[Specific immunotherapy (SIT) in atopic dermatitis and food allergy]

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most frequent chronic inflammatory skin diseases with an increasing prevalence. About 80% of adult AD patients are sensitized against seasonal or perennial aeroallergens and/or food allergens which may play a pivotal role in triggering or maintaining eczema. In addition to local and systemic therapy adjusted to the stage of the disease, the search for relevant trigger factors and then their avoidance plays a crucial role in managing AD. While the effectiveness of SIT is best established in allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma and insect venom allergy, its use in AD is still controversial. Double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical studies are now available showing good efficacy of SIT in patients with AD. For food allergies there are clues from case reports and small clinical studies suggesting effectiveness of SIT both for food allergies and associated aeroallergens. Double-blind, placebo-controlled studies involving larger numbers of patients are needed to establish the clinical effectiveness and immunologic mechanisms of SIT in food allergies.