Scientists identify the root cause behind itching sensations
You may have encountered that unmistakable itching sensation in various scenarios—whether from a gentle brush against your skin or when snuggling under a cozy woolen blanket. Scientists at Harvard Medical School, United States, have now discovered its cause. The study published in the journal Cell states that a common skin bacterium Staphylococcus aureus causes itch by acting directly on your nerve cells.
What does the study say?
According to the research, S. aureus secretes a substance that causes a nerve protein to become active. Our skin transmits a signal to our brains, which our brain interprets as an itching sensation. In skin conditions involving chronic itching like eczema and atopic dermatitis, the equilibrium of microorganisms that keep our skin healthy is often thrown off balance, allowing S. aureus to flourish.
S.aureus is found in almost every patient with atopic dermatitis
"We have identified an entirely novel mechanism behind itch, the bacterium Staph aureus, which is found in almost every patient with the chronic condition atopic dermatitis. We show that itch can be caused by the microbe itself," said senior author Isaac Chiu, associate professor of immunology at the Blavatnik Institute at HMS. These disorders, characterized by frequent scratching can aggravate inflammation and harm skin.
Why does it matter?
"Up until now, the itch that occurs with eczema and atopic dermatitis was believed to arise from the accompanying inflammation of the skin. But the new findings show that S. aureus single-handedly causes itch by instigating a molecular chain reaction that culminates in the urge to scratch," states the study. This discovery could help treat itchiness associated with inflammatory skin diseases.
Use for treatments
The study suggests that these results can be a breakthrough in skin disorder treatments. The findings can be used to guide the development of topical creams and oral medications for the treatment of chronic itching associated with several disorders such as psoriasis, prurigo nodularis, and atopic dermatitis that are caused by an imbalance in the skin microbiome.
What was the study based on?
The results are based on studies conducted using human cells and mice. The researchers exposed the skin of mice to S. aureus. The mice developed progressively worsening itching, which was brought on by the bacteria as well as reactions to normal, non-irritating stimuli like light contact. An FDA-approved anticoagulant was able to stop the activation of the protein and the itch in the mice.
