Abstract Plants such as the Toxicodendron species, consisting of poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac, largely contribute to allergic contact dermatitis with itch as a predominate symptom. Many individuals are affected by this skin condition, with approximately 50% to 70% of adults in North America demonstrating a degree of clinical sensitivity to this species of plants. In this review, we discuss the prevalence, pathophysiology, and clinical features of this contact dermatitis, as well as both treatment and prevention directed towards alleviation of itch. Updated research is emphasized throughout this review, although it is evident that this field is evolving, and more research is necessary to enhance treatment.

Abstract The trends in the prevalence of atopic dermatitis for each prefecture over recent years have not been investigated in Japan, and no studies investigating the factors associated with the prevalence using nationwide data have been conducted. We investigated the trends in the prevalence of atopic dermatitis among schoolchildren for each prefecture in Japan from 2006 to 2018 and identified the factors associated with regional differences in prevalence. The data on the atopic dermatitis prevalence in schoolchildren aged 6–17 years were collected as part of the School Health Statistics Research.The demographic, socioeconomic, medical, and environmental characteristics of the prefectures were examined for possible associations with the prevalence. The age-standardized prevalence rates of atopic dermatitis were calculated separately for boys and girls and by prefecture and year. We examined the associations between the age-standardized prevalence rates and prefectural characteristics using an ecological study. The age-standardized prevalence rates of atopic dermatitis tended to be stable for Japan as a whole, whereas the trend in the age-standardized prevalence rates differed across prefectures. In the regression analysis, the year was negatively associated and the number of medical clinics per 100,000 persons was positively associated with the age-standardized prevalence in girls .The taxable income per capita was positively associated with the age-standardized prevalence both in boys and in girls.

Abstract Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an important public health issue worldwide due to its increasing prevalence and impact on quality of life, school performance, and work productivity. Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) is used to treat AR and involves repeated injections of allergen extracts. SCIT is used for cases of severe AR with symptoms that are not adequately controlled by medication, when the side effects of medication limit treatment options, or where the aim is to cure rather than symptomatically treat. Although SCIT is effective, it is not necessarily curative. Furthermore, there is also a low but present risk of systemic allergic reactions, with systemic side effects occurring in less than 0–1% of treated patients. Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) has emerged as an effective and safe alternative to SCIT. SCIT and SLIT are the only immunotherapies currently available for AR. In addition to sublingual administration as an alternative to SCIT, other routes of antigen administration have been attempted with the goal of increasing safety while maintaining efficacy. This review discusses the efficacies of SCIT and SLIT, their mechanisms, the utility of intra lymphatic immunotherapy (ILIT) as an alternative route of antigen administration, and the potential for immunotherapy using other routes of antigen administration.

Abstract The progression of allergy disorders is termed “atopic march.” Having one allergic disorder increases the likelihood of acquiring others. Asthma and food allergies often coexist. There are no thresholds for specific IgE (sIgE) associated with the presence of clinical symptoms. Each allergen shows a particular trend with age. Objective: Our study and analysis aim to identify food sensitization in children with asthma and evaluate its impact on asthma attacks and clinical control. Material and methods: As a part of a bigger study, 56 children (mean age 11.07 years (5.3–17.5), 38 boys, and 18 girls) with bronchial asthma were tested for total IgE and sIgE against food and inhalator allergens. All children performed baseline and post-BD spirometry and were assessed for asthma control. Results: In the studied population of children, sIgE against several food allergens was positive in the same patient. A significant correlation was found between the positive sIgE for milk and soy (p < 0.0001), for milk and egg yolk (p = 0.01), compared to milk and peanuts (p = 0.004) compared to egg yolk and fish (p < 0.0001), compared to egg yolk and casein (p < 0.001), and soy (p < 0.0001). The children who are positive for sIgE antibodies in cats, dogs, Cladosporium, Aspergillus, wormwood from aeroallergens and soy from food allergens have a higher risk of hospitalization for exacerbation of bronchial asthma. (p < 0.05). In the studied population, sensitization to food allergens among asthmatics does not contribute to the number of asthma attacks. Conclusions: Food sensitivity is associated with eczema, while mite sensitization is strongly associated with rhinitis and asthma. Food sensitization is not a risk factor for asthma exacerbation in children older than five years old.