Relationship Between Atopic Dermatitis and Food Allergy

Abstract

Consistent evidence has been found on the relationship between food allergy (FA) and atopic dermatitis (AD) in some children. Food sensitization can be often found in these patients. Allergy should be confirmed, though, with a food challenge test (FC) before advising a restrictive diet which could be harmful for the patient. Younger children with AD frequently show sensitization to egg, milk or peanut, while older ones and adults are more often sensitized to environmental allergens such as house dust mites, moulds, animal dander or pollens. It is well known that a barrier disturbance plays a main role in the development of sensitization and allergy. Therefore, due to the early appearance of AD, preventive newborn skincare with emollients and early introduction of food appear to be very important to determine food tolerance.