Unexpected Cat Allergy in Infants with Persistent Atopic Dermatitis

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, recurrent inflammatory skin disease usually caused by genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation, epidermal barrier dysfunction and interaction of environmental factors. Atopic dermatitis is part of atopic march and is often accompanied by food allergy. Aeroallergenic sensitization at early age is not an expected finding. Here, we present five cases with moderate-severe atopic dermatitis during infancy, in whom food allergy was detected and the symptoms improved only partially despite elimination and treatment. Sensitization was investigated in patients with a history of intense exposure to cats by specific IgE and skin prick test in infants with atopic dermatitis who had food allergy and persistant findings. Egg allergy was detected in four of the cases, wheat allergy in one. Cat allergy was present in all. Elimination diet was started in all cases. When exposure to cats was reduced, a marked improvement in the findings of atopic dermatitis was observed in all cases. Allergic diseases are increasing day by day. Unexpected aeroallergenic sensitization is now more common in the early stages of life. Allergic patients, regardless of age, should be questioned in detail for aeroallergen exposure. If it is detected; necessary preventive measures should be taken.

Keywords

• atopic dermatitis
• infant
• cat allergy
• skin prick test