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Atopic dermatitis and food hypersensitivity reactions
A W Burks1, J M James, A Hiegel
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, USA.
The Journal of Pediatrics
|February 21, 1998
Summary
Most children with atopic dermatitis have food allergies. Screening prick skin tests for seven common foods accurately identify these allergies in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy
- Dermatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic inflammatory skin condition in children.
- Food hypersensitivity is frequently implicated as a trigger for AD exacerbations.
- Accurate diagnosis of food allergy is crucial for effective management of AD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and role of food hypersensitivity in pediatric atopic dermatitis.
- To evaluate the efficacy of screening prick skin tests (PSTs) for identifying food allergies in children with AD.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 165 pediatric patients with AD underwent allergy PSTs to a panel of food antigens.
- Positive PST results were followed by double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenges (DBPCFC) for confirmation.
- Data were analyzed to correlate PST results with confirmed food allergies.
Main Results:
- 60% of patients had at least one positive PST.
- 38.7% of patients showed positive results in DBPCFC, confirming food allergy.
- Seven specific foods (milk, egg, peanut, soy, wheat, cod/catfish, cashew) accounted for 89% of positive challenges.
- Screening PSTs for these seven foods correctly identified 99% of food-allergic patients.
Conclusions:
- The study confirms a high prevalence of food allergy in children with atopic dermatitis.
- Screening prick skin tests targeting seven key food allergens are highly effective in diagnosing food hypersensitivity in this population.
- This diagnostic approach aids in the management of atopic dermatitis by identifying specific food triggers.