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Atopic Dermatitis and Skin Cancer

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Filaggrin

Abstract

Filaggrin gene (FLG) mutation carriage increases risks of various types of aberrant human reactivity, including that of atopic dermatitis (AD); sometimes also the severity of the actual sensitivity is related. This chapter attempts to summarize the recent literature, although it is sparse, regarding the relation between FLG mutations, AD, and skin cancer. According to the results of large Scandinavian cohort studies, there is an increased risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer in patients with AD, in contrast to no increased risk of malignant melanoma. The epidemiological findings are discussed in relation to recently published interesting experiments using mice models. Actions should be taken to diminish inflammation and the carcinogenic effects of UV light as well as regular use of moisturizers. In the future, studies will continue to describe the molecular mechanisms involved, to provide insights for treatment improvements, and to find ways to reduce the patients’ risk for skin cancer.

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Correspondence to Lennart Emtestam MD, PhD .

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Emtestam, L., Hagströmer, L., Sartorius, K. (2014). Atopic Dermatitis and Skin Cancer. In: Thyssen, J., Maibach, H. (eds) Filaggrin. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-54379-1_28

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-54379-1_28

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