If you suffer from a common form of eczema called atopic dermatitis, which causes red, irritated, and itchy skin, you could be at an increased risk for developing food allergies.
Until recently, it was assumed that people with food allergies were prone to experiencing typical eczema symptoms as a side effect. But now, a new study released at the American Academy of Dermatology's annual meeting in February 2011 finds that atopic dermatitis occurs first and then food allergies develops as a consequence.
This conclusion comes from researchers affiliated with Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, who spent five years studying infants and toddlers with atopic dermatitis. They also found that participants with more severe atopic dermatitis seemed to be at a higher risk for developing food allergies than those with milder symptoms.
Scientists speculate that there are several possibilities as to why this connection exists. Atopic dermatitis usually occurs in people who have a weakness in their skin's outer layer thereby making skin very vulnerable to foods that other allergens that can penetrate the skin barrier and potentially lead to sensitivity.
It's also believed that many of these food sensitivities can cause positive skin or blood allergy test results, although this kind of food sensitivity may not be indicative of a full-blown allergy. Nonetheless, because of a positive allergy test result, the person will avoid the food completely and in the avoidance process, could end up becoming more allergic to it in the end.
If you've been diagnosed with atopic dermatitis or have a child who suffers from the condition, you will need to take seriously the possibility that eczema could lead to food allergies. Be on the lookout for any skin, breathing, or gastrointestinal symptoms that occur right after eating, since these can be common signs of a reaction.
Talk with your doctor about following the latest guidelines from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), which recommend undergoing an oral challenge in the safety of your doctor's office to confirm a food allergy, instead of relying on skin or blood test results, which may not be completely accurate.
If you have a child under 5 years old with atopic dermatitis that's difficult to manage or who has documented allergic reactions to certain foods, then your doctor should also evaluate her for a milk, egg, peanut, wheat, and soy allergy before allowing her to eat these foods, since she could be at an elevated risk for having a reaction.
Sources:
"Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)." Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) Editorial Board. AAFA.org, 2005. Web. 13 March 2011.
"Eczema/Atopic Dermatitis." American Academy of Dermatology. Aad.org, 2010. Web, 13 March 2011.
"Dermatologists Caution That Atopic Dermatitis is a Strong Precursor to Food Allergies: New guidelines Stress the Need for Proper Diagnosis to Confirm Allergy." American Academy of Dermatology. Aad.org, 4 Feb. 2011. Web. 13 March 2011.
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