Researchers at Binghamton University, State University of New York, have unveiled a study that could potentially revolutionize our understanding of eczema and pave the way for a cure. With approximately 35 million Americans and a significant global population affected by eczema, this chronic condition, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a pressing health concern. The study’s findings shed light on the underlying causes of eczema, offering a new perspective on its management and treatment.
In a collaborative effort, Associate Professor Guy German, PhD student Zachary W. Lipsky, and Associate Professor Claudia N.H. Marques has bridged two seldom-connected areas of eczema research. Their recent publication from the Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science’s Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Harpur College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Biological Sciences marks a significant step forward in our understanding of this complex condition.
The study highlights that atopic dermatitis leads to reduced levels of skin oils, particularly ceramides, a group of lipids. These lipids regulate skin hydration and protect against pathogens, either by direct antimicrobial action or indirectly through immune signalling. Moreover, the research points to increased staph bacteria on the skin, which exacerbates irritation and infection.
Professor German notes the role of genetics in eczema prevalence but also identifies occupational hazards—like frequent handwashing or exposure to detergents among healthcare workers, metalworkers, hairdressers, and food processors—as factors that increase susceptibility to the condition. He poses a critical question about the consequences of reduced lipid levels on the skin due to genetic mutations or occupational exposure.
The study suggests that bacteria cannot breach the skin barrier under normal conditions. However, in conditions associated with atopic dermatitis or similar lipid deficiencies, penetration occurs within nine days. The team theorizes that staph bacteria do not merely grow around skin cells but move through them. This bacterial movement, combined with lipid depletion, compromises the skin’s barrier, increasing vulnerability to bacterial invasion and deeper skin tissue infection.
Lipsky elaborates on the protective role of skin lipids, which are traditionally associated with moisture retention. The current findings illuminate their critical function in defending against microorganisms that could cause diseases. While the study does not solve all mysteries of atopic dermatitis, it proposes that bacterial infiltration might initiate rather than result from the disease, marking a significant advancement in understanding the condition.
Further inquiries will focus on the mechanical effects of bacterial penetration on lipid-depleted skin, exploring whether it weakens the skin or enhances the likelihood of cracking and how bacteria navigate through different skin layers.
As Professor German rightly points out, every scientific answer typically raises more questions, ensuring that their research journey continues to be dynamic and exploratory. This ongoing study not only deepens the understanding of atopic dermatitis but also sets the stage for future breakthroughs in treating and managing the condition. The potential implications of this research are immense, offering hope for millions of individuals affected by eczema.
More information: Zachary W. Lipsky et al, Lipid depletion enables permeation of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria through human stratum corneum, Tissue Barriers. DOI: 10.1080/21688370.2020.1754706
Journal information: Tissue Barriers Provided by Binghamton University
