[The natural history of allergy to eggs in atopic dermatitis]

The outcome of atopic dermatitis and the incidence [correction of prevalence] of asthma was ascertained in a four-year follow-up in 47 children with eczema due to egg allergy. At the end of the study, skin lesions had cleared in 32 (68%) children. Of these, 18 (38.2%) developed tolerance to egg about two years after diagnosis, while 14 (29.7%) continued an elimination diet. Fifteen children (31.9%) are still affected by eczema due to discontinuation of the egg-free diet. At the end of follow-up, 23 children had presented at least three asthma episodes. Therefore, the incidence [correction of prevalence] of asthma in children with atopic dermatitis appears to be significantly higher when egg allergy is present. Egg allergy could be a marker of an atopic condition and therefore be an unfavourable prognostic signal as to the outcome of the disease and the appearance of respiratory allergy.