Atopic dermatitis: clinical relevance of food hypersensitivity reactions

Forty-six patients with atopic dermatitis ranging from mild to severe were evaluated for food hypersensitivity with double-blind placebo-controlled food challenges. Twenty-eight (61%) patients had a positive prick skin reaction to one of the foods tested. Sixty-five food challenges were performed; 27 (42%) were interpreted as positive in 15 (33%) patients. Egg, milk, and peanut accounted for 78% of the positive reactions. As in previous studies, patients developed skin (96%), respiratory (52%), or gastrointestinal (30%) symptoms during the challenge. These studies indicate that children who have atopic dermatitis unresponsive to routine therapy or who continue to need daily treatment after several months would benefit from evaluation for food hypersensitivity.