Food allergy testing in atopic dermatitis

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

12-1-2022

Journal

JAAD international

Volume

9

DOI

10.1016/j.jdin.2022.08.004

Keywords

AD, atopic dermatitis; APT, atopy patch testing; FA, food allergy; IgE, immunoglobulin E; SPT, skin prick test; Th2, helper T cell type 2; adult; allergic; atopic dermatitis; child; eczema; food hypersensitivity; humans; immunoglobulin E; inflammation; patch test; prick test; rhinitis; sIgE, food-specific immunoglobulin E

Abstract

Food allergy and food-related worsening of dermatitis can occur in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). We reviewed the relationship of AD with food allergen hypersensitivity and the risks and benefits of food allergen testing and avoidance in patients with AD. Skin prick testing and specific immunoglobulin E to aeroallergens may identify patients with immediate hypersensitivity. Atopy patch tests may detect non-immunoglobulin E-mediated reactions but are not standardized or routinely used. Younger children with more severe AD in whom the optimal management failed may have food-triggered AD. Egg, milk, and peanut account for most food allergens. Elimination of relevant food allergens should improve AD but must be guided by appropriate allergy testing and establishing clinical relevance. Serum immunoglobulin E panels for food allergens are discouraged in the primary care setting because of their difficulty of interpretation. Empiric avoidance of foods is entirely discouraged in AD because of their risk of causing nutritional issues, food allergy, and other problems.

Department

Dermatology

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