BOSTON, MA – New research suggests that the cause of itchiness on the skin might be linked to a common microbe colonizing the skin. Researchers at Harvard Medical School found that a bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus can release an enzyme that triggers the sensation of itchiness. The study, published in the journal Cell, reveals that this discovery could potentially lead to the development of new treatments for itchy skin conditions such as eczema.

Traditionally, the focus of research on itchy skin conditions has been on the role of the immune response and inflammation in generating the itch sensation. However, this new study sheds light on the possibility that certain bacteria, specifically Staphylococcus aureus, may be directly linked to causing itch. The researchers found that applying this bacteria to the skin of mice resulted in vigorous scratching and damaged skin beyond the exposure site.

Furthermore, the study identified a specific bacterial enzyme, protease V8, released by Staphylococcus aureus as the culprit for activating itch neurons in the skin. The team also found that an anti-clotting medication already on the market can block the activation of this protein, effectively stopping the itching and scratching in lab animals. This finding is particularly significant, as it suggests the potential for developing a new topical medication for itchy skin conditions.

This research opens up new possibilities for understanding the mechanisms behind itch and potential treatments. Dermatologist and researcher Brian Kim from the Ichan School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York expressed excitement about the findings, emphasizing the urgent need for more targeted approaches to treating itchy skin conditions. However, the researchers also acknowledge the need for further studies to understand why bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus induce itching and whether it is beneficial for the microbes.

In conclusion, the study’s findings suggest a new way of approaching the treatment of itchy skin conditions. The potential development of a topical medication based on the anti-clotting medication used in the study could bring much-needed relief to the millions of people affected by eczema and other itchy skin conditions.