The study presents a review of current research on the genetic drivers of skin barrier deficit in eczema and disease progression to additional allergy symptoms. There is evidence that impaired epidermal barrier function is a risk factor not only for the development of eczema but also for the progression of the illness to allergic airway disease and food allergy. Recent studies linking genetic variants in epidermal genes to eczema and food allergy, monogenic diseases with severe skin barrier defects that display multiple allergic manifestations, and mouse models providing a mechanism from skin inflammation to allergic reactions in the lung and intestine all lend support.
The importance of the skin barrier defect in the development of eczema and eczema-related allergy disorders may have significant implications for prevention and treatment efforts. Early clinical trials using moisturizing lotions yielded encouraging outcomes for the prevention of eczema in infants. Their long-term consequences will be crucial in demonstrating the potential benefit of barrier repair treatment in the prevention of allergic diseases.
