R. St C. Barnetson
DOI: 10.2340/00015555929496

Thirty-two adult patients with atopic eczema were compared with a similar group of atopics with asthma and/or rhinitis. Twelve patients with eczema had a history of food allergy, either to fish or eggs: only one of the asthma/rhinitis group gave such a history. When "prick'' testing to foods was performed, all but one of these patients with a history of food allergy had a positive skin test to foods. In addition, 6 further patients with eczcma and one further patient from the asthma/rhinitis group gave positive skin tests to foods. Total serum lgE concentralions were estimated in each patient, and it was found that those patients with the highest lgE concentrations were those with positive skin tests to foods. As severe atopic eczema in adults is a difficult management problem, it is suggested that in those with positive skin tests to foods, exclusion diets are worth a trial.