OBJECTIVE

Although potato is greatly consumed all over the world, adverse reactions to potato are uncommon. Our aim is to describe the clinical features of potato sensitivity in allergic children.

METHODS

Forty children with sensitivity to potato were followed up in the Pediatric Immunology and Allergy Clinic of our hospital were included in the study. These patients were retrospectively evaluated from January 2012 to December 2013.

RESULTS

Forty children aged between 6 months and 10 years (mean 2.9±3.2, median:1.5 years) were enrolled of whom 26 were male (65%). Thirty three of these children had presented eczema, nine wheezing, seven urticaria and/or angioedema, six rhinitis, four subjects had experienced anaphylaxis, and two vomiting or other gastrointestinal complaints. In 38 (95%) patients, skin prick tests detected sensitivity to other allergens besides potato. The most frequently identified sensitivities were to food sensitivities (82.5%). In addition sensitivity to house dust mite, cat dander, pollens, A. Alternata and cockroaches in skin prick tests were documented in nine, six, five, four and four patients, respectively. Latex sensitivity was not detected in any patient. Five (38.5%) out of 13 patients over the age of three showed sensitivity to pollen.

CONCLUSIONS

Potatoes sensitivity is mostly seen in children with atopic dermatitis. In children with atopic eczema should be asked whether the increase in complaints with potatoes. Mostly potato sensitivity is combined with other food allergies. Therefore potato should be included in the test in patients with atopic eczema and food allergy.