Mite allergy and atopic dermatitis: Is there a clear link? (Review)

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) represents a widespread chronic skin disease associated with different atopic disorders and allergies. These associations, similar to overall AD pathophysiology, are entangled, multifactorial and they are yet to be clarified. IgE and non IgE mediated pathomechanisms appear to be implicated in AD. Allergens constitute key aspects in AD pathogenesis, as they may serve as trigger factors. This review emphasizes mainly house dust mites (HDM), as they are likely the most relevant airborne allergen for AD. Here we review in a concise form the mite allergens, the role of molecular diagnosis and the treatment strategies for HDM. Strategies of avoiding allergens, with a few exceptions, are not enough to control children's AD; recent studies show HDM avoidance procedures in diagnosed AD are insufficient. Regardless, some guidelines acknowledge the benefit of mattress and pillow covers in patients with dust mite sensitization that are unresponsive to optimal AD management. Most clinical trials investigating allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) as a potential treatment for AD were done with adult patients; a scarce number of studies looked into the efficacy of AIT as a treatment option in children suffering from AD, with conflicting data among them. One of the most feasible of these studies showed significant improvement of AD outcomes only in the mild/moderate group, but not in the severe group. Uncontrolled studies are hard to interpret, considering the natural history of remitting and relapsing of AD, in many of the patients, without clinical interventions. More AIT studies, especially pediatric studies, are required in order to either prove the reproducibility of positive results or to deny its effectiveness. Contents 1. Introduction 2. HDM allergens 3. Molecular diagnosis 4. Reducing exposure to house dust mites 5. Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) 6. Conclusions

Symptom patterns and comparison of diagnostic methods in ragweed pollen allergy

“…Its prevalence in adults varies within Europe, ranging from 17% (in Italy) to 29% (Belgium) (1,2). Inhaled allergens are a significant factor in morbidity and may severely affect quality of life (3)(4)(5). Symptoms of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis include sneezing, nasal itching and obstruction, watery nasal discharge, eye itching and congestion, and tearing, while coughing episodes, difficulty breathing or wheezing are associated with asthma.…”

The Future of Functional Clothing for an Improved Skin and Textile Microbiome Relationship

“…Other allergens include dust mites, which are found in clothing and bedding, represent a prevalent risk factor for asthma and skin conditions. There are many species of dust mites; however, the most common in homes across the world are Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae and Euroglyphus maynei [53]. There have been many studies linking atopic dermatitis with dust mites.…”

“…A recent study has linked levels of vitamin D3 and the severity of atopic dermatitis symptoms from dust mite allergies [54]. However, long-term trials of house dust mite reduction methods are needed [53]. In order to remove these allergy-associated dust mites in clothing, it is generally advised to wash fabrics at minimum 55 • C. An alternative for more natural methods for reducing dust mites are being studied.…”

Respiratory allergies: Salicaceae sensitization (Review)

“…In a pediatric study carried out in the Great Basin desert region (encompassing most of Nevada and a large portion of Utah, with major cities of Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada, and Salt Lake City, Utah), willow pollen was a significant early sensitizer with an important prevalence in children ages 2-3 years, suggesting that the willow's wide presence in the Great Basin area may account for its ability to provoke allergic sensitization response (45). The need to differentiate between local and systemic conditions mimicking allergic reactions is particularly important (46)(47)(48). Previous data suggest that tumor genesis and allergic reactions pathways are entangled (49).…”