So it was with great intrigue when I came across an article in The Week publication entitled: 'Why eczema sufferers itch'.

Now eczema tends to occur in people with an overactive immune system, and, with atopic eczema the urge to itch is almost impossible to resist. This chronic itch had until very recently been attributed to a by-product of the inflammation.

However Isaac Chin, Associate Professor of Immunology at Harvard Medical School and team have discoveed that its the bacterial pathogen Staphylococcus aureus that causes the itch. Writing in the research journal 'Cell', reports The Week, the researchers explain that the bacterium releases an enzyme that latches onto a nerve in the skin, causing it to release an protein that sends an itch signal to the brain.

Staphylococcus aureus is a type of bacteria that can cause or exacerbate eczema. 

What's really fascinating for me is that anecdotally my Skin Elixir Organic Frankincense & May Chang Moisturiser has arrested the eczema itch literally over night and the corresponding damaged, dry cracked inflamed skin in very quick time. This might well be on account of the Black Seed Oil and it's main component Thymoquinone, which is responsible for its antibacterial properties. It also contains lkaloids and steroids compounds which also contribute to the antibacterial activity of black seed oil.

Staphylococcus aureus is a type of bacteria that can cause or exacerbate eczema here's 3 ways It can contribute to eczema:

1. Infection

Staphylococcus aureus can infect the skin of individuals with eczema, particularly if the skin barrier is weakened due to inflammation and scratching. This can cause symptoms such as redness, swelling, and oozing of the skin.

2. Inflammation

Staphylococcus aureus produces toxins and enzymes that can trigger an immune response and worsen the inflammation associated with eczema. This can lead to more severe symptoms and a longer duration of the eczema flare-up.

3. Itching

Staphylococcus aureus can release substances that can trigger itching, which can lead to further damage to the skin barrier and exacerbate eczema symptoms.

Staphylococcus aureus can cause or worsen eczema by infecting the skin, triggering inflammation, and promoting itching, all of which can contribute to the development and persistence of eczema symptoms.