Characterisation of immune and inflammatory reactions in dandruff
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Characterisation of immune and inflammatory reactions in the development of dandruff
IRAS ID
156523
Contact name
Anna Nicolaou
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Manchester
Research summary
The purpose of this study is to investigate the lipids and immune cells involved in the development of dandruff, and the more severe skin disorder seborrhoeic dermatitis. Dandruff is a disorder that involves mild skin inflammation, with fine scales produced within hair-bearing areas of the scalp and face. Seborrhoeic dermatitis is more inflammatory, and patients suffer a red, scaling rash affecting the scalp, nasolabial folds and eyebrows. The causes of both of these conditions are not fully understood, but are believed to involve poor regulation of immune cells in the skin, and lipids that act as signals to regulate skin health. We will obtain scalp biopsies from healthy volunteers, dandruff sufferers, and seborrhoeic dermatitis patients, in the Dermatopharmacology Centre at the Salford Royal Hospital, and will examine the lipid messengers in the skin and the immune cells present. This will improve our understanding of the inflammatory processes involved in the development of the conditions, potentially identifying future treatment options.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/NW/1233
Date of REC Opinion
12 Sep 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion