Defining 'clinically actionable' genetic mechanisms in atopic eczema risk and resolution

Eczema is an itchy skin condition affecting 1 in 4 children in the UK and 1 in 10 adults. It often occurs along with other allergic conditions, causing considerable suffering. Eczema is caused by a combination of genetic inheritance -coded in our DNA- and environmental factors that irritate the skin. The incidence of eczema has risen dramatically, for reasons that are unknown. Current treatments only suppress eczema, but some people do 'grow out' of their eczema, giving hope that a cure may be possible. Our work uses human skin cells grown in the laboratory. We have two main aims: Firstly, to understand how environmental effects (smoking, washing and pet ownership) affect skin at risk of eczema, so we may learn more about prevention. Secondly, to investigate ways in which skin can recover from eczema, in the hope that we may target these mechanisms to develop better treatments for the future.