Dermatol. praxi. 2026;20(2):78-80 | DOI: 10.36290/der.2026.013
Food allergens and their relevance in dermatological practice
- Oddělení alergologie a klinické imunologie, FN Olomouc
- Ústav imunologie, Lékařská fakulta Univerzity Palackého v Olomouci
Dietary allergens are a primary trigger for allergic and pseudoallergic reactions. The skin is among the most commonly affected organs, involved in early IgE-mediated responses as well as in non-IgE-mediated and mixed immunopathological mechanisms. The clinical manifestations include acute urticaria, angioedema, contact urticaria, flare-ups of atopic dermatitis, and chronic itching. In addition to naturally occurring food allergens, food additives and preservatives play a significant role, as they can cause pseudoallergic reactions - especially in patients with chronic urticaria. Diagnosis relies on a detailed medical history, targeted laboratory tests, and elimination-provocation challenges. The primary treatment involves a carefully planned elimination diet and thorough patient education.
Keywords: dietary allergens, food allergy, urticaria, angioedema, atopic dermatitis, food additives, pseudoallergic reactions.
Accepted: June 8, 2026; Published: June 18, 2026 Show citation
References
- Sicherer SH, Sampson HA. Food allergy: A review and update on epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, prevention, and management. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2018;141(1):41-58. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2017.11.003.
Go to original source... - Fuchs M, a kol. Potravinová alergie a intolerance. Praha: Mladá fronta; 2016.
- Zuberbier T, Aberer W, Asero R, et al. The EAACI/GA<sup>2</sup>LEN/EDF/WAO guideline for the definition, classification, diagnosis and management of urticaria. Allergy. 2018;73(7):1393-1414. doi: 10.1111/all.13397. Go to original source...
- Roberts G, Lack G. Relevance of inhalational exposure to food allergens. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol. 2003;3(3):211-215. doi: 10.1097/00130832-200306000-00010. Go to original source...
Go to PubMed... - Cabanillas B. Gluten-related disorders: celiac disease, wheat allergy, and noncelia. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2020;60(15):2606-2621. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2019.1651689. Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
- Schuler CF IV, Billi AC, Maverakis E, et al. Novel insights into atopic dermatitis. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2023;151(5):1145-1154. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2022.10.023. Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
- Tsakok T, Marrs T, Mohsin M, et al. Does atopic dermatitis cause food allergy? A systematic review. Clin Immunol. 2016;137(4):1071-1078. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2015.10.049. Go to original source...
- Eigenmann PA, Sicherer SH, Borkowski TA, et al. Prevalence of IgE‑mediated food allergy among children with atopic dermatitis. Pediatrics. 1998 Mar;101(3):E8. doi: 10.1542/peds.101.3.e8. PMID: 9481027 Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
- Roerdink EM, Flokstra-de Blok BMJ, Blok JL, et al. Association of food allergy and atopic dermatitis exacerbations. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2016;116(4):334-338. doi: 10.1016/j.anai.2016.01.022. Go to original source...
- Singh AM, Anvari S, Hauk P, et al. Atopic Dermatitis and Food Allergy: Best Practices and Knowledge Gaps - A Work Group Report from the AAAAI Allergic Skin Diseases Committee and Leadership Institute Project. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2022;10(3):697-706. doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2021.12.037. Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
- Rajan JP, Simon RA, Bosso JV. Prevalence of sensitivity to food and drug additives in patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2014;2(2):168-171. doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2013.10.002. Go to original source...
- Pepper AN, Sriaroon P, Glaum MC. Additives and preservatives: Role in food allergy. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2020;59(3):298-314. Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
- Worm M. Q&A: Food additive intolerance. BMC Med. 2011;9:115. doi: 10.1186/1741-7015-9-115. Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
- Witkowski M, Grajeta H, Gomułka K. Hypersensitivity Reactions to Food Additives-Preservatives, Antioxidants, Flavor Enhancers. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(18):11493. Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
- Sindher SB, Hillier C, Hsieh EWY, et al. Treatment of food allergy: Oral immunotherapy, biologics, and beyond. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2023;131(1):29-36. doi: 10.1016/j.anai.2023.04.023. Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
- Zuberbier T, Wood RA, Bindslev-Jensen C, et al. Omalizumab in IgE-Mediated Food Allergy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2023;11(4):1134-1146. doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2022.11.036. Go to original source...