Title:Atopic Dermatitis and Food Allergy: A Paediatric Approach
VOLUME: 14 ISSUE: 3
Author(s):Natalia Cartledge* and Susan Chan
Affiliation:Royal Surrey County Hospital, Egerton Rd, Guildford, GU2 7XX, Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7EH
Keywords:Children, atopic dermatitis, food allergy, eczema, sensitization, non IgE-mediated allergy, skin prick tests, specific
IgE.
Abstract:Atopic dermatitis and food allergy are common conditions of childhood that are closely
linked. 30% of children with moderate to severe eczema suffer from food allergy and can present
with different types of reactions: immediate or IgE-mediated reactions, delayed or non-IgEmediated
eczematous flares, or a combination of the two.
A detailed history is very important when approaching such patients. The presence of IgE-mediated
symptoms warrants investigation and management requires avoidance of the culprit allergen, an
emergency care plan and appropriate follow up. Non-IgE-mediated reactions can be more difficult
to diagnose, and investigations are more difficult to interpret.
Topical treatment is paramount in all patients with atopic dermatitis, while food elimination diets
remain the mainstay of the management of food allergy, and should be done under specialist supervision.
In this review, we discuss the current understanding of atopic dermatitis and food allergy, the role
of investigations and management of paediatric patients with both conditions. We propose an algorithm
that can be used by paediatricians when dealing with children with food allergy and atopic
dermatitis.
