Michael H via Getty Images
保湿剤のワセリンをあらかじめ皮膚に塗ることで、アトピー性皮膚炎の発症を予防できる可能性があるとする論文を理化学研究所研究嘱託の吉田尚弘医師らの研究グループがまとめた。4月25日付のアメリカ医学誌ジャーナル・オブ・クリニカル・インベスティゲーション電子版に掲載された。
朝日新聞デジタルは次のように報じた。
アトピー性皮膚炎を発症しやすくしたマウスを使い、発症の経過を調べた。生後８～１２週で発症。その前から皮膚の角質がはがれやすくなるなど、皮膚を保湿し保護する機能が低下していることがわかった。
一方で、発症前の生後４週から１日おきに、このマウスで一番最初に症状が出やすい耳の部分にワセリンを塗り続けたところ、保護機能が改善。炎症を起こす細胞が皮膚に集まるのを防ぎ、長期にわたって発症しなかったという。
（アトピー性皮膚炎、ワセリンで発症を予防できる可能性：朝日新聞デジタルより 2016/04/26 07:18）
論文によると、吉田氏らはマウスを調べ、細胞内で信号伝達を担う「JAK1」というたんぱく質の遺伝子の一部が変化し、異常に活性化しているのを見つけた。人の患者でこの遺伝子変異は見つかっていないが、大人の患者6人の皮膚の表皮細胞を調べたところ、4人でJAK1が活性化しており、発症メカニズムが似ていることが分かったという。
研究チームは「発症前に診断できれば、予防につながるかもしれない」と記している。
関連記事
Solutions To Common Skin Problems
Razor Burn (01 of07)
There\'s nothing like painful, bright-red razor burn to spoil your summer look. To avoid razor burn, shower or bathe with warm water to soften the skin before shaving. Try shaving at night to allow your skin time to heal afterward. Always use an emollient shaving gel and apply an unscented moisturizer for sensitive skin after shaving. Shave with the grain of the hair (not against) and never use a dull razor. Be sure to exfoliate regularly to prevent ingrown hairs. \n\nIf you do get razor burn, apply aloe vera gel, witch hazel or apple cider vinegar, which help to sooth the skin and prevent infection. Unscented solid deodorant can also treat razor burn (even on your legs or bikini line)! You can also press a cool damp cloth or ice pack on affected areas to calm inflammation. (credit:Alamy)
Sunburns(02 of07)
The best way to avoid a sunburn, is (of course), by applying sunscreen everyday with at least an SPF 30, and avoid long periods of sun exposure. \n\nIf you do end up with a burn, take an anti-inflammatory (aspirin or ibuprofen) immediately to reduce pain and redness, and apply a generous amount of pure aloe vera gel to help sooth the skin. A cold milk compress or plain yogurt can also sooth, treat and protect burnt skin. And a vitamin C serum can help reverse UV damage. For tips on how to cover up a sunburn with makeup, see here. (credit:Getty Images)
Sun-Related Dark Spots(03 of07)
The best way to prevent dark spots is to avoid their most common cause -- direct sun exposure (no suntanning or tanning beds). Wear a sunscreen with at least an SPF 30 at all times (even in the winter!). If you do develop dark spots, exfoliate the skin to speed up cell turnover. Over-the-counter acne products containing alpha-hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acid or retinoids also exfoliate skin, removing dead skin cells to rejuvenate the skin. Apply lemon juice or other citrus fruit juice, which are high in vitamin C, directly to spots to lighten the skin. Moisturizing with 100 per cent aloe vera gel also diminish dark spots. (credit:russellglenister)
Oily Skin(04 of07)
If you are prone to oily skin, it\'s important to remember to apply toner after your morning cleanse. Choose a natural toner, such as witch hazel, which tightens pores and reduces oil. Willow bark is another great toner -- it\'s a natural source of salicylic acid, which helps fight oil and shine. After toning, moisturize with a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer, and keep blotting papers on hand to soak up any oil throughout the day. (credit:Shutterstock / Aleksandr Markin)
Heat Rash(05 of07)
Heat rash (or prickly heat) occurs when sweat glands become clogged due to excess sweating. The result is a raised red rash than can feel itchy or prickly. The best way to prevent heat rash is to avoid going out or exercising in hot humid weather. If that\'s not possible, wear loose clothing and avoid heavy creams that can further clog your sweat glands, and be sure to shower or bathe regularly to prevent a buildup. If you do get heat rash, find somewhere to cool off with air conditioning or a fan, or take a cold bath or shower. Calamine lotion can help sooth the prickly sensation. (credit:Jupiter Images)
Chafing(06 of07)
Thigh chafing occurs when the skin on your inner thighs rubs together as you walk, leading to irritation or even a rash. And that sticky summer weather can make the problem worse. To prevent chafing, keep your skin dry and prevent friction by using baby powder. Many athletes also apply anti-chafing balms, such as BodyGlide, to their inner thighs. Find more tips for preventing thigh chafing here. (credit:TongRo Images via Getty Images)
Bacne And Chestne (07 of07)
Excessive sweating can lead to worsened back and chest acne in the summer. Remember to shower immediately after a workout (or sweating in general). Try using a cleanser that contains salicylic acid, which will help control oil production and breakdown dead skin cells. Exfoliate regularly using a scrub or mechanical brush to avoid a pore-clogging buildup of dead skin cells and oil. Keep your hair off your back and shoulders as much as possible, as it can add to the oil on your back. \n\nYou can find more natural ance-fighting solutions here. (credit:shutterstock)