Atopic dermatitis and food allergy

The incidence of food allergy in the general population is rapidly increasi ng. It is estimated that it currently affects 3.5% of the population in Fra nce. Atopic dermatitis is the most frequent clinical symptom observed in yo ung children (occurring in 80% of cases of food allergy in children less th an one year old). Sensitization to food allergens starts very early in life , in utero. It appears that it occurs in the presence of a particular genet ic predisposition, i.e., an atopic predisposition, The expression of this d isease is directly related to the patient's environment. The introduction o f a carefully managed exclusion diet, determined with the help of a dietici an following allergy testing, is essential for the treatment of atopic derm atitis in young children. The detection and removal of other allergenic fac tors in the patient's environment is also necessary. (C) 2000 Editions scie ntifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.