Psoriasis and Atopic Dermatitis: Understanding the Changes in Skin Makeup
According to recent research conducted by UC Davis Health, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis can be caused by changes in skin makeup. The skin is the largest organ in the body, and its composition varies significantly throughout the body, which may affect its susceptibility to certain diseases. In this article, we will discuss the findings of UC Davis research, explore the different types of skin, and understand how various factors can cause skin conditions.
Understanding Skin Composition
The skin consists of various layers, with each layer having a unique structure and function, depending on its location in the body. The top layer, known as the epidermis, has a lipid matrix comprising free fatty acids, cholesterol, and ceramides. This lipid matrix serves as the mortar while keratinocytes form the bricks. The researchers used single-cell sequencing to characterize how the keratinocytes differ at different body sites.
Moreover, targeted molecular profiling was used to characterize the molecules that form the mortar between the keratinocytes. These experiments explained why the skin looks so different at different body sites.
Body Site Determines Skin Structure and Function
The skin’s structure and function vary significantly depending on the location on the body. For instance, the skin of the face is thin and flexible to accommodate facial expressions, while the skin covering the heel of the foot is thick and rigid to withstand force and protect it from objects we step on. The compositional differences in the skin’s lipids and proteins across different body sites may also explain why different skin diseases are found at different body sites.
Skin conditions affect approximately 84.5 million people globally, and several factors can lead to their occurrence. These include:
1. Ageing
As you age, your skin becomes more fragile and thinner, making it more susceptible to damage.
2. Environmental Factors
Exposure to sun, wind, or cold weather can cause severe skin damage. Moreover, air pollution, smoking, and excess alcohol intake can also contribute to skin problems.
3. Genetics
Several skin conditions are hereditary, and a person may be predisposed to developing a certain skin condition due to their genes.
4. Trauma
Skin trauma, such as cuts, scrapes, and burns, can cause skin damage, leading to various skin conditions.
Understanding Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the skin’s lifecycle, causing skin cells to rapidly multiply, resulting in thick, scaly, and inflamed skin patches. The condition can occur anywhere on the body and can cause pain, itching, and discomfort. According to researchers at UC Davis, psoriasis is caused by an imbalance in the molecules secreted by the different layers of the skin.
The researchers found that keratinocytes at the lowest layer of the epidermis secrete immune-attracting and immune anti-inflammatory molecules. This is to attract immune cells to the skin and park them in place to wait patiently to fight off any pathogenic microbe or parasite that might break through the physical barrier of the skin. In contrast, they found that the keratinocytes in the outer layer of the epidermis secrete proinflammatory molecules, in particular, IL-36. IL-36 is a main mediator of a subtype of psoriasis, an inflammatory skin disease.
The team found that the amount of IL-36 in the skin was regulated by another molecule called PCSK9 and that individuals with variations in their PCSK9 gene were predisposed to developing psoriasis.
Understanding Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a chronic skin condition that causes itching, redness, and scaling. The condition often starts in infancy and can last until adulthood, affecting various body parts such as the face, neck, and arms. According to UC Davis researchers, atopic dermatitis can also be caused by changes to the skin’s makeup.
The researchers found that the atopic dermatitis skin had an abnormal lipid composition. The altered composition of the lipid layer affected the skin’s ability to maintain hydration, which led to dryness and cracking. As a result, the researchers noted that personalized skin care products could be formulated to match the particular body site that they will be applied to.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the skin’s structure and function is crucial in preventing and managing skin conditions such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. The different factors that affect skin makeup, i.e., ageing, genetics, environmental factors, and trauma, should be taken into account while formulating treatments and preventive care products. Furthermore, the findings of UC Davis research may lead to non-invasive diagnostic tests for common dermatologic diseases and the development of personalized skin care products.
