Filaggrin is an important protein in the protective outer layer of our skin. When this layer is damaged or not as impenetrable as it should be, the skin is easily penetrated by allergens. Certain variants in the FLG gene (encodes filaggrin) either reduce filaggrin protein levels or completely abolish the production of filaggrin. Individuals who inherit these variants are at increased risk of developing eczema and/or ichthyosis vulgaris (dry skin) compared to those who do not inherit these variants.