Connecting the Dots Between Skin and Allergy

Abstract

This symposium took place during the 28th congress of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV). Dr Seité began the meeting by emphasising the rising incidence of allergy, and the societal and economic impact this has in Europe. This was followed by the presentation of a worldwide epidemiology study conducted this year, which found that 20–42% of the population in the countries surveyed reported being affected by allergies, most commonly skin allergies followed by respiratory and food allergies. Of these individuals, 48–89% in each country experienced skin reactions, and these were treated primarily with oral or topical medication. Dr Lazic Strugar introduced the skin barrier as the first interface between the environment and the immune system, and she explained that its disruption can lead to immune dysfunction, resulting in dermatitis, skin infections, and allergies. Skincare products such as emollients can provide moisture and lipids, supporting bacterial diversity in the microbiome and restoration of the skin barrier. Dr Seité followed up with a report of a recent observational study investigating the benefits of a facial moisturiser designed specifically for sensitive skin and individuals with allergies. In this study, patients with allergies experiencing skin reactions used the product for up to 1 month, in addition to taking antihistamines alone or in combination with steroids. After 4.9 days, all subjects felt their symptoms had improved, and after the full month of treatment, both cutaneous clinical signs and subjective signs had significantly improved in most participants (>95% and 90%, respectively). Dr Seité concluded the meeting by stressing that dermatologists have an important role to play to help patients with allergies to manage their skin reactions.