The epidermal barrier--our skin--is the body's first line of defense against the effects of the wider world, keeping those watery components of self safely contained within pliable, permeable, self-healing bounds, while keeping offending allergens, toxins and pathogens out. The structural protein filaggrin (or, filament-aggregating protein) plays a key role in forming this protective barrier. Any disruption in the expression of this protein is likely to influence the effectiveness of our body's first line of defense.

The discovery that mutations in the FLG gene that encodes for profilaggrin, a precursor of filaggrin, lead to epidermal barrier dysfunction is a significant breakthrough in understanding the genetic basis and pathogenesis of atopic disease, including eczema, allergies, and asthma. Loss-of-function mutations that prevent the expression of filaggrin in the skin have been shown to be a major risk factor for atopic eczema and eczema-associated asthma.

Eczema has long been recognized as a complex condition where genetic factors mix with environmental stimuli producing the disease in as many as 15% to 20% of children in developed nations, persisting into the adult lives of many of these children. In this article we'll take a look at the implications of the loss of filaggrin function and what it means for eczema sufferers.

Learn more about the genetics of eczema

Antioxidants and Diet

Changes in diet over the past two decades have led researchers to think that diets that lack in green vegetables, fruits and potatoes, as well as sharp changes in the intake ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids is associated with increases in atopic conditions such as eczema, eczema-related asthma, and allergies. Higher intake of linoleic and arachidonic acids (both n6 polyunsaturated fatty acids) through increased use of margarine, corn and certain other vegetable oils as opposed to butter, lard, nuts and seeds, together with decreased intake of oily fish, rich sources of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids (both n3 polyunsaturated acids), represent changes in the Western diet that have resulted in a higher prevalence of atopic conditions.

Epidemiological studies have reported benefits from dietary antioxidants in adults and children in relation to eczema and related atopic diseases. Antioxidant intake, specifically vitamins E and C, during pregnancy has likewise been associated with better outcomes for children regarding eczema in early childhood. And, women may lend protection to their children from eczema and allergic diseases by the consumption of apples and fish during their pregnancies. A recent European study showed benefits for eczema risk in young children associated with the intake of dietary nutrients vitamin E, folic acid, and iron.

It is not clear how the diets of adults, children or pregnant women might positively influence a barrier defect that is the result of mutations in the FLG gene, but there is no question that sound nutrition is the substrate from which all healthy tissues are regenerated.

Learn more about the genetics of eczema

"I can't wait to wear short sleeves ..."

In the prime of his life, John in his mid-30s, a working dad of three great kids refused to wear clothes with short sleeves. Eczema covered one hand, wrist, and most of his arm. He was self-conscious and told our advisor, "... besides being embarrassed, it was both itchy and painful." John tried Skin-Plaque Solution Spray for a week and his symptoms are significantly better. He shared that he and his family are eating better and that he even lost a couple pounds. "I feel great and my arm looks much better ... and with summer coming up, I can't wait to wear short sleeves soon."

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DermaHarmony is a Great Place to Start

Our programs promote healthy skin with nutritional supplements, cleansing and detoxification, pH balancing, mild topical treatments and dietary guidance. Radiant skin begins with a proper diet and optimized nutrition for your body!

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