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Italian Journal of Pediatrics
Published in: Italian Journal of Pediatrics 1/2013

Open Access 01-12-2013 | Review

Skin prick test to foods in childhood atopic eczema: pros and cons

Authors: Carlo Caffarelli, Arianna Dondi, Carlotta Povesi Dascola, Giampaolo Ricci

Published in: Italian Journal of Pediatrics | Issue 1/2013

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Abstract

Skin prick tests are the first investigation in allergy diagnostics and their use is described in all the guidelines on atopic eczema. However, the clinical usefulness of skin prick tests is the subject of great debate. On the one hand, skin prick tests allow the identification both of individuals at risk for food allergy and of the allergen inducing the eczematous flare. On the other hand, when performed by a non-specific specialist, positive skin prick tests to foods may wrongly lead to prolonged elimination diets, which may induce nutritional deficiencies and perhaps loss of tolerance to the avoided foods. Furthermore, skin prick tests increase health costs. A consensus on this topic has not yet been reached. Considering the diversity of clinical stages in which it occurs, atopic eczema presentation should be the starting point to determine whether or not skin prick tests should be carried out.
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Metadata
Title
Skin prick test to foods in childhood atopic eczema: pros and cons
Authors
Carlo Caffarelli
Arianna Dondi
Carlotta Povesi Dascola
Giampaolo Ricci
Publication date
01-12-2013
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Italian Journal of Pediatrics / Issue 1/2013
Electronic ISSN: 1824-7288
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1824-7288-39-48

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