Old people vulnerable to cancer and skin infections

Scientists from University College London, have discovered why older people may be so vulnerable to cancer and infections in the skin. The research team has shown in human volunteers that defective immunity in the skin is caused by an inability to mobilise essential defences that would otherwise recognize threats and clear them before irreparable damage is done.

According to study conclusions, older people don’t deal well with skin infections and are prone to skin cancers also. Unveiling exactly which mechanisms cause the diseases that show up as a factor of old age, this discovery could be important for preventing, managing or treating many age-related skin health problems.

The study will be published in 31 August edition of the Journal of Experimental Medicine.