Genetic

Prevalence and Impact of Past History of Food Allergy in Atopic Dermatitis

Abstract
Background: Increases in allergic diseases have been reported from various epidemiological surveys. However, a few reports demonstrate the comorbidity of food allergy (FA) and allergic march. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and comorbidity of allergic diseases in Japanese students. Methods: First-year students (n = 3,321; 2,209 male and 1,112 female) at Osaka University were asked about allergic diseases using postal interview sheets.

Recently Identified Immune Cells

Possible Therapeutic Target 
Implications

University of Pennsylvania study for treating the development and severity of atopic dermatitis

The increasing incidence of allergic skin diseases, and the accompanying economic burden and heightened risk of developing other allergic conditions, have spurred researchers to look for better ways to control these immune system-based disorders.

Atopic dermatitis, more commonly called eczema, now affects 10 to 20 percent of children in the United States and direct health-care costs exceed $3 billion, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and

Skin pH: From Basic Science to Basic Skin Care

Abstract:

The "acid mantle" is a topic not only of historical interest, but also of clinical significance and has recently been linked to vital stratum corneum function. Despite compelling basic science evidence placing skin pH as a key factor in barrier homeostasis, stratum corneum integrity, and antimicrobial defense, application of the acid mantle concept in clinical care is lacking. We review recent basic science investigations into skin pH, discuss skin disorders characterized by aberrant pH, and finally discuss practical application for preservation of the acid mantle.

The Persistence of Atopic Dermatitis and Filaggrin (FLG) Mutations in a US Longitudinal Cohort

Since the beginning of this century several studies have been published that have helped to revolutionize our understanding of the pathophysiology of AD. These studies have shown an association between genetic variation and AD.  Genes that have been implicated include genes that code proteins associated with skin barrier and genes that code proteins involved in immune function.

What causes a person to get eczema on his or her body?

Q:   What causes a person to get eczema on his or her body? How can the terrible itch be helped? Are they working on a cure for this awful stuff?

A:   Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema and has a genetic basis. Recently discovered genetic defects in the skin barrier seem to account for many, if not most, cases. The defective barrier allows chemical and physical irritants and bacterial toxins to trigger inflammation that causes redness and itching.

DNA

Q: Does DNA or genetics have anything to do with asthma and eczema in children? And why does it skip generations?

A: The simplest answer is that DNA has everything to do with what we’re talking about, and it doesn’t really skip generations. When we talk about allergic disease ranging from eczema to hay fever and allergies and asthma, there really is a genetic predisposition to what families will carry. The true risk is actually any history of atopic disease. We are seeing fewer generations of people who didn’t have histories of hay fever or allergies in the past develop these diseases.