Filaggrin gene mutations and eczema in infants

Early initiation of breast feeding (EIBF) reduces the risk of neonatal mortality. However, only 45% of newborns are breast‐fed within the first hour after birth and prelacteal feeding (PLF) is widely prevalent in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). 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 present study 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.