skin barrier

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

Researchers Discover Genetic Basis for Eczema

New Avenue to Therapies

Eczema or Atopic dermatitis (AD) start with an itchy skin rash, but left untreated, can flare up across the entire body. Most sufferers    develop symptoms as infants and it affects millions of adults around the world. There is no cure. 
 
Managing this chronic illness means applying moisturizing lotions and anti-inflammatory corticosteroids, which can have harmful side effects. A team led by Arup Indra, Associate Professor in the Dept.

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.

Atopic Dermatitis was the Focus of a Conference at the 75th Anniversary of SID

This year’s meeting of the Society of Investigative Dermatology (SID), held in Raleigh, North Carolina, which marked the 75th anniversary of the society, included the first conference dedicated to atopic dermatitis. Drs. Lisa Beck, Professor of Dermatology at University of Rochester Medical Center, and Rebecca Minnillo Executive Director of the SID were instrumental in setting up this meeting.  The primary purpose was to begin to identify problems hindering progress in atopic dermatitis research and to establish a research network of like-minded investigators to begin to address these issues.

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.

What is the wet-dry cycle?

Q:  What is the wet-dry cycle, and why is it bad for eczema?

A:  The wet-dry cycle refers to the drying of skin dampened with water or perspiration. Imagine a muddy field: if the sun dries the field quickly, the mud cracks; if it dries slowly on a cloudy day the mud stays smooth. Skin with eczema is especially likely to crack in low humidity conditions when it dries quickly. Applying a moisturizer to slow the drying of wet skin is therefore especially important in the winter when the humidity is lower.

New Research Fuels Greater Understanding of Atopic Dermatitis and Psoriasis in Children and Adolescents

BOSTON (Aug. 16, 2012)  Information presented at American Academy of Dermatology’s Summer Academy Meeting by Lawrence F. Eichenfield, MD, FAAD, a board-certified pediatric dermatologist, chief, division of pediatric and adolescent dermatology and professor of pediatrics and medicine (dermatology), Rady Children’s Hospital and University of California, San Diego School of Medicine.  Dr. Eichenfield is also a member of the National Eczema Association Scientific Advisory Committee.

OVERVIEW
For the millions of children and adolescents affected by chronic skin conditions such as atopic

Repurposed drug could repair the skin barrier

Submitted by Spanish Key
on Tue, 06/26/2012 - 10:16pm

Lisa Beck, a professor of dermatology at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC), will soon begin an NIH-funded clinical trial of Actos (pioglitazone), a drug often prescribed for diabetics, which may turn out to strengthen the skin barrier and reduce symptoms for eczema patients.

Actos, made by Takeda Pharmaceuticals and already approved by the FDA in pill form, could appear unofficially on the market for eczema therapy much sooner than a new drug discovered from scratch.

"Experts sometimes use off-label drugs to treat patients with moderate to severe eczema or atopic

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