THE PREVALENCE OF ECZEMA IN CHILDREN WITH FOOD ALLERGY

Abstract

Introduction Eczema is the most common atopic condition estimated to affect 13% of US children. Due to the known association between food allergy (FA) and eczema, FA prevention efforts often focus on young children (0-4 years) with eczema. The objective of this study is to further evaluate risk factors for the development of FA in a large population-based sample, specifically in young children. Methods A randomized, cross sectional questionnaire was administered between October 2015 and September 2016, resulting in parent-proxy data for 38,408 children. Weighted proportions and multiple logistic regression models were used to systematically compare participant characteristics and estimate their adjusted effects on allergic disease risk among the US population. Results Among US children with FA, 17.8% report having eczema. In young children eczema is present in 22.9% with peanut allergy, 35.3%with egg allergy, 21.0% with milk allergy, 24.5% with tree nut allergy, and 48.3% with wheat allergy. In those with FA and eczema, 43.8% report developing asthma and 44.8% report developing allergic rhinitis. Of young food allergic children, 40.4% have parental history of eczema, 36.4% have parental history of asthma, 63.1% have parental history of environmental allergy, and 60.9% have parental history of FA. Conclusions While eczema continues to have a strong association with the development of FA, parental history of atopy is another strong predictor. Including children with parental history of atopy may create a better target group for future FA prevention strategies.