June 19, 2017 Human skin structure. Credit: Wikipedia <\/p>\n
Exposure to sunlight releases a compound from the skin that can alleviate symptoms of eczema, research has found. <\/p>\n
The molecule called nitric oxide works by dampening inflammation, which causes the itchy skin lesions associated with the condition. <\/p>\n
New therapies <\/p>\n
Scientists say their findings pave the way for new therapies that mimic the effects of the sun's rays. <\/p>\n
These could eventually help patients avoid light therapy, which can have damaging side effects on the skin, including raising cancer risk. <\/p>\n
Skin tests <\/p>\n
Tests on healthy volunteers found that exposing a small patch of skin to UV light triggers nitric oxide to be released into the blood stream. <\/p>\n
Further lab studies found that the chemical activates specialised immune cells called regulatory T cells, which act to dampen ongoing inflammation. <\/p>\n
\"Our findings suggest that nitric oxide has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and could offer an alternative drug target for people with eczema,\" says lead researcher Dr Anne Astier. <\/p>\n
Disease improvement <\/p>\n
In patients with eczema, the number of these cells in their blood following light therapy directly correlates with disease improvement, the University of Edinburgh team found. <\/p>\n
Researchers say their findings could lead to new therapies for eczema, which affects around one in five children and one in 20 adults in the UK. <\/p>\n
Side effects <\/p>\n
People with severe eczema are often prescribed tanning lamps to help manage their symptoms, but these can cause skin burning, accelerated aging and increased risk of cancer. <\/p>\n
The study is published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. <\/p>\n
\"It is clear that the health benefits of sunlight stretch far beyond vitamin D and we are starting to fill in these blank spaces,\" says Professor Richard Weller. <\/p>\n
Explore further: Skin defences point to eczema therapies <\/p>\n
More information: Cunjing Yu et al. Nitric oxide induces human CLA+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells with skin homing potential, Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (2017). DOI: 10.1016\/j.jaci.2017.05.023<\/p>\n
The body's own natural defences could be harnessed in a potential therapy for a common skin condition, research suggests. <\/p>\n
(HealthDay)People dealing with the itchy skin condition known as eczema may have other medical conditions to cope with as well, including heart disease, a dermatologist says. <\/p>\n
Scientists have uncovered evidence that a deficiency in the skin's barrier is key to triggering eczema. <\/p>\n
(HealthDay)It's still flu season, and not too late to get your flu shot. But a new study suggests that people with eczema should request the vaccine be given into the muscle, rather than just under the skin. <\/p>\n
U.S. regulators have approved the first powerful, injected medicine to treat serious cases of the skin condition eczema. <\/p>\n
Estimates suggest that 40 percent of eczema flares are treated with topical antibiotics, but findings from a study led by Cardiff University suggest there is no meaningful benefit from the use of either oral or topical antibiotics ... <\/p>\n
In recent years, immunotherapy, a new form of cancer therapy that rouses the immune system to attack tumor cells, has captivated the public's imagination. When it works, the results are breathtaking. But more often than not ... <\/p>\n
Exposure to sunlight releases a compound from the skin that can alleviate symptoms of eczema, research has found. <\/p>\n
Racial discrimination experienced by African-American children and young adults exacerbates a type of asthma known to be resistant to standard treatment, according to a study headed by researchers at UC San Francisco. <\/p>\n
Researchers have identified a new gene which is crucial for the immune system to respond to infection and vaccination. <\/p>\n
Up to 75 percent of patients with systemic lupus erythematosusan incurable autoimmune disease commonly known as lupusexperience neuropsychiatric symptoms. But so far, our understanding of the mechanisms underlying lupus' ... <\/p>\n
A study from the University of Warwick suggests peer-led self-management programmes have little impact on the quality of life or lung function of adolescents with asthma. <\/p>\n
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\nSun effects on skin reveal eczema therapy clues - Medical Xpress<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"