Many ingredients in creams and ointments do more than just act locally on the skin surface or within the ‘stratum corneum’ (the outermost layers of skin). For example, urea is a compound that is widely used as a remedy for dry skin because of its ability both to hydrate or ‘moisturize’ the skin and to help remove skin build-up or scale. But urea also penetrates through the stratum corneum into the underlying nucleated cell layers of the epidermis. We have demonstrated [Read more…] about Urea: Much More Than A Mere Skin Moisturizer
Research from the Elias Lab
For nearly forty years, this University of California San Francisco-based research laboratory has focused on elucidating the structural and metabolic basis for the barrier function of the skin, including work aimed at understanding the cause and treatment of skin diseases.
Beyond Itch: Using Antihistamines to Treat Atopic Dermatitis and Psoriasis
Antihistamines to be taken by mouth – medications like Benadryl® and Atarax® – are commonly used to combat itch. Although they are very effective in the treatment of itchy hives (‘urticaria’), all too often these drugs are not very successful in alleviating the itch of common, inflammatory skin disorders, such as ‘atopic dermatitis’ (eczema) or psoriasis. [Read more…] about Beyond Itch: Using Antihistamines to Treat Atopic Dermatitis and Psoriasis