Author(s)

Alyssa Forsyth¹, Caroline Kruithoff², Amir Memarian³, John Pineda⁴, Sooin Choi⁵, Sydney Barlow⁶, Bradley Fong³, Kelly Frasier⁷

¹Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, UNT Health Science Center, Fort Worth, USA.
²Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Cleveland, USA.
³School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona, A.T. Still University, Mesa, USA.
⁴University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, USA.
⁵College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, USA.
⁶University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA.
⁷Department of Dermatology, Northwell Health, New York, USA.

Oat-based topical therapies are widely used in the management of atopic dermatitis (AD), owing to their soothing, anti-inflammatory properties and their ability to support the repair of compromised skin barriers. However, oats contain several proteins, notably avenin, which can act as allergens in sensitive individuals. Given that AD is frequently associated with concomitant food allergies, including potential sensitivities to avenin, dermatologists must exercise caution when incorporating oat-based products into treatment regimens. Although transdermal allergen exposure is generally less likely to induce hypersensitivity compared to oral exposure, the impaired cutaneous barrier in AD patients heightens their susceptibility to allergens. As a result, the application of oat-based therapies may inadvertently provoke an adverse reaction in individuals with oat sensitivity. Of particular concern is the phenomenon of cutaneous sensitization, in which allergens are absorbed through the skin and may trigger the development of food allergies over time. This review critically examines the risks associated with topical oat exposure in patients with oat allergies, focusing on the potential for cutaneous sensitization and its implications for food allergy development. The findings highlight the need for heightened awareness and consideration among dermatologists when prescribing oat-containing products, particularly in vulnerable patient populations, and underscore the importance of further research to better understand the interplay between skin barrier dysfunction, allergen exposure, and immune response in AD.

Oat-Based Skincare, Avenin Allergy, Transdermal Absorption, Atopic Dermatitis, Cutaneous Sensitization, Compromised Skin Barrier

Forsyth, A. , Kruithoff, C. , Memarian, A. , Pineda, J. , Choi, S. , Barlow, S. , Fong, B. and Frasier, K. (2025) Risk of Adverse Reactions to Oat-Based Topical Therapies in Atopic Dermatitis Patients with Avenin Allergy. Modern Research in Inflammation, 14, 46-63. doi: 10.4236/mri.2025.142004.