Eczema In Infancy May Be Linked To Cat Ownership

Those With A Specific Gene Mutation, and cat exposure at birth, may increase a child's risk of developing eczema during their first year according to a new study by researchers from University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark. Eczema runs in families and evidence suggests it is caused by genetic and environmental factors. The same researchers recently discovered that two common "loss-of-function" variants in the gene encoding filaggrin (FLG) predispose people to eczema. Filaggrin is a protective protein normally found in skin. It acts as a physical barrier to potentially harmful substances in the environment.