A TEAM of North-East scientists have made a breakthrough that could lead to improved treatment for a serious skin condition that affects millions of people.

Scientists at Newcastle University made their discovery as they were studying a drug used in the treatment of psoriasis.

For the first time, it could be shown that the medication works by killing off rogue skin cells that are the cause of the problem.

The team believes this discovery represents a major step towards creating better treatments for psoriasis.

The results of the Wellcome Trust-funded study of the drug, dithranol, are published in the Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology.

Dithranol is derived from a natural compound prepared from the araroba tree found in the Amazon rain forests and in India.

Psoriasis is a genetic condition which, when triggered by certain factors such as injury or throat infection, leads to an over-production of skin cells, which causes a thickening of the skin, resulting in red, scaly patches.

The team of scientists, led by Professor Nick Reynolds and Dr Mark Birch-Machin, of Newcastle University, studied the effects of dithranol -an ointment applied to the surface of the skin -which is used in the treatment of severe cases of psoriasis.

Prof Reynolds said: "Although dithranol is a very effective and safe treatment for psoriasis, its widespread use is limited because it is quite difficult to use and causes dark brown stains on clothing and bedding."

Most people who need treatment have to attend hospital as an outpatient five days a week for six weeks or be admitted for a three-week period.

John Young, 47, from Newcastle, who has suffered from severe psoriasis since he was nine, said the disease had destroyed his life.

He said the breakthrough was good news and hoped that it would lead to benefits for psoriasis sufferers.