Roach Rash

Cockroach and dust mite antigens disrupt the skin barrier.

Cockroaches not only roam the world but also leave potent antigens for atopic patients. Both cockroach antigen and house dust mite antigen contain enzymes that can cleave protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2). Why is this important? PAR-2 is found in all living layers of the epidermis. Activation of PAR-2 — for example, by cockroach antigen — causes release of inflammatory mediators (think rash), increases responses of sensory nerves (think itch), and delays barrier repair (think eczematous dermatitis).

To examine the effects of cockroach and dust mite antigens on epidermal permeability barrier homeostasis, investigators disrupted the barrier of healthy forearm skin of human volunteers by repeated tape stripping. Dust mite antigen or vehicle…

Reviewing Author

Mark V. Dahl, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Ulthera, Inc.; AuBio LifeSciences, LLC; Paris Therapeutics

Equity Elorac, Inc.; Makucell, Inc.; Paris Therapeutics

Editorial boards UpToDate

Leadership positions in professional societiesNational Rosacea Society (Chairman, Medical Board)