Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026

A Mouse Ear Model for Allergic Contact Dermatitis Evaluation
Published on: March 24, 2023
[Atopic dermatitis and food allergies]
1Département de pédiatrie, HUG, 1211 Genève 14. Avigael.Benhamou@hcuge.ch
Insights
Atopic dermatitis affects 13% of Swiss children, often linked to food allergies like eggs, milk, and peanuts. Allergy testing can identify triggers, potentially improving eczema symptoms through allergen avoidance.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Allergology
- Pediatrics
Context:
- Atopic dermatitis (eczema) impacts 13% of children in Switzerland.
- Characterized by skin barrier defects, increasing water loss and allergen entry.
- Moderate-to-severe cases show a 34% prevalence of food allergies.
Purpose:
- To explore the connection between atopic dermatitis and allergies in children.
- To highlight the role of food and respiratory allergens in eczema exacerbation.
- To emphasize the diagnostic value of allergy testing for improved management.
Summary:
- Food allergies (eggs, milk, peanuts) are common in children with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, causing immediate or delayed reactions.
- Respiratory allergens can trigger eczema flares in older children and adults.
- Allergy testing, including skin prick tests and food challenges, identifies atopic individuals at risk for rhinitis and asthma.
Impact:
- Identifying specific allergies allows for targeted allergen avoidance strategies.
- Potential improvement of skin symptoms and overall quality of life for patients.
- Informs clinical practice regarding comprehensive allergy assessment in atopic dermatitis management.
Abstract:
Around 13% of children in Switzerland are affected by atopic dermatitis. Cutaneous defects with increased water loss and allergens permeability are hallmark of the disease. The prevalence of food allergy in children with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis is estimated to be 34%, mostly to eggs, milk and peanuts. Food allergy can cause immediate reactions with urticaria and anaphylaxis or delayed flares of eczema. In older patients and adults, exposition to respiratory allergens (dust mites, pollen) can also cause an exacerbation of the eczema. Allergy testing identifies patients with atopy, who are at greater risk of rhinitis and asthma. Skin prick tests, in vitro tests and food challenges can identify a concomitant allergy, leading to specific allergen avoidance mea-sures potentially improving skin symptoms.
Related Concept Videos
Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis
Allergic Reactions
Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions
Hypersensitivities
Types of Hypersensitivities
Hypersensitivity reactions are categorized into four types: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4. Each type has a distinct mechanism...
Allergic Drug Reactions
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Delayed Hypersensitivity Reactions

