- Atopy is a predisposition to developing allergic conditions that occurs from a complex interplay between genetics and the environment. These conditions include atopic dermatitis, IgE-mediated (anaphylactic) food allergy, allergic rhinitis (environmental allergies), asthma, and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a sequence called the allergic march (also called atopic march or allergy march).
- In children who develop more than 1 condition, atopic dermatitis is often the first manifestation. Antigens may be more likely to penetrate a defective skin barrier, leading to transcutaneous sensitization of a child to either food or environmental allergens.
- Early diagnosis and treatment to preserve the skin barrier may therefore prevent the progression of atopic dermatitis and possibly other atopic diseases.
The development of this information was made possible through support from Sanofi and Regeneron.