In a new study, researchers investigated how bacteria may affect eczema pathology.They reported that S. aureus bacteria mutate in eczema patches, enabling them to spread more quickly.Experts say the findings may have implications for helping to treat eczema. Eczema, the most common form of atopic dermatitis, is a non-contagious skin condition characterized by patches of dry, itchy skin. The condition affects about 30%Trusted Source of the population in the United States.
While there is no cure for eczema, medications do exist to manage its symptoms. These include as topical corticosteroids and emollients and sometimes topical immunosuppressants. Eczema is thought to arise from a mix of environmental and genetic factors.
Irritants found in soaps and surface cleaners, for example, can trigger the immune system, which then causes inflammation that may present as an eczema flare-up.People with eczema may have reduced filaggrin production due to variants in the gene the encodes for this protein.
Filaggrin plays an important role in strengthening the skin. Bacteria can enter breaks in the skin of people with eczema, where they can grow and multiply.
The immune system may try to control this colonization by increasing inflammation, leading to more skin damage and itchiness.
Understanding more about how bacteria spread into the skin of people with eczema and how it increases inflammation could aid the development of new drugs to treat the condition.
Recently, researchers investigated how the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus adapts to the skin of people with eczema.
They reported that the bacteria develop mutations, which mean they no longer have a cellular capsule and can thus grow faster on the skin.
Medical News Today spoke with Dr. Alain Michon, the medical director of Project Skin MD Ottawa in Canada who was not involved in the study, about the findings.
“Targeted treatment of S.Aureus bacteria strains with capD mutations could be valuable not only to help treat acute episodes of eczema but also to prevent flare-ups and keep eczema under control,” Michon said.
