Food allergy and atopic eczema.
OBJECTIVE
To review recent developments on the inter-relationship between food allergy and atopic eczema, with a particular focus on understanding the role of filaggrin gene defects.


RESULTS
Filaggrin gene defects have recently been identified as a major risk factor for the development of atopic eczema. These skin barrier defects increase the risk of early onset, severe and persistent forms of atopic eczema. They also increase the risk of allergic sensitization, and asthma and allergic rhinitis in those with co-existent eczema. These skin barrier defects are also likely to increase the risk of food allergy.


CONCLUSIONS
Atopic dermatitis and food allergy are frequently herald conditions for other manifestations of 'the allergic march'. They commonly co-exist, particularly in those with early onset, severe and persistent atopic eczema. Filaggrin gene defects substantially increase the risk of atopic eczema. The increased skin permeability may increase the risk of sensitization to food and other allergens, this pointing to the possible role of cutaneous allergen avoidance in early life to prevent the onset of atopic eczema and food allergy. Emerging evidence also indicates that oral exposure to potentially allergenic foods may be important for inducing immunological tolerance.
Worth
Allison
A
Allergy & Respiratory Research Group, Centre for Population Health Sciences: General Practice Section, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9AG, Scotland, UK.
Sheikh
Aziz
A
D000485:Allergens / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics; D003888:Desensitization, Immunologic; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology; D000091344:Filaggrin Proteins; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D007114:Immunization; D007381:Intermediate Filament Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D012307:Risk Factors
D000485:Allergens; D004044:Dietary Proteins; C000717249:FLG protein, human; D000091344:Filaggrin Proteins; D007381:Intermediate Filament Proteins