The Urge to Itch

Here's the link to the abstract for a new article about the genetics of Familial Primary Localized Cutaneous Amyloidosis. Amyloidosis can be primary or secondary, systemic or localized. In this case, the article discusses primary amyloidosis (it is not the result of another condition) that is localized to the skin (internal organs are spared). This disease can be divided into lichenoid, macular, and nodular appearances, but all consist of amyloid (a protein) deposits in the skin that are very itchy. The treatment is to decrease the itchiness via topical steroids, antihistamines, and light therapy and in certain cases, to remove or destroy the deposits. There is no treatment for the mechanism of the disease, only symptom mitigation.

The most interesting part of this article is the new information on the mechanism of itchy skin. The Oncostatin M Receptor beta is mutated in FPLCA. It is used as a building block for Oncostatin M type II receptors and interleukin-31 receptors. With the mutations, the two cytokines, Oncostatin M and IL-31, are ineffective. This may be the cause for itching. Further research needs to be done on other itchy skin disorders and see if they too have a defect in this pathway.

Anti-aging creams?

Here's an article on ingredients to look for in "anti-aging" or "anti-wrinkle" products. The review is meant to identify products that help with skin surface regularity, deep wrinkles, and dyspigmentation.

I can't access the full article right now, but will update...