Ocular Edema With Intense Conjunctivitis And Diffuse Erythema After Contact With Maize Flour

This clinical case concerns an infant known to have food allergy to maize. Subsequently, he was seen for the sudden onset of fatigue with intense palpebral edema, facial angio-ectema and a sensation of malaise. These symptoms are IgE-dependant. In reports of food allergy in children, the infants are most often members of farming families, including maize farmers. The conditions of culture and storage (barns and silos) lead to frequent contact with maize pollen and maize flour. These conditions suggest presensitization to maize by inhalation of its allergens, favored by particular eating habits. The authors discuss the circumstances preceding the onset of the symptoms (skin and mucous exposure, trans-cutaneous passage of the allergens). The role of effort while playing should perhaps be considered. (C) 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.