One of most annoying things in life is itch that won't go away. Scientists have worked for decades to find out why we itch, and to find cure. Researchers at Harvard Medical School in USA have discovered that skin bacteria make us itch when they interact with our nerve cells. Lead researcher Liwen Deng said bacteria are linked to many diseases that cause itchiness. The most common disease is eczema. Dr Leng wrote: "It's not nicest bug to have on you, for sure. Many patients carry on their skin very microbe we've now shown for first time can induce itch." She added that: "Itches can be quite debilitating in patients who suffer from chronic skin conditions."
Dr Leng and her colleagues conducted their research on mice. They found enzyme (which they dubbed V8) that was responsible for itching in test mice. The V8 enzyme triggered protein that made the mice itch. scientists engineered the protein and developed drug to stop it making mice itch. The drug could be used to make anti-itch medication. This could block itching process in humans. This is good news for eczema sufferers. Eczema affects around 245 million people globally. As well as itchiness, sufferers often get redness on their skin and rash. They may also get small blisters and thickening of skin. Eczema is twice as common in females as it is in males.
