Food allergy and atopic dermatitis

Monday, 18 October 2010 08:55

Food allergy is known to provoke atopic dermatitis in some children. Paediatric immunologist Dr Matthew Greenhawt from The University of Michigan Medical School has reviewed literature on the role of food allergy in the development of atopic dermatitis, its management, and its long-term preventive strategies.

Results of the review indicate food allergens readily provoke atopic dermatitis in 35% of patients, with milk, egg, wheat, soy, and peanut accounting for 75% of these cases. Children who develop atopic dermatitis at a very young age have been shown to be at greater risk for the development of other allergic diseases, yet there are few effective long-term strategies to prevent the development of food allergen-induced atopic dermatitis.

Reference: Greenhawt 2010. Allergy and Asthma Proceedings, Vol 31(5),pp. 392-397