Eczema induced by food allergy: Could it mimic an immune deficiency?

Absrtract: Food allergy occurs in 4–6% of young children, it is a major cause of life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions. A 19 month girl was admitted to our hospital because of recurrent infections and ulcerative skin lesions on trunk, hands and legs predominantly on creases and diaper, which has been started since 2 month of age. She was born by NVD and went on formula after 2 month. She was febrile and ill. She was admitted for several times in Baku because of sever eczema and 2 episodes of infections and received IVIG.On lab evaluations there were leukocytosis and neutrophilia. Immunologic study (CD flowcytometery, immunoglubolones, phagocytosis, opsonozation, and chemotaxis ) was performed which was unremarkable. Although she received full doses of H1 and H2 blockers, suffered from sever pruritis. So the skin prick test wasn't reliable . In history she drink a kind of herbal tea since 4 months of age and major foods of her diet were bread and potato. RIDA test was performed and sever food allergy was detected. The child was hospitalized and went on appropriate treatment include restrict avoidance, hydration, moisturizing, local and systemic steroid, local and systemic antibiotic. After a few days of treatment his condition became so far better. This case report highlights the possible benefit exclusive breast feeding for infants under 6 months especially in atopic families. Considering the immunodeficiency syndromes in cases of sever eczema with infections is obviously necessary. Key words: food allergy, eczema,