hypoallergenic diet can influence the severity of atopic dermatitis

Aim: To evaluate with SCORAD system the contribution of the diagnostic hypoallergenic diet on the severity of atopic dermatitis and especially on the the intensity criteria and subjective parametersin patients over 14 years of age. Materials and Methods: The diagnostichypoallergenic diet was recommended for the period of 3 weeks. Severity of eczema was scored in agreement with SCORAD score, and especially the intensity criteria (erythema, edema, crusting, excoriations, lichenifications, dryness) and subjective parameters (pruritus, sleeplessness) were evaluated at the beginning and at the end of this diet. Results: One hundred and forty-eight patients suffering from atopic dermatitis were included in the study: 107 women and 41 men with the average age of 26.03 (s.d. 9.6 years), min. 14 max. 63 years. In the end of 3 weeks diagnostic hypoallergenic diet there was a statistically significant reduction in severity of sleepless and pruritus and in all of the intensity criteria except of lichenification. Conclusion: The diagnostic hypoallergenic diet can improve the intensity criteria and subjective parameters of atopic dermatitis evaluated in SCORAD, but not the lichenification. We recommend to introduce this diet before a challenge tests and as a temporary medical arrangement in patients suffering from moderate or severe form of atopic dermatitis.