Backgrounder

1: Normal skin
The very top layers of skin are cast off to let new skin come through.

Skin cells (bricks) are held together by binders (iron rods) and lipids (mortar).

2: Skin prone to eczema
Faulty genes break down the skin barrier’s binders or iron rods much faster than normal.

People with eczema also have gaps in their lipids or mortar.

This results in cracks all the way through the skin barrier.

3: Soap and detergents
Irritants such as soap cause more break down and the “brick wall” starts to fall apart.

4: Dust mites and bacteria
A broken barrier lets allergens enter the skin easily.

Germs and more irritants then lead to an eczema flare.

View the brick wall animation.

To organise an interview with Dr John Su, please contact Kirsten Bruce or Ruby Archis from viva! communications on 02 9884 9011 or 0401 717 566 / 0413 834 906.