Facial atopic dermatitis linked to food sensatization in children under 36 months

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common relapsing skin disorder with an immunologic basis occurring in all age groups starting from 2-6 month infants. The clinical presentation varies from mild to severe. In the worst cases, atopic dermatitis may interfere with normal growth and development.

Treatment consists of adequate skin hydration, avoidance of allergenic precipitants, topical anti-inflammatory medications, systemic antihistamines, and antibiotic coverage of secondary infections. Several studies have reported Atopic dermatitis (AD) in early childhood often precedes the development of food sensitization and allergy, but the role of treating AD to prevent food allergy remains poorly understood.

Eggs, milk, and peanuts are the most common causes of food allergies in children, with wheat, soy, and tree nuts also included. Peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish commonly cause the most severe reactions. Nearly 5 percent of children under the age of five years have food allergies.

The present study aimed to assess the relationship between facial dermatitis and food sensitization to cow's milk, egg whites, and peanuts in early childhood, as aggressive treatment of facial dermatitis could serve as a potential opportunity for food sensitization prevention. The study is published in Pediatric dermatology.

This retrospective review of data from 109 children (age, ≤36 months) with atopic dermatitis analyzed the association between facial AD and IgE-mediated food sensitization.

The results demonstrated that food sensitization levels to cow's milk, egg whites, and peanuts were 48% higher in children with facial AD than in those without facial involvement. Higher initial disease severity was correlated with food sensitization.

By 3 years of age, food sensitization levels to cow's milk, egg whites, and peanuts were 48% greater in children with facial AD than in children with no facial involvement of their AD. However additional research is needed to determine if facial involvement of AD in infants and young children is associated with increased food allergy.

Reference: Meredith Tyree Polaskey MS, Anne Bendelow MPH et al Facial atopic dermatitis is associated with sensitization to cow's milk, egg whites, and peanuts in children under 36 months, Pediatric Dermatology, DOI:https://doi.org/10.1111/pde.15326.