Eczema's Gene Mutation Picture

Recent research has discovered the gene defect that causes genetic skin conditions such as eczema. Although shielding lotions are effective treatment for eczema in many cases, if you find you are resistive to treatment, you may be one of the estimated 60 million people worldwide that carry these gene defects, and it may be causing your eczema.The research, conducted by experts on genetic skin disorders at the University of Dundee, with collaborators in Dublin, Glasgow, Seattle and Copenhagen, was published in two consecutive papers in the March and April editions of Nature Genetics.The defect involves a gene that produces filaggrin, a protein that helps form a protective layer on the skin surface to keep moisture in, and toxins out. It is normally found in large quantities in the outermost layers of the skin.When the level of filaggrin is inadequate, the protective barrier is compromised, causing the skin to dry out too easily and the outer layers to flake off. Additionally, the lack of protection allows toxins to enter the skin, which then causes the inflamed condition known as eczema. The researchers also concluded that, in addition to causing eczema, the absorption of the toxins through the skin, which then later enter the lungs, may also lead to the asthmatic conditions which often accompany the skin problems.The Dundee group is currently working on developing methods to treat the underlying causes of the defect, and to thereby find something to treat and prevent the diseases.One report also stated that the currently available treatments for eczema only relieve the symptoms - emollients to prevent the skin from drying out, and steroids to treat the inflammation – and this discovery presents the opportunity to treat the cause.Although the discovery of filaggrin deficiency may open the door to some form of treatment in the future, there is a solution available right now that thousands of doctors recommend – shielding lotions. A good barrier then locks in your own natural oils and moisture, keeps the irritants out, and allows your skin to heal.