Scientists in Europe said they could explain why nicotine patches designed to help smokers kick their habit can cause skin irritation.
Nicotine activates a so-called ion channel in skin cells that unleashes an inflammatory response by the immune system, leading to itching, they reported in the journal Nature Neuroscience.
Health Hazards of Smoking Cigarettes
Smoking causes many diseases and affects the overall health of smokers.
Smoking causes many diseases and affects the overall health of smokers.
The investigation, carried out on mice that had been genetically modified to lack the TRPA-1 ion channel, was led by Karel Talavera of the Leuven Catholic University, near Brussels.
The discovery could pave the way to smoking therapies with fewer side effects, the authors say.
Prince Harry Turns to Hypnotherapy to Kick Smoking
Prince Harry has reportedly turned to a celebrity hypnotist to help him kick his smoking habit.
Prince Harry has reportedly turned to a celebrity hypnotist to help him kick his smoking habit.
ARU
Many Children Do Not Approve of Parental Smoking
Government research has found that at least nine out of ten children disapprove of their parents smoking and think it is uncool.
Government research has found that at least nine out of ten children disapprove of their parents smoking and think it is uncool.
