(1) Background: Food allergy (FA) is an immune-mediated hypersensitivity to foods, significantly contributing to childhood morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, characteristics, and influencing factors of parent-reported FAs among children in Saudi Arabia. (2) Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized a validated parental questionnaire distributed across all regions of Saudi Arabia. Data from 2130 participants were collected and analyzed using SPSS v. 26 and Prism software v. 10.3.0. (3) Results: Parent-reported FA prevalence was 15.2%. Egg was the most common allergen (6.2%), followed by tree nuts (4.1%), peanuts (4.0%), milk (3.8%), and sesame (3.2%). Significant geographical variations were observed, with the western region having the highest burden (p < 0.001). Older children had higher rates of shellfish and fish allergies. Parental allergies and co-existing asthma/drug allergies were positively associated with childhood FAs. (4) Conclusions: This study highlights a substantial burden of parent-reported FAs in Saudi Arabia, with regional variations in food allergen distribution. Parental allergies and co-existing allergic conditions may influence FA risk.
Background/Objectives: A food allergy (FA) is an immune-mediated hypersensitivity reaction to specific food. FA reactions vary from mild to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Despite the effectiveness of epinephrine auto-injectors (EAIs), barriers such as lack of knowledge, limited access, and fear of needles hinder their use. This study explores EAI possession among children with parent-reported food allergies in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted from October 2023 to February 2024 included 296 parents of children with reported food allergies under the age of 18. Data were collected through a validated self-administered questionnaire. Results: Among 2102 respondents, 296 (14.1%) reported having a child with a food allergy. Most respondents were female (70%), with asthma being the most common comorbidity (26%). Common allergens included eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, milk, and sesame. Only 23.3% of children had an EAI. Higher EAI possession was associated with parental education, maternal allergy history, and access to specialist care. Conclusions: EAI possession among Saudi children with food allergies is suboptimal. Targeted educational interventions, increased access to allergists, and comprehensive management plans are essential to improve preparedness for anaphylaxis.
Keratosis follicularis spinulosa decalvans X-linked (KFSDX) is part of the spectrum of a rare disorder known as keratosis pilaris atrophicans. Here, we report the case of a 14-year-old boy who presented with a history of abnormal hair since birth. He also had a history of skin lesions and hair loss. There was no similar condition in the family, and the parents were not consanguine. Scalp examination revealed woolly hair, a solitary scarring alopecia patch, and follicular papules. There were also patches of scarring alopecia on the lateral portion of the eyebrows and whole eyelashes bilaterally. His nose showed multiple, skin-colored, non-scaly follicular papules. The differential diagnosis included lichen planopilaris, Graham Little-Piccardi-Lassueur syndrome, KFSDX, keratosis follicularis spinulosa decalvans, and structural hair anomalies. Hair examination under light microscopy was normal. Skin biopsy from the follicular papule on the nose revealed follicular plugging with normal epidermis and dermis. Based on the above clinicopathological findings, the patient was diagnosed with KFSDX associated with woolly hair. He was reassured, but he did not show up for further treatment during the follow-up.