Scientists make a breakthrough in cure for eczema.

Eczema is a very common skin complaint which is believed to affect as many as 20% of all children and 3% of adults worldwide. For many years, sufferers have been able to alleviate the often very painful symptoms of the chronic disease using creams and lotions, but scientists are still unable to provide a cure for the underlying cause. However, it now appears as though a team of researchers has cracked the reason for the underlying cause of the condition which is the first step towards providing a complete cure.

Since 2006, researchers have been aware that eczema is associated with a genetic predisposition towards a lack of filaggrin in the skin. Filaggrin, which is a filament aggregating protein, is essential for defining the shape of individual skin cells and for creating the skin’s barrier function. For those people who do not produce filaggrin in adequate amounts, skin conditions such as eczema and ichthyosis vulgaris can emerge.

However, it was not until recently that researchers discovered why a lack of filaggrin could cause eczema to develop. The team, who are based at Newcastle University in the United Kingdom have identified that the loss of the filaggrin protein can permanently alter key proteins and molecular pathways. In a report on their research, the team indicated that they had discovered no less than seventeen different skin proteins which express themselves differently if there is a lack of filaggrin in the skin. This alone can lead to the chronic disease, according to the lead researcher, Nick Reynolds.

The research has been met with great excitement for those in the scientific community interested in battling this chronic disease. “This type of research allows scientists to develop treatments that target the actual cause of the disease, rather than just managing its symptoms, “said Nina Goad of the British Association of Dermatologists.