Atopic dermatitis and food hypersensitivity in children.

Atopic dermatitis is a common condition of early childhood. The association of atopic dermatitis and allergy has been studied for several years. Recent work has shown that food hypersensitivity does play a role as an exacerbating factor in some children with atopic dermatitis. This hypersensitivity will be limited typically to one or two food antigens. Children placed on appropriate elimination diets can be expected to have significant improvement in their clinical course.