About 1 in 4 people with eczema (atopic dermatitis) have a change in a gene called
filaggrin, which helps the skin hold moisture and protect itself.

These gene changes are more common in people of European ancestry and less common in people of African ancestry, but eczema can affect all skin types and ethnic backgrounds.

When filaggrin levels are low, the skin barrier becomes weak, allowing moisture to
escape and irritants to get in. This leads to dry, itchy, inflamed skin and can cause eczema to start earlier in life or be more severe. This is why repairing and protecting the skin barrier is such an important part of eczema treatment.