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European Journal of Dermatology

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Oxidative stress and autoimmune skin disease Volume 23, issue 1, January-February 2013

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Authors
Department of Dermatology, University at Buffalo and Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Clinical and Translational Research Center, 875 Ellicott St. Buffalo, NY 14203, USA

Antioxidants play the important role in our body of neutralizing free radicals and peroxides that are formed during normal physiologic events. While these reactive oxygen species are necessary for numerous biological processes, when created in excess they can have deleterious effects. The skin as an organ is constantly under attack by reactive oxygen species from both endogenous and exogenous sources. The pathophysiology of many autoimmune diseases is unknown and recently oxidative stress has come to light as a possible triggering mechanism. Recent investigations attempting to link autoimmune skin diseases and oxidative stress have had varying degrees of success. In this article, we review the current literature regarding antioxidants in alopecia areata, pemphigus vulgaris and other blistering diseases, vitiligo, and psoriasis, and suggest possible future studies and treatment options.