07/27/2007

NEW ECZEMA FINDING

Researchers have made a breakthrough finding that may significantly impact the way that eczema is treated in the future. “Eczema” is a general term that encompasses various inflammatory skin conditions, the most common of which, atopic dermatitis, is the most prevalent skin
disease in the developed world. Thus, it comes as big news that scientists have discovered that a major gene (filaggrin) is strongly associated with eczema. Scientists found that up to 10% of people in European populations have mutations that “switch off” the filaggrin gene. This gene normally makes large amounts of filaggrin protein (in the outermost layers of the epidermis), which is essential for maintaining skin barrier function that prevents the skin drying out.

If your parts of your skin appear red and irritated, you may have eczema. At ELMHURST DERMATOLOGY, our focus is on providing high-quality care for our patients in a friendly, professional environment. We diagnose conditions of the skin, including eczema, allergic rashes, and rosacea and prescribe topical and oral antibacterials as required based on the patient’s symptoms and medical history. Call us at 630-832-2111 to schedule a consultation. We are located at 242 N. York Road, Suite 101, Elmhurst. Most medical insurance, Visa, and MasterCard welcome.

P.S. Now that scientists have identified the gene that causes eczema, they may be able to address the skin disease at its root cause instead of treating the symptoms.