Eczema is a chronic skin condition which can leave the skin red and itchy. Although many forms of eczema are treatable, there are some types which do not respond well to treatment.
Yale researchers have recently been able to treat a previously untreatable form of eczema by using a rheumatoid arthritis drug. Previous studies using this drug showed it could help benefit those with vitiligo and alopecia areata.
Advertisement
Researchers note that the rheumatoid arthritis drug – tofacitinib citrate – could interrupt the immune response which causes eczema. The study was conducted on six participants who ranged from having moderate to severe eczema and who have tried other remedies and treatments previously.
In the study, all participants reported dramatic reduction in itching as well as experienced better sleep. Brett King, assistant professor of dermatology, said, “These individuals were not only very happy with the results, they also expressed a tremendous sense of relief at being comfortable in their skin for the first time in many years.”
Previously there was no targeted treatment for eczema, but with the new findings King added, “I’m hopeful we are entering a whole new era in treatment.”
The study was published online in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Emily Lunardo studied medical sociology at York University with a strong focus on the social determinants of health and mental illness. She is a registered Zumba instructor, as well as a Canfit Pro trainer, who teaches fitness classes on a weekly basis. Emily practices healthy habits in her own life as well as helps others with their own personal health goals. Emily joined Bel Marra Health as a health writer in 2013.
