Atopic dermatitis is a food allergy. The case against (controversy)

While food allergy can be the cause of immediate hypersensitivity symptoms in atopics, its role in the induction of atopic dermatitis remains controversial. Indeed, the results of skin prick tests and food-specific IgE levels are rarely correlated with the clinic signs. Immediate skin tests also seem inappropriate for the investigation of delayed hypersensitivity reactions such as eczema. Food atopy patch tests, while more appropriate, are performed rarely. In addition, oral challenge tests may cause immediate reactions but they rarely cause delayed skin reactions. The results of food avoidance regimes are very different from one study to another, and they may not have considered other therapeutic measures that were used. Moreover, prescription of such diets may sometimes lead to severe nutritional deficiencies. (C) 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.