1 in 10 People Have the Dry Skin Gene and 50% of People With Eczema Have It, Do You?

What is the Dry Skin Gene?

Do you have unpredictable dry skin? ‘Normal’ one day and dry the next. Do you moisturise and sometimes your skin still feels dry after? Does your skin crack or do you have eczema prone skin?

If your answer is yes to most of the above, you might have the Dry Skin Gene and whilst there is no medical test the dry skin gene affects 10% of the population and 50% of those with eczema prone skin. In 2006 a team of researchers led by Professor Irwin McClean at the University of Dundee discovered the Dry Skin Gene, a mutation of a protein found in the outermost layer of the skin named filaggrin. 

What is Filaggrin?

Filaggrin is a naturally occurring bonding protein found in the outermost layer of the skin that helps keep the barrier sealed and protected and crucial to keeping moisture in and irritants out.

Filaggrin deficiency also known as the dry skin gene can lead to a “leaky” skin barrier meaning higher moisture loss than usual, causing dry and sensitive skin, as well as allowing entry of allergens through the epidermis where they can trigger responses from itchiness to extra dry, sensitive skin and allergies.

What are the causes of filaggrin deficiency?

Filaggrin deficiency has two main causes: the first genetic, the dry skin gene and the second skin inflammation such as psoriasis or atopic dermatitis which can lead to a natural decrease in the amount of filaggrin produced. 

What are the symptoms of filaggrin deficiency? 

• Skin that feels dry even after moisturising 
• Eczema 
• Dry, rough, bumpy skin known as Keratosis Pilaris 
• Dry spots and skin that cracks easily 
• Dry and scaly skin across the body, often noticed on the arms and legs called ichthyosis, more commonly known as fish scale skin.