis vulgaris, a genetic disease characterized by dry, scaly skin.
They believe that a mutation in the filaggrin gene, which is responsible for the development of the skin's outer layer, allows irritants to penetrate the skin.
Speaking at an annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology, expert on the condition Jon Hanifin from Oregon Health and Science said that the discovery could help to better treat eczema cases in future.
"Dermatologists have suspected for many years that eczema is due to a barrier problem in the skin, as we have seen numerous cases of babies with severe eczema everywhere on their bodies except in the diaper area - which stays surprisingly smooth," Dr Hanifin explained.
"The reason is that the constant moisture in the diaper area keeps the skin from cracking. That is why we encourage parents to treat eczema in infants as early as possible and continually moisturise the skin."
Atopic dermatitis affects an estimated ten per cent of children globally.
Click here to find out more about eczema
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