Art of prevention: The importance of feeding traditions

Food Allergy Evaluation for Dermatologic Disorders

Food allergy evaluation for dermatologic disorders is warranted when Type 1 allergy is suspected, and includes skin prick testing (SPT) or measurement of specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels. The utility of these tests for identifying triggers is improved with clinical correlation, especially for contact urticaria, and protein contact dermatitis, which are mixed mechanism diseases. In atopic dermatitis (AD), patients are at risk for development of food allergy, and screening with SPT or IgE may be considered in severe AD, especially to guide early food introduction. Management of food-related AD exacerbations should focus on modifications in skincare before evaluating for allergy.

A review of contact dermatitis

OBJECTIVE

To familiarize the reader with the mechanisms and causes of contact dermatitis.

DATA SOURCES

Recent research articles, relevant review articles, and case series/reports in English from PubMed database, mostly from 2010 onwards.

STUDY SELECTIONS

Most data were in the form of retrospective studies. Efforts were made to include clinical trials; however, for newer allergens and data on biologics, case series and case reports were included. Older studies regarding the mechanism were included if they were of particular importance.

RESULTS

An understanding of this review should enable the reader to approach the patient with unknown dermatitis with a better understanding of the cause and management.

CONCLUSION

Clinical suspicion for relevant allergens combined with the interpretation of patch tests are important in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with contact dermatitis.