Symptoms of the diseases

The diseases, psoriasis, and eczema cause red, flaking rashes on the infected individual’s skin. However, there is nothing more common between the two diseases. There are some rare cases when individuals may be affected by both these conditions. Some scientists have found that an opposed immune system response induces the flaring of the skin with both the conditions. The researchers believe that these findings could assist in developing more effective treatments of the patients.

The study

The study undertaken included three patients suffering from psoriasis and eczema and the results were published on 21 July. The scientists discovered that the T-cells found in the psoriasis abrasions (which are the white cells that fight against infections) were different from the T-cells found in the eczema abrasions. According to these findings, it was concluded that the T-cells move to the skin as a response to various external factors. This does not imply that the skin cells are abnormal in either of the two conditions.

Higher number of patients in the USA

According to Dr. Doris Day, the study is beneficial to understand the human immune systems and the manner in which the system can be compromised. Psoriasis is one of the most prevalent autoimmune diseases that affect more than 7.5 million Americans every year, which is caused due to genetic and environmental factors. In contrast, eczema is an allergic reaction that is caused along with asthma or an allergy and is common in children.

Differences in the abrasions

The study showed that psoriasis abrasions comprised higher number of Th1 and Th17 cells whereas the eczema abrasions comprised more of Th2 and Th22 cells. Moreover, the eczema abrasions harbored Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which were absent in the psoriasis abrasions. According to the researchers, although the two conditions are different from one another, there were some similarities in the immune system reactions.

Present treatments available

The currently available treatment for psoriasis includes medications and topical applicants. These are helpful to reduce the immune system’s responses and decrease the growth of the skin cells that is the primary factor causing the flaky red abrasions. Treating eczema includes medicines combined with modified lifestyles, which include reduction of scratching, inflammation, and increasing the symptoms. However, the new study may enable scientists to insight to understanding the changes in the individual’s immune system, which can be helpful to treat the conditions more effectively.