Mounting evidence shows that children with eczema do not produce enough essential Fillagrin “glue” that binds the skin Corneocyte cells together in the Stratum Corneum and so prevent irritant chemicals and environmental allergens from penetrating the superficial barrier layers of their skin. Chemical irritants and protein allergens must break through the top layer of the skin to set off an allergic reaction or inflame stable eczema. There is an inherited defect in the skin cells of eczema-prone famiies which reduces the amount of this essential Fillagrin “glue” produced and which is so important for binding skin epithelial cells together and thus preventing infiltration of allergens. Consequently the mainstay of eczema control should be to protect vulnerable skin areas as much as possible with plenty of preservative-free barrier creams, emulsifying ointments and emollients.
