FOOD ALLERGY IN INFANCY

This article discusses the current understanding of the mechanisms of food hypersensitivity and presents a practical approach to the conditi on. Skin testing is a useful technique if properly applied and interpr eted; however, double-blind placebo-controlled food challenge is the s tandard for accurate diagnosis against which all other tests should be compared. Treatment still consists of avoidance of the offending food allergens; however, most children lose their reactivity, and thus reg ular challenges are important.