Soy allergy in patients suffering from atopic dermatitis

The prevalence of sensitization to food allergens in children with atopic dermatitis

INTRODUCTION

Atopic dermatitis (AD) has a complex pathophysiology. The course of the disease is affected by both environmental factors and allergen hypersensitivities. Food and aeroallergens have a significant role in the pathogenesis and disease control.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, it was aimed to determine the prevalence of food and aeroallergen sensitivity of children with AD.

METHODS

Children under 18 years with AD who applied to pediatric allergy and immunology outpatient clinics were evaluated. All patients had a skin prick test (SPT) within most common food and aeroallergens.

RESULTS

One hundred seventy three patients were studied. Most of the moderate and severe AD patients were boys (boys 64% vs. girls 47%). Symptoms started earlier and positive results in SPTs with food allergens were more common in patients with SCORAD (SCORing Atopic Dermatitis) >25 (p < 0.0001). Egg white (39%), egg yolk (31%), cow's milk (13%) and wheat flour (5%), were the most common allergens, respectively. The SCORAD scores were higher in multiple food sensitized patients' groups (p < 0.001). Although, food sensitizations were prevalent in patients who had higher SCORAD scores (p = 0.001), there was no significant difference in sensitization with aeroallergens. (p = 0.392).

CONCLUSION

Sensitizations to both food and aeroallergens are common in patients with AD. In addition, sensitization to these allergens and SCORAD severity in patients with AD have positive correlation.

Food Allergy in Atopic Dermatitis

Food allergy in atopic dermatitis (AD) is debatable from decades. Role of diet in the cause and treatment of AD is controversial and is not well-defined. Allergists and pediatricians are convinced about the food allergy in AD whereas many dermatologists are contrary for this. However, there are studies in the Indian and western literature supporting the evidence that elimination diet may improve the severe type of AD. There is increasing awareness and lot of misconception among caregivers about food allergy and hence careful understanding about this concept is necessary to counsel parents. Recent evidence-based literature suggests avoidance of proven food allergens in AD could be beneficial in moderate to severe type of AD.