Itching caused by eczema could soon be a thing of the past after scientists identified the bacteria responsible.
A pill called vorapaxar could be turned into an ointment they claim might cease the irritating sensation reaching the brain.
Liwen Deng, of Harvard University, US, said: “When we started the study, it was unclear whether the itch was a result of inflammation or not. You don’t necessarily have to have inflammation for the microbe to cause itch but the itch exacerbates inflammation on the skin.”
Published in the scientific journal Cell, the study found when the bacterium is allowed to flourish it triggers a chain reaction leading to the urge to scratch.
About one in five children and one in 10 adults suffers from eczema.
