Cause 6. Skin Barrier Dysfunction: The Invisible Shield Breaks Down
At the core of atopic dermatitis lies a fundamental issue: a dysfunction in the skin barrier. The skin, the largest organ in the body, acts as a protective shield against external irritants, allergens, and pathogens. In atopic dermatitis, this shield fails to function optimally, making the skin more susceptible to these external factors, leading to dryness, itching, and inflammation.
The skin’s barrier function is primarily governed by its outermost layer, the stratum corneum, composed of dead skin cells embedded in a mix of natural oils. This layer maintains skin hydration by preventing water loss and protects the skin from irritants and allergens. In atopic dermatitis, however, the stratum corneum’s structure and function are compromised.
A key factor in this dysfunction is a deficiency in a protein called filaggrin. Filaggrin plays a crucial role in maintaining the structure of the skin cells in the stratum corneum and helps retain moisture. When filaggrin levels are low or the protein is functionally impaired, as seen in many people with atopic dermatitis, the skin barrier’s integrity is compromised. (6)
