Filaggrin gene mutations and eczema in infants

Abstract

British Journal of DermatologyVolume 186, Issue 3 p. e114-e114 Plain Language SummaryFree Access Filaggrin gene mutations and eczema in infants First published: 07 March 2022 https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.20988AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Abstract Linked Article: Hoyer et al. Br J Dermatol 2022; 186:544–552. Filaggrin has an important role in skin as it is involved in the production of natural moisturizing factor, which keeps the skin hydrated and maintains an effective skin barrier. People with mutations (faults in genetic code) in FLG, the gene that codes for filaggrin, are more likely to have dry skin, increased water loss from the skin, atopic dermatitis as well as eczema. A combined analysis of all the factors involved is lacking and most research has been conducted in children and adults. In this study from Scandinavia, infants were carefully observed during the first year of life to see what happens with the skin early on. The babies were recruited antenatally from the general population at the mother’s 18-week pregnancy check. DNA from 1836 infants was analysed and showed that 9% of these infants carried FLG mutations. At 3 months of age, those with FLG mutations were three times more likely to have eczema and also more likely to have dry skin on the trunk and outer surfaces of limbs at 3 and 6 months of age, although dry skin on the cheeks was not linked with FLG mutations. Abnormal skin barrier function (measured as transepidermal water loss) was linked with FLG mutations but only at 6 months of age. These findings show that FLG mutations are linked with eczema, dry skin and impaired skin barrier function in early infancy and add information about the link between FLG and dry skin on specific locations (trunk and outer limb surfaces, but not cheeks) at 3 and 6 months of age. Volume186, Issue3March 2022Pages e114-e114 RelatedInformation