Filaggrin gene mutations are common in Europeans and their descendants as well as in Asians
reaching a prevalence of up to 10%. Filaggrin proteins are crucial for skin homeostasis as
their metabolites maintain skin hydration keep the skin pH low and provide protection against
solar radiation. FLG mutation carriers suffer from dry and scaly skin and have an increased
transfer of allergens and chemicals across the epidermis. Moreover they have 10% higher serum
vitamin D levels potentially affecting the propensity to develop other diseases. FLG
loss-of-function mutations represent the strongest risk factor hitherto discovered for atopic
dermatitis and are major predisposing factors for related asthma and hay fever. This textbook
provides comprehensive and detailed coverage of the effects of FLG mutations in health and
disease (cutaneous and non-cutaneous) and also discusses the basic science epidemiology
management and future research areas.
